Famae rifles

The FAMAE 540 and 542 series of rifles are basically licenced produced versions of the Sig SG540 and SG542. It was designed by SIG and is a very succesful design and currently in use by quite a few militaries in South America and Africa. It was also manufactured and used by France as their primary infantry rifle (and also issued out the police) for a few years prior to the introduction of the FAMAS. Give that consideration for a moment - these rifles have seen service, and are currently in service, in some of the most inhospitable climates in the world from cold mountains to sweltering deserts and everything in between. The SG540 was further refined into to the SG550 series that is currently being used by the Swiss military.

I have a 542 and it's been stupid reliable and battle rifle accurate. The fit and finsh, however, does not match that of a SIG or ANY of the mid tier ARs in the market. As others have mentioned, think of it as a cheaper Sig that is a bit cosmetially challenged. Mechanically, it is as smooth as a sewing machine and the materials and manufacturing quality is top notch.

Agree with the others, it's not a $2500 rifle that it was introduced at, but at $2000 it's one hell of a battle rifle with a proven track record and an enviable lineage and history. Do keep in mind that if you're looking to play dress-me-up with it, you will be disappointed as there is aren't too many options to accesorize other than top rails, side folding stock and a bipod. Not that it needs anything!
 
Travis Bickle said:
They've come down in price then I assume?
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I think any new rifle sells at a mark up over fair price. That allows distributor to recover some costs associated with bringing it to Canada (RCMP lab process etc.). I'd say about 10%-20%.
At this time retailers try to gouge early adopters.

After that customer segment is satisfied, price goes down to "fair market price" to capture wider market.

Then rifle stops selling as people move on to something new. Retailers start sales, then heavy discounts just to get rid of rifles in stock and tap that thrifty demographics.
This is where we are now with SG542 in Canada.

Looking back, in my opinion, rifle was not a success in Canada, mainly due to the cost/value ratio.
It competed directly with XCR-M which, at least externally, was a much more high-end rifle. M14SA was another competing rifle, which was offered in wide variety of models and price points. And now NEA pretty much killed budget NR 308 market.
 
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I had the 542 for about 6 months. I loved the idea of the Famae SG542, but the execution was lacking. They were pretty overpriced in my opinion for the fit & finish (so many rattles!) and accuracy. I had a lot of FTE's and feeding issues, and the magazines for the 542 are expensive (~$100 each) which I would be fine with if they were well made, But alas they aren't. I really feel like they're a $1600 - 1800 rifle. I think that's why sales for them have been quite poor in Canada, once they finally settle at <sub $2000 they might finally start selling.
 
I just bought a 540, prices ranged from 2500 - 3000, i paid 2200 for mine, Canada Ammo has mags as cheap as 30.00 a mag. I decided to go another way, i bought the AR mag conversion and some 10 shot pistols mags
 
Travis Bickle said:
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.
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I believe I saw one on sale for just under $2000. Can't remember where though
 
Toys and add ons are not too important for me. What I really want is reliabilty and quality. So it will function flawless through thousands of rounds.
 
Just got my 542-1 in the mail. Very impressive rifle. I can rattle off all 6 rounds with minimal muzzle rise. I was at the range when some members were practicing with the Colt IURs. They were very impressed with the Famae. They couldn't believe a .308 shot as quickly as the AR.

I have an M14. There is no comparison. Just the weight alone makes the gun. I've also owned an XCR-M and it's also solidly outclassed.

Right now for Kellys selling at 1999 it's brought it far closer to reality and currently I feel it's well worth that price. I'll be taking it for moose this year.

Also, to add, I've shot several FAL's. This rifle is also much betttr.
 
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CreamySmooth said:
Just got my 542-1 in the mail. Very impressive rifle. I can rattle off all 6 rounds with minimal muzzle rise. I was at the range when some members were practicing with the Colt IURs. They were very impressed with the Famae. They couldn't believe a .308 shot as quickly as the AR.

