Firearms / Sub machine guns / FAMAE SAF
FAMAE SAF
General Facts
- TYPE
Sub machine gun - ORIGIN
Chile - NICKNAMES
- - DESIGNED
Early 1990's - DESIGNER
FAMAE - PRODUCTION
1993 - present - PRODUCERS Chile - FAMAE
- QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Limited size and weight
Simple design
Low production costs
Difficult to mount optics and accessories
High rate of fire
Introduction
The SAF is a sub machine gun of Chilean origin. It was designed by FAMAE in the early 1990's. The design of the SAF is based on the Swiss SG-540 assault rifle which FAMAE already produced under license.
Design
The SAF is a blowback operated weapon that fires from a closed bolt position. The internal mechanism is mostly similar to the SG-540, but the rotating bolt has been replaced by the blowback mechanism. Additionally a three round burst mechanism has been added. The forearm and fixed stock are made out of polymer. Folding stock versions use a metal tubular side folding stock.
Firepower
The SAF fires the 9x19mm round from 20 or 30 round translucent magazines. The cyclic rate of fire is very high at about 1.200 rpm. This makes the three round burst option very useful. The maximum effective range is quoted as 150 meters.
Users
The first users of the SAF have been the Chilean military and law enforcement. Recently the Portuguese gendarmerie has placed a large order. Export sales are expected to continue as the SAF has a limited cost and a good performance.
SAF
The SAF is the standard version from which two other models have been derived: the Mini SAF and SAF SD. The SAF is available with a fixed polymer stock and a metal tubular side folding stock. Recently a SAF chambered in .40 S&W has been developed.
- Specifications:
- SAF
| Type | Sub machine gun |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 20, 30 rounds |
| Operation | Blowback operated, closed bolt |
| Fire selector | 0-1-3-F |
| Rate of fire | 1.120 - 1.280 rpm |
| Barrel length | 198 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | 390 m/s |
| Stock | Fixed or foldable |
| Length | 640 mm / 410 mm |
| Width | ? |
| Height | ? |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.7 kg empty (fixed stock), 2.9 kg empty (folding stock) |
| Sights | Iron sights, post front and aperture rear |
| Remarks | - |
Mini SAF
The Mini SAF is a more compact version of the SAF that can be used for concealed carry. The Mini SAF has a much shorter barrel and lacks a stock. A vertical grip is fitted and a sling can be attached at the buttcap. It is normally used with 20 round magazines, although the standard 30 round magazines can be used as well.
- Specifications:
- Mini SAF
| Type | Sub machine gun |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 20, 30 rounds |
| Operation | Blowback operated, closed bolt |
| Fire selector | 0-1-3-F |
| Rate of fire | 1.200 rpm |
| Barrel length | 115 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | 370 m/s |
| Stock | - |
| Length | 310 mm |
| Width | ? |
| Height | ? |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, post front and aperture rear |
| Remarks | - |
SAF SD
The silenced version of the SAF is fitted with an integrated silencer. The silencer makes the weapon longer than the standard version and reduces the rate of fire. The silenced SAF is only available with the metal side folding stock.
- Specifications:
- SAF SD
| Type | Sub machine gun |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 20, 30 rounds |
| Operation | Blowback operated, closed bolt |
| Fire selector | 0-1-3-F |
| Rate of fire | 980 rpm |
| Barrel length | 220 mm |
|---|---|
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity | 300 m/s |
| Stock | Foldable |
| Length | 810 mm / 570 mm |
| Width | ? |
| Height | ? |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3 kg empty |
| Sights | Iron sights, post front and aperture rear |
| Remarks | Integrated silencer |
Media
SG-540
The design of the SAF sub machine gun is based on the Swiss SG-540 assault rifle.
