A Chilean SMG: The FAMAE SAF with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on June 4, 2025
Duration: 14:00

This video provides an in-depth review of the FAMAE SAF, a Chilean submachine gun heavily influenced by the SIG 500 series. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its design, operation, and disassembly, highlighting its straight blowback action, burst fire capability, and folding stock. The SAF is presented as a stablemate to FAMAE's SIG-licensed rifles, offering a 9mm submachine gun option.

Quick Summary

The FAMAE SAF is a Chilean 9x19mm submachine gun inspired by SIG 500 series rifles. It features a straight blowback operation, a burst trigger pack (safe, semi, 3-round burst, auto), and a folding stock. It uses proprietary 30-round magazines with clip lugs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FAMAE SAF - The MP5 at Home?
  2. 00:21SIG Influence and Design Lineage
  3. 00:46FAMAE SAF: Origin and Meaning
  4. 01:41Not a Copy: Spin-off of SIG Rifles
  5. 02:02Derivative of SIG 540/543
  6. 02:16Folding Buttstock Operation
  7. 02:57Controls: Selector and Trigger Pack
  8. 03:31Magazine Release and Bolt Hold Open
  9. 03:59Proprietary 30-Round Magazines
  10. 04:31Front End Design and Sights
  11. 05:20Bolt Hold Open Demonstration
  12. 05:39Disassembly: Lower Receiver
  13. 06:36Disassembly: Upper Receiver and Handguard
  14. 06:53Barrel Characteristics
  15. 07:05British Proof Marks
  16. 07:20Bolt Carrier Group Removal
  17. 08:04Bolt Design: Straight Blowback
  18. 08:35Receiver Construction: Stamped Steel
  19. 09:14Front Sight and Sling Swivels
  20. 09:37Other Variants: SD, Mini SAF, SAF200
  21. 10:14International Production: Taurus
  22. 10:34User Nations: Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, Portugal
  23. 11:35Usage and Market Presence
  24. 11:50Conclusion and Royal Armouries Merch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAMAE SAF and what is its origin?

The FAMAE SAF is a Chilean submachine gun designed and made in Chile by FAMAE. It is heavily influenced by the SIG 500 series of rifles, particularly the SIG 543, and is considered a spin-off or stablemate to FAMAE's licensed SIG rifles.

What caliber does the FAMAE SAF fire and what are its magazine specifications?

The FAMAE SAF fires 9x19mm ammunition. It uses proprietary 30-round magazines that feature G36-style clip lugs, allowing multiple magazines to be coupled together for easier storage and handling.

What are the operating system and fire modes of the FAMAE SAF?

The FAMAE SAF operates on a straight blowback system, firing from a closed bolt, similar to the HK UMP. It features a burst trigger pack, allowing for safe, semi-automatic, three-round burst, and fully automatic fire modes.

How is the FAMAE SAF disassembled?

Disassembly involves removing the magazine, then pushing out two main disassembly pins. The upper and lower receivers separate, followed by removing the handguard, recoil spring, guide rod, and finally the bolt from the upper receiver.

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