FAMAS facts for kids

The FAMAS is a special type of assault rifle made in France. Its name, FAMAS, comes from the French words for "Assault Rifle from the Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory." Since 1980, it has been the main rifle for the French Army, French Air Force, and French Navy. Some other countries also bought it.

The FAMAS G2 is a newer version of this rifle.

This rifle was first designed in 1973. It uses a specific type of bullet called a 5.56mm NATO cartridge. The bullet travels very fast, between 925 and 960 meters per second, depending on the version of the rifle.

Different Kinds of FAMAS Rifles

The FAMAS F1 and FAMAS G2 are two main versions.

There are several different models of the FAMAS rifle. Some were made for security companies, and others were made for military use.

For Security Companies

• FAMAS "civil": This version was made between 1982 and 1992. It was used by security and protection companies.

For Armies and Special Forces

• FAMAS F1: This was the main military version. It was made between 1979 and 1992 for the French military.
  • FAMAS Commando: This is a shorter version of the F1. It was made especially for special forces units.
  • FAMAS Export: This F1 variant was designed to be sold to other countries.
• FAMAS G1: This was a temporary version made in 1995. It helped prepare for the newer G2 model.
• FAMAS G2: This is a newer and lighter generation of the FAMAS. It can use special weapons.
  • FAMAS FELIN: This is a special G2 version. It was designed for fighting in cities and for close-range sniping.

Who Uses the FAMAS?

French Air Force soldiers carrying the FAMAS rifle.

Djiboutian soldiers using the FAMAS.

The military and police forces in these countries use the FAMAS rifle:

•  Djibouti
•  France
•  Gabon
•  Indonesia
•  Iraq
•  Lebanon
•  Papua New Guinea
•  Philippines
•  Senegal
•  Serbia
•  Tunisia

Images for kids

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  A view of the inside of a FAMAS F1 muzzle.

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  A Century Arms MAS .223 (FAMAS) rifle with its accessories.

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  Markings on the right side of a Century Arms MAS .223 (FAMAS) rifle.

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  A drawing showing how the FAMAS rifle's firing system works.

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  A soldier from the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment using an upgraded FAMAS Infanterie.

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  An improved FAMAS F1 Félin system.

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  HK416N

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  A soldier from Cameroon on patrol with his FAMAS F1.

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  A FAMAS F1 used by Serbian Police Special Forces.

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  A French marine soldier with his FAMAS G2.

See also

In Spanish: FAMAS para niños