FAMAE SAF Submachine Gun (1993)
The FAMAE SAF submachine gun owes much of its function to the Swiss SIG 450 assault rifle.
At its core, the FAMAE SAF is a conventional select-fire weapon that features a safety, single-shot, 3-round burst and full-automatic fire modes via an ambidextrous selector. The firing operation is blowback from a closed-bolt system and construction is of both high-impact steel and lightweight polymers. The weapon is primarily chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge but a version chambered for the .40 Smith & Wesson has been noted. The magazines are either 20- or 30-round detachable straight boxes and have provisions for affixing multiple magazines (up to three) together in a side-by-side fashion for quick reloading. Each magazine is also slightly transparent to allow the operator to visually check the available ammunition supply - a good quality to have in the heat of battle. Sighting is via an adjustable aperture rear with front post fixture. The cocking handle is set to the right side of the body as is the cartridge ejection port.
FAMAE developed the SAF into a family of submachine gun types to help deliver cost-effective solutions to broader market needs. As such, the SAF was ultimately introduced in four distinct production models. The standard submachine gun came in a fixed polymer buttstock and metal skeletal folding buttstock (hinged to fold over the right of the receiver) form. There was also a specialist silenced version and featured a long suppressor assembly fitted over the muzzle with a double-perforated forend housing and the inclusion of the basic skeletal folding stock.
A compact model was also developed (and known appropriately) as the "Mini-SAF". The Mini-SAF featured no buttstock (though the hinged skeletal one was still optional) and a shorter barrel to make for a more manageable operator length (approximately 12 inches long). The type also sported a forward vertical hand grip (ala the HK MP5K) for a sure two-handed hold. To ensure its portability, the Mini-SAF was also issued with a shorter 20-round magazine to replace the original's 30-count - though the latter could still be used without modification. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
FAMAE SAF
Submachine Gun
Country of Origin: Chile
Manufacturer: FAMAE - Chile
Initial Year of Service: 1993
Overall Length: 640mm (25.20in)
Barrel Length: 198.00mm (7.80in)
Weight (Empty): 5.95lbs (2.70kg)
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum; .40 S&W
Action: Blowback; Closed Bolt
Feed: 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 1,280ft/sec (390m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 1,200 rounds per minute
Range: 492ft (150m; 164yds)
Sights: Iron Front Post and Adjustable Aperture Rear
Variants:
SAF(A) - Fixed solid polymer stock
SAF(B) - Skeletal folding buttstock
SAF(C) - Silenced Variant; silencer fitted over barrel; double-perforated forend housing; skeletal folding buttstock.
Mini-SAF - Compact Variant; forward vertical handgrip; 20-round magazine (30-round capable).
Operators: Chile; Portugal
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