FAMAE 542, how good are they?
- Thread starter Audet
- Start date
LordEvilPepper
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Under a rusty barge in BC
Ive owned one right from the get go
Its a good rifle, but its got some issues
The front site moves... I have a staple jammed in around it... problem solved
it doesn't like lite ammo.... so that nice cheap MFS, NORC and what not... its shoots like crap. If you ramp up a 150gr projectile you can get ok performance out of it... but its going to kick
AE 150 was ok 3-4 moa, but 150 SST wih some oumph got the MOA around the 2 mark.
So plan on shooting the good stuff or doing handloads
Rear sold stock has a bad habit of rattling out the screw that holds it in place.... Locktite for the win
that top site rail is realy picky about how much you torque it up.... to little it comes off, to much it gets a bit warpy and affects zero. I would kill to see these rifles get a built on rail for once.... once you get it figured its a non issue.
it has 2 gas settings, 1) more then enough to cycle the action in adverse conditions, and 2) holy crap im looking at the sky and my should is throbbing.
I like mine, I don't regret getting it. but im getting rid of it as its just not the bush gun was after.
Its a good rifle, but its got some issues
The front site moves... I have a staple jammed in around it... problem solved
it doesn't like lite ammo.... so that nice cheap MFS, NORC and what not... its shoots like crap. If you ramp up a 150gr projectile you can get ok performance out of it... but its going to kick
AE 150 was ok 3-4 moa, but 150 SST wih some oumph got the MOA around the 2 mark.
So plan on shooting the good stuff or doing handloads
Rear sold stock has a bad habit of rattling out the screw that holds it in place.... Locktite for the win
that top site rail is realy picky about how much you torque it up.... to little it comes off, to much it gets a bit warpy and affects zero. I would kill to see these rifles get a built on rail for once.... once you get it figured its a non issue.
it has 2 gas settings, 1) more then enough to cycle the action in adverse conditions, and 2) holy crap im looking at the sky and my should is throbbing.
I like mine, I don't regret getting it. but im getting rid of it as its just not the bush gun was after.
GunsNotPuns
CGN frequent flyer
Sweet Jesus...an extra magazine for only $119? And to think I complained about the cost of spare .45 Auto mags...
I like the FAMAE 542 and if I had stupid money I'd be tempted to buy one but it costs too much for what it is, IMHO. Add a picatinny rail, bipod and three spare mags and you have it up to $3400 before shipping and taxes.
I like the FAMAE 542 and if I had stupid money I'd be tempted to buy one but it costs too much for what it is, IMHO. Add a picatinny rail, bipod and three spare mags and you have it up to $3400 before shipping and taxes.
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Hoplite Tactical Supplies
expired Dealer
- Location
- Prince George, BC
Hope this helps OP.
And what was the cost when the Canadian dollar was better than par?
There is around a $500-1000 premium (depending on gun) for non-restricted status in this country. Denying it exists is pretty short sighted.
Tarrantula
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Parts unknown
I agree with beltfed. It 100% DOES exist. Neither the XCR or the FAMAE are worth 2-3x a decent AR-15. IMHO.
RememberTheSomme
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
A very unbiased review Evil on the rifle that I have looked hard at but need a nice M-1Garand first.. If you say it I believe it. We have both had a very different experience with Norinco M14 rifles for one, but I always felt your criticisms were always based on first hand experience and not just fan boy anti- ranting.
One question on the Famae. You are probably to young to have trained on the FNC1, but if you know what I mean, does the 542 slap the cheek annoyingly especially prone like the FAL???
LordEvilPepper
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Under a rusty barge in BC
SO many bad experiences with norc 305's.....
I never did use a FNC1, lol they were going out of service shortly after i was born. The famae can bruise your cheek.... the first day I shot my hand loads I had a good shinner going after 200 rounds (but man I was ringing my center gong in my steel targets no problem).
With the use of a scope It changed what part of my face i needed to put on the stock and its not so bad now.
ignore the poodle shooter hitting the 2 foot gong beside me.
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- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
Famae has just started to open up the US market. They were at a Shot Show this year and supply should start hopefully soon. I think we will see for sure where the famae price point truly is.
A nice SAF for the right price would be on my radar out of the U.S.
well that's another thing to consider. at $120 per mag, things add up silly fast.
- Location
- East of Home, West of the Rest
Importation costs and exchange rate. Prices aren't that much higher anymore.
ok here's a little more on the topic
im running a leupold mark 4 scope on my sg 542
I'm running custom loads of reloader 22 at 44 grains at sammi spec( mag) restrictions
with amax 150 and it shoots really good down to just over a 1.25 moa
I tryed all the auto loader powders ( faster burns )and it dosent like them that much like most people say 2+ MOA
it seems to like slower powder and it also makes the brass reusable
If you had to buy 1 308 to take into battle and use her till she dies, you will be hard pressed to find a better suited 308 semi in Canada than the sg542. for a range queen they are worth it to some, not so to others, as they prefer an rfb, atrs offering, or whatever.
For me they are worth every penny, they heat treat in the right places, use the correct material where it matters, and are flat out reliable under nearly any condition you can put them through.
Have you guys not seen any of the footage coming out of the middle east? sights and bipods seem to be needless accessories and seldom used...... point and shoot, and shoot a lot....
For me they are worth every penny, they heat treat in the right places, use the correct material where it matters, and are flat out reliable under nearly any condition you can put them through.
Have you guys not seen any of the footage coming out of the middle east? sights and bipods seem to be needless accessories and seldom used...... point and shoot, and shoot a lot....
aloha snackbar!!! 
