FAMAE SAF

Submachine Gun (SMG) [ 1993 ]

The FAMAE SAF submachine gun owes much of its function to the Swiss SIG 450 assault rifle.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 12/21/2020 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Left side view of the FAMAE SAF submachine gun

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The SAF is an impressive-looking Chilean submachine gun designed and developed by state-owned FAbricas y MAestranzas del Ejercito (FAMAE) for the Chilean armed forces and security elements. The SAF owes it origins to the Swiss SIG 540 series assault rifle of 1977 which, incidentally, was selected for localized license production within Chile. Key alterations were made to the base SIG 540 assault rifle that included replacing the gas-operated, rotating-bolt system with a blowback, closed-bolt operation. Chilean experience in the processing of the Swiss SIG 540 series helped engineers to generate their all-new end-product that borrowed upon existing, yet proven (and readily available), components to make for an indigenous weapon design that could be delivered with a lower procurement cost. Design of the SAF began in 1993 with production following that same year, continuing even today. The weapon was installed into the inventory of the Chilean Army and subsequently found use in local police forces as well. Export orders included deliveries to the Portuguese Republican National Guard.

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.©MilitaryFactory.com

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.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

FAMAE - Chile
Manufacturer(s)

Chile
Operators

1993
Service Year

Chile
National Origin

640 mm
(25.20 inches)
Overall Length

198 mm
(7.80 inches)
Barrel Length

5.95 lb
(2.70 kg)
Empty Weight

Blowback; Closed Bolt
Action

BLOWBACK OPERATION
Gas pressure from the rearward movement of the ignited cartridge case provides the needed bolt movement, ejecting the spent case and stripping a fresh case from the magazine.

9x19mm Parabellum; .40 S&W
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Rounds

Iron Front Post and Adjustable Aperture Rear
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

492 feet
(150 meters | 164 yards)
Max Effective Range

1,200
Rounds-per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

1,280 ft/sec
(390 m/sec)
Muzzle Velocity

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).

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Images

1 / 1

Left side view of the FAMAE SAF submachine gun

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)