I have an M14. There is no comparison. Just the weight alone makes the gun. I've also owned an XCR-M and it's also solidly outclassed.

Right now for Kellys selling at 1999 it's brought it far closer to reality and currently I feel it's well worth that price. I'll be taking it for moose this year.

Also, to add, I've shot several FAL's. This rifle is also much betttr.
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C.S., is your flash hide pinned on?
 
The only true consumable should be the springs. Who sells replacement springs?
Can a .308 magpul or fal, G3, etc. Spring be used as a replacement? I imagine one could probably be made to work.

Still, the suspected longevity doesn't excuse the outrageous price tag on something that costs a couple of bucks to make.
 
Does ere do the warranty work on the rifles? Would it be hard to get parts if something breaks or is it relatively possible to fix?
 
Warranty seems to have gotten pretty confusing on FAMAE products. Several dealers have told customers that we were the warranty centre for rifles they sold. This is only partially true. The real story is that we were the only dealer/distributor that purchased spare parts for the rifles. We did this so we could support customers that purchased guns from us. Some time afterwards North Sylva brought in ERE guns, and these are sold by other dealers across Canada. North Sylva thought we were the warranty centre and directed dealers to us, however our parts were purchased to support only the guns we sold. Currently we have reached a deal with North Sylva that we will do work for them, if they authorize it.
So the answer is that if the rifle was purchased from us, we will do warranty work on it. If the rifle was purchased from another dealer, we may do the warranty work (if authorized by North Sylva), but we can repair rifles regardless for a fee.
 
Shooting Centre said:
Warranty seems to have gotten pretty confusing on FAMAE products. Several dealers have told customers that we were the warranty centre for rifles they sold. This is only partially true. The real story is that we were the only dealer/distributor that purchased spare parts for the rifles. We did this so we could support customers that purchased guns from us. Some time afterwards North Sylva brought in ERE guns, and these are sold by other dealers across Canada. North Sylva thought we were the warranty centre and directed dealers to us, however our parts were purchased to support only the guns we sold. Currently we have reached a deal with North Sylva that we will do work for them, if they authorize it.
So the answer is that if the rifle was purchased from us, we will do warranty work on it. If the rifle was purchased from another dealer, we may do the warranty work (if authorized by North Sylva), but we can repair rifles regardless for a fee.
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Great thank you. I'm on the east coast, but I could order parts through you. Thank you for the help.
 
beltfed said:
The only true consumable should be the springs. Who sells replacement springs?
Can a .308 magpul or fal, G3, etc. Spring be used as a replacement? I imagine one could probably be made to work.

Still, the suspected longevity doesn't excuse the outrageous price tag on something that costs a couple of bucks to make.
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I doubt the majority of the people will shoot their 308 semi auto enough to need maintenance part change. This thing has a fixed ejector and a dual stranded recoil spring, so the only thing that will die is probably the fire control parts at about 20,000 rounds.

Most people will not finish 10,000 rounds 308 in 10 years. I honestly get tired of shooting 308 after 120 rounds or so ( doing drills with it), it is not like 556 it is easy to shoot 200 or even 300 rounds in an hour or two, and still get training value out of the session other than shooting it for the sake of shooting it.
 
You are right about 308.

I think I shot last time about 100 rounds and had a bruise on my cheek. Rifle is just too lightweight for 7.62x51. (M1A with same ammo was silky smooth).

It was Austrian surplus ammo which is loaded pretty hot. Guy next to me was asking if i am using a brake. Also SG542 was throwing brass like crazy hitting the roof and falling onto next guy to the right. I even checked the gas regulator position, was standard.
 
Just received my 540-1, fit and finish is really nice. Took it apart and cleaned and lubed it. Mounted my scope rail that I bought from CSC. Just waiting for my AR mag conversion from CSC. Should be able to get it to the range this weekend

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