FAMAS G1: Simplified for Export
Forgotten Weapons
•
11m
The FAMAS G1 was developed as a lower-cost option for FAMAS export sales. The original F1 model had been offered for international sale, but it attracted little interest largely because of its high price. In response, GIAT created the G1 with many of the extra features left optional. This allowed them to reduce the price by up to 40%. Specific feature reductions included:
- Omitting the bipod legs
- Omitting the grenade launching sights and barrel fittings
- Omitting the night sights
- Omitting the burst fire mechanism
- Replacing the trigger guard with a molded whole-hand trigger guard
The mechanism stayed the same, and all of the omitted features could be included as options. This still failed to generate any export sales, in part because GIAT came under ownership of FN, and FN's competing assault rifle options were more profitable than the FAMAS.
The G1 did contribute elements like the whole-hand trigger guard to the mid-1990s G2 model adopted by the French Navy, however.
Many thanks to the IRCGN (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) for allowing me access to film this FAMAS variant for you!
Up Next in Forgotten Weapons
-
Arex Delta Machine Pistol Shoot-Off!
I had a chance to visit the Arex factory in Slovenia recently, and they had a custom-made full-auto Arex Delta pistol. Well, who wouldn't want to give that a try? A whole bunch of us had a shoot-off with it...which I sadly did not win.
-
ASAC Presentation: The Springfield Co...
This lecture was presented at the Spring 2025 meeting of the American Society of Arms Collectors. It was given by Alex MacKenzie, Curator of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
-
Pick One: G1 (FAL) vs G3 (H&K) w/ Joh...
If you had to pick one, would you take a G1 (FAL) or a G3 (H&K)? Both are 7.62mm NATO rifles adopted by Germany. The G1 has more features and capabilities, like the carry handle, bipod, multiple muzzle devices, and adjustable gas system. The G3, on the other hand, is simpler, without things to ch...
