FAMAE SAF

FAMAE SAF Story

The SAF is an impressive looking Chilean submachine gun designed and developed by the state-owned FAbricas y MAestranzas del Ejercito (FAMAE) for the Chilean armed forces and security services. The SAF originated in 1977 with the SIG 540 series of Swiss assault rifles, which were accidentally selected for local licensed production in Chile. Significant changes have been made to the base SIG 540 Assault Rifle, including the replacement of the pneumatic rotating bolt system with a closed bolt recoil operation. Chile's experience in handling the Swiss SIG 540 series has helped engineers create their brand new end product, utilizing existing but proven (and ready-to-use) components to create indigenous weapons designs, reducing acquisition costs. Design of the SAF began in 1993, and production of the same year continues to this day.

The weapon was incorporated into the inventory of the Chilean army and subsequently used by local police forces. The export order includes supplies to the National Guard of the Portuguese Republic.

At the heart of the FAMAE SAF is a traditional selective fire weapon with safety, single-shot, 3-shot bursts and fully automatic fire modes via a smart selector switch. Ignition is carried out by the recoil of a closed bolt system, and the structure is made of high-strength steel and lightweight polymer. The weapon is primarily intended for use with the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, but there is a version for the .40 Smith & Wesson noted. Magazines are 20- or 30-round detachable straight cases, and multiple magazines (up to three) can be mounted side by side for quick reloading.

Each magazine is also slightly transparent to allow the operator to visually check the available ammo supply - a good quality in the heat of battle. Aiming is via an adjustable tailgate with front post attachments.

The pull handle is located on the right side of the fuselage, as is the cartridge ejector.

FAMAE developed the SAF into a range of submachine gun types, providing cost-effective solutions to wider market needs. As a result, SAF was eventually introduced into four different production models.

Standard submachine guns come in the form of a fixed polymer stock and a collapsible metal skeleton stock (the hinge folds on the right side of the receiver). There is also a special silenced version that incorporates a long silencer assembly on the muzzle with a double perforated front housing combined with the basic skeletal folding stock.

also developed a compact model (and became famous for it) called the "mini SAF". The Mini SAF has no stock (although a folding skeleton is still optional) and a shorter barrel to accommodate a more manageable operator length (about 12 inches long).

This guy also has a front vertical handle (similar to the HK MP5K) for a safe two-handed hold. To ensure its portability, the Mini-SAF also comes with a shorter 20-round magazine in place of the original 30-round magazine - although the latter can still be used without modification.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes