FA-MAS Type 62 | |
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Type | Battle Rifle |
Place of origin | France |
Production history | |
Designed | 1962 |
Manufacturer | Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne |
Specifications | |
Weight | 4.53 kg |
Length | 1040 mm |
Barrel length | 500 mm |
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Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
Caliber | 7.62 mm |
Action | Gas-operated |
Rate of fire | 600 rpm |
Effective firing range | 400–800 m |
Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
Sights | Iron sights |
The FA-MAS Type 62 is a 7.62×51mm NATO rifle developed by the French Army as a replacement for the MAS-49/56. It was the last in series of 40 different prototype rifles designed between 1952 and 1962, and bears a resemblance to the FN FAL. However, the introduction of the 5.56×45mm cartridge caused the French to rethink their approach and the project was eventually cancelled. The Type 62's bayonet was later adopted for use on the FAMAS rifle.
The MAS-55 has its gas piston underneath its barrel and operated in a similar way to the FM1924/29 machine gun but resulted in a heavy rifle for its type.
The Type-56 was a simpler alternative to the Type-55 and was closer to the FN FAL.
The Type-59 came with an improved stock and foregrip. It also came with a folding stock, bipod and infra-red sight as the AP61.