Famae 542-1 opinion
- Thread starter y2k
- Start date
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Good battle rifle, but comparing side by side with a Swiss Arms, you really can tell it's a 'previous generation' model.
Reliable, accurate enough... but mag prices are ridiculous.
Reliable, accurate enough... but mag prices are ridiculous.
I have one fitted with the after-market folding stock and AR buffer adapter. I put on a Magpul stock painted to match that offers a much better cheek weld (and if need be, cheek risers), than the factory wire folding stock. For me, it really improves the fit and function as well as the appearance of the rifle. I also happen to own an FNC1A1, HK G3A2, AI AR10 and an M305. The SG 542 definitely hails from the battle rifle era of the 1950s to 80s, and is in particularly good company sharing the look of the G3 blended with the ergos of the FN C1A1. I really like the SG 542 for what it is - a dependable, rugged, reasonably accurate and comfortable battle rifle. Is it obsolete? Perhaps from a modern military perspective, although there has been considerable use of battle rifles in the desert region conflicts of late, so they definitely still have their place..
Now that the asking price for new rifles has dropped to $2200 with excellent used examples at $2K or less, the 542 and it's 5.56 cousin are more sensibly and competitively priced. Good news for those who might be the market! At the $2K mark I think that the Chilean FAMAE rifles offer excellent value for your shooting dollar. While they are admittedly not finished to the same cosmetic standard as the Swissarms PE90 rifles, the FAMAE rifles can certainly hold their own when viewed alongside their modern sporting rifle brethren. The fact is that no other MSR can match the Swissarms product for quality and precision of manufacture either, aside from perhaps the B&T APC. In that regard, the Chilean rifles have been held to a unfairly high standard based solely on their shared heritage with the Swiss rifles. The fact is that the Chilean rifles are a very well made product in their own right.
Of all the available NR .308 cal/7.62x51mm rifles, the FAMAE SG 542 is the only one with validated military performance under adverse conditions. It is reliable, durable and sufficiently accurate for its intended employment as a battle rifle. Yes, magazines are outrageously priced, but just bite the bullet and buy a handful. It's not as though you will ever use them up, so how many do you really need? There are package deals to be had on the EE if you watch and are quick to commit. Everything else about the SG 542 is outstanding. You won't be disappointed!
Now that the asking price for new rifles has dropped to $2200 with excellent used examples at $2K or less, the 542 and it's 5.56 cousin are more sensibly and competitively priced. Good news for those who might be the market! At the $2K mark I think that the Chilean FAMAE rifles offer excellent value for your shooting dollar. While they are admittedly not finished to the same cosmetic standard as the Swissarms PE90 rifles, the FAMAE rifles can certainly hold their own when viewed alongside their modern sporting rifle brethren. The fact is that no other MSR can match the Swissarms product for quality and precision of manufacture either, aside from perhaps the B&T APC. In that regard, the Chilean rifles have been held to a unfairly high standard based solely on their shared heritage with the Swiss rifles. The fact is that the Chilean rifles are a very well made product in their own right.
Of all the available NR .308 cal/7.62x51mm rifles, the FAMAE SG 542 is the only one with validated military performance under adverse conditions. It is reliable, durable and sufficiently accurate for its intended employment as a battle rifle. Yes, magazines are outrageously priced, but just bite the bullet and buy a handful. It's not as though you will ever use them up, so how many do you really need? There are package deals to be had on the EE if you watch and are quick to commit. Everything else about the SG 542 is outstanding. You won't be disappointed!
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CreamySmooth
CGN frequent flyer
Nice Barton. In the attached thread I basically said the exact same thing. None of the other "battle rifles" that we can have that are non-restricted can keep up. Just the weight itself sets it apart. While mines black, I really like the look of that stock you have. May get the same one.
y2K, the rail comes from ERE Systems or from the Calgary Shooting centre.
y2K, the rail comes from ERE Systems or from the Calgary Shooting centre.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
There was a 540 and 542 on EE a day or so ago, also gun owners of canada has a 542 on there, I just received my 540 last week and took it out to the range, my AR-15 has a Douglas premium air gauged barrel and have to use small base dies to reload for it, I loaded a pile of .223 with a regular dies, which my AR will not function with, but my 540 eats it with no problem.
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I’ve wanted one since they were announced. The mag pricing of $135 per has left a sour taste in my mouth that still lingers, even after seeing the rifles themselves come down in price. Spare parts availability and cost is now also a concern.
Unless you are filling a hole in your own private pattern room, I’d recommend taking another look at other options.
Unless you are filling a hole in your own private pattern room, I’d recommend taking another look at other options.
I had some minor issues--like the stock shot loose. Simply re-tightened with loctite.
Disappointing accuracy--4 moa-ish; then I discovered that the pinned flash hider was a bit wobbly. I changed over to a threaded one.
Things got better to 3 moa consistent no matter what FMJ ammo I used
Things REALLY improved when I shimmed the area between barrel and gas block with aluminum foil (tightening up the fit). Easily 2 moa or better. My "standard" handload did about 1 moa.
The front sight screw spring is very weak and might move inadvertently. Beware.
Disappointing accuracy--4 moa-ish; then I discovered that the pinned flash hider was a bit wobbly. I changed over to a threaded one.
Things got better to 3 moa consistent no matter what FMJ ammo I used
Things REALLY improved when I shimmed the area between barrel and gas block with aluminum foil (tightening up the fit). Easily 2 moa or better. My "standard" handload did about 1 moa.
The front sight screw spring is very weak and might move inadvertently. Beware.
