Famae rifles

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Northmen

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I've stumbled across the famae rifles a few times in online stores and on the forum. I never really read much about them though until now. I'm saving to buy an ar-15, but now I'm very curious about the famae. How do they compare to a Canadian colt or Daniel defence in quality and reliability? Their price is about the same. I appreciate any input, I don't want to regret it one way or the other.
Thanks
 
FAMAE rifles are Chilean licensed copies of the SG540, which was the predecessor of the SG550 Swiss Arms rifles. As such, they're a good solid design, and non-restricted. that's probably their key feature. They're a good, solid service rifle you can carry in the bush. What they aren't is as ergonomic as the AR, nor do they have the availability of parts and accessories, there are no pistol magazines available for them, and it's much harder to mount an optic. From a quality perspective, both the DD and CC rifles are better made, but you're only going to be shooting them at the range.
 
The FAMAE is a classic military rifle. If I got money to collect I will definitely buy a SG540. They are definitely worthy of a place in the small arms history.

But you are comparing a design of the early 70's that hasn't changed to keep up with the latest evolution of AR15, you cannot race a 1970 volkswagen against a 2010 honda civic coupe if you are looking for performance.

They certainly have their appeals amongst those who like the rifles of the bygone era such as HK33, FN FNC, AK, FAMAS and AUG.
 
Being non-restricted makes it almost worth it right there. The SG540 is a piston driven system; thus there will be many out there that would claim that it is inherently a more reliable platform. There are scope mounts, etc to make mounting optics not a problem. Take a serious look at one if you want something that you can potentially hunt with.
 
greentips said:
They certainly have their appeals amongst those who like the rifles of the bygone era such as HK33, FN FNC, AK, FAMAS and AUG.
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I would agree--it's the reason I bought my 542. I could replace the buttstock with an AR-compatible one but I like the classic lines with the factory stock. I'm happy just to use the irons on it. I wrote a detailed post about mine in this thread here last year.
 
Really for me, I would buy a FAMAE if I had the money kicking around as it is a true, modern, battlefield proven rifle that is used by military forces. The way the CSC overprices the magazines is probably the one of the main reasons this gun doesn't sell better. In a market of $30-50 M14 mags and cheap mags for AR10 styled rifles, it is a complete screw over to pay $135 for a magazine.
 
You basically buying a "swiss" rifle for $1,000 less. While exterior finish is rougher than swiss, bolt is chrome plated and rifle runs very clean.

I shot federal and hirtenberger. With hirtenberger recoil is sharp and there is a substantial blast from the sides. Federal was fine. No malfunctions. I think with reloads you can get it to 2 MOA, but it destroys the brass, so there is that.
 
Kelly's Sporting Goods has them on sale for $2K right now. It's one of those rifles I always look longingly at and then realize I don't want to spend over $2K for something that has relatively little aftermarket support, (ditto) spare parts or any cheaper magazines.

It's a shame because every time I see a FAMAE I get the same tingle I had when I carried an FN C1A1 on behalf of the Crown.
 
I was looking for a .223 cal semi, and narrowed it down between the Famae 540 and the HK SL8, the price difference was 600 - 1000 more for the Famae. From what I read both were great guns, but the HK is all polymer and the Famae stamped metal, I was fortunate to find a dealer that sold me a brand new Famae 540 for 200.00 more than the HK. Kelly's had the HK on for 1929, best price I could find on it, but Durnham Outdoors gave me a great price on the famae
 
I've owned a 542 for a few years now, and I have to say it is probably my favorite rifle, or at least the top two. If I could, I'd have a para FAL but this is as close as we are going to get. My 542 shoots 1.5 - 3 MOA with surplus ammo, haven't tried any hunting ammo yet because it needs to have the headspace checked first. Had a VZ58 and XCR-M previously and to me the 542 is much better.

Never understood peoples complaints about the magazine prices, I don't know why you need 10 mags, must be something I just don't get but my main intent for this rifle is road hunting not SHTF fantasy.

As some others mentioned the main problem I have with my 542 is there appears to be zero after market support now. I've emailed ERE systems in the past year and they don't respond. A couple of shops previously selling these rifles no longer deal with them and even CSC doesn't seem to get any new parts in stock.
 
Seems like tough choice, but I think I'll end up getting an American or Canadian colt... especially with the le6920 moe I could get $600 worth of accessories and still pay less then for the Famae... Thanks for the advice!
 
greentips said:
The FAMAE is a classic military rifle. If I got money to collect I will definitely buy a SG540. They are definitely worthy of a place in the small arms history.

But you are comparing a design of the early 70's that hasn't changed to keep up with the latest evolution of AR15, you cannot race a 1970 volkswagen against a 2010 honda civic coupe if you are looking for performance.

They certainly have their appeals amongst those who like the rifles of the bygone era such as HK33, FN FNC, AK, FAMAS and AUG.
Click to expand...


I agree with all of this. They're great, classic-style guns, but the ergos are definitely old-school. I have the 540 and 542, and really enjoy both, but neither would be my first choice if my life depended on it. Comparing them to an AR is like comparing an old fox-body Mustang to a recent Corvette....
 
They are not as readily adaptable as modern rifles in not being covered by rails.
Keep in mind that a lot of guys like plain jane Ars with nothing attached in the AR community as well.
The use and mounting of an optic mount can be finicky.

The ergos are not that bad.
I have not heard anyone complain about the ergos on the Swiss Arms and the controls on the 540 are identical.
Perhaps it is just that the AR is what almost everyone identifies as the 'normal' or 'standard' that everyone recognizes.
I find everything easily in finger reach when I hold one.
While I may have to remove a hand in order to #### the rifle, I do not have to remove my head in order to #### the rifle as well.
Something no one mentions I suppose.

It has good and bad inherent to a design, just like anything else, but is definitely a collector to be enjoyed for what it is.
 
Put it this way, if you like old school, classic battle rifles and you can part with $4K or whatever they cost, it's a great rifle.
There's no aftermarket plastic junk to hang off it for "builds" or whatever.
I think it's a wicked rifle but way too expensive for what it is.
My M14 does everything it does and costs 1/8th of the price. I would likely own one if it came into the sub $2000 range though.
 
I think they fell flat on the market due to the inflated price of the guns and mags.
If they would have landed in Canada and retailed for under $1800 with $35-40 magazines they would be everywhere.
 
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