The FAMAS, Customizing it, and beginner questions....

[freeman]

I own both Famas and G36C.

I would recommend Classic Army G36C as your first gun.You can put almost any
accessories on it. It has a reinforced Ver.3 gearbox, Upgrade is very easy.

I like the look of Famas a lot,so i bought one.
It has a Ver.1 (the oldest design from TM) gearbox ,and it is very difficult to upgrade or repair it.
I like the super high ROF(around 1100rpm with 8.4v 2400mAh Nicd battery)of this gun.that's pretty much about it.

If you really like the look of Famas,go for it.
It is actually not a bad weapon in stock form for CQB.High ROF does help a little bit in close combat.

I wouldn't mount a M203 becasue the handgurad is too weak to take that weight.You can drill holes and put a bottom rail to mount flash light or grip,but a M203 is just too much weight for it.

Here are some pics of my famas G2.(it is build from a famas F1 and a famas SV)
That's pretty much all the accessories you can get without modification .


http://www.airsoftcanada.com/gallery...6_original.jpg
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/gallery...3_original.jpg
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/gallery...8_original.jpg
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/gallery...2_original.jpg
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/gallery...7_original.jpg

[CDN_Stalker]

From my experience trying to repair a FAMAS, and test firing it, the iron sights are a real bastard to get used to, and make very little sense at all. Putting a decent scope or RDS on one.................. ummm.............? Only good feature which I will admit is a small button that allows you to release the piston for storage. Only AEG I know of that you can do that without firing in semi a couple times.

[Drake]

I've answered a lot of stuff about the FAMAS in other threads if you bother searching: in a nutshell, it's NOT a good beginner gun, so I'd recommend you avoid it for now. Doubly so if you plan on doing mods.

The G36, by contrast, has a lot of commonly available parts and upgrades, and it's modular design makes it easy to customize (not to mention you have several different brands and models to choose from right off the bat); various lengths, carry handles/optics, AG36 grenade launcher, etc.

And off-topicly, the Légion Étrangère (French Foreign Legion) are indeed some of thoughest guys around. However, as the name implies, except for the REMFs it's made up almost exclusively of foreigners (i.e., not French). Also interesting, when joining the FFL, you swear allegiance to the Legion, not France.

Great info on the Legion: http://www.foreignlegionlife.com/

[Swatt Six-Four]

As an owner and stauch supporter of the Famas I will say that as it was my first gun and still my favorite (espicially for cqb) the Famas is a good gun. Down sides yes there are some however if your looking for the perfect gun you won't find it. Every weapon has its draw backs, no exceptions. I would like to point out that ken from 007 airsoft in calgary ( which you mentioned you were moving)has "some " upgrades available for the mech box ( can get any kit he sells that does not have a renforced mech box). The price for my Famas was great, and with a little work it is a rock solid work horse. ROF is great and with a tight bore barrel accuracy is also very good. I would also like to point out that due to the design the barrel I have now is 510mm equal to that of an m16 yet the over all lenght is conciderably shorter due to bull pup design. This gun is hard to work with when it comes to body mods and trying to get higher fps but with a little know how and determination anything is possable with any airsoft gun. DO NOT accept that it can't be done, thats incorrect, It will be difficult but you will have a great gun that will last you for years when your done and something that unique to you. Also through the journey you will become well aquainted with your weapon and its workings which to me is not a bad thing.

I hope you do go to a game and try it out, I also hope you enjoy airsoft as much as you anticipate. I would also hope that we gain another valuable member to our growing commuinty. Best of luck, hope to see you on the feild.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by CDN_Stalker

Only good feature which I will admit is a small button that allows you to release the piston for storage. Only AEG I know of that you can do that without firing in semi a couple times.

Personally I've found that to be quite dangerous, and recommend shaving it down so it doesnt protrude outside the shell; it's really nothing more than an extension on the anti-reversal latch, and pressing it allows the spring to "uncompress" freely (the gearing actually forces the motor to turn backwards -- not sure how good or bad doing that often will be).

Now despite the various safety mechanisms on the gun, hitting the button will let the spring move freely, which means if you've been firing it full auto and the spring is pulled back far enough, and you still have a BB in the barrel, you WILL fire a BB with some amount of force (depends how far back the spring was pulled). Accidentally hitting the button is quite easy, since its in a really good place (its located at the rear, under the stock, behind the selector) to rub up on mag pouches on vests, or get pressed accidentally while operating the fire selector. I've personally had it happen a few times on the field, and for someone who isn't aware of the danger it could easily happen in a safe zone when people arent wearing goggles.

[CDN_Stalker]

Originally Posted by Drake

Personally I've found that to be quite dangerous, and recommend shaving it down so it doesnt protrude outside the shell; it's really nothing more than an extension on the anti-reversal latch, and pressing it allows the spring to "uncompress" freely (the gearing actually forces the motor to turn backwards -- not sure how good or bad doing that often will be).

Now despite the various safety mechanisms on the gun, hitting the button will let the spring move freely, which means if you've been firing it full auto and the spring is pulled back far enough, and you still have a BB in the barrel, you WILL fire a BB with some amount of force (depends how far back the spring was pulled). Accidentally hitting the button is quite easy, since its in a really good place (its located at the rear, under the stock, behind the selector) to rub up on mag pouches on vests, or get pressed accidentally while operating the fire selector. I've personally had it happen a few times on the field, and for someone who isn't aware of the danger it could easily happen in a safe zone when people arent wearing goggles.

I've been 100% an MP5 guy the past 2 years, and my only experiences with the FAMAS are trying to get it to work right by firing it in my basement. Right now it fires full auto fine until you release the trigger, then pull it again and the motor torques and thing else. Hit the latch release, it fires full no problem til you let the trigger go, etc. etc. etc. Since it's not a high priority item on my list (own forgets I have it for months on end, as do I) I dont' do much with it except move it out of the way at times.

[ADI82]

Whats the FAMAS body made from?

If its metal I guess that top handgrip could be easily taken off and have some rails attached to the top.
Problem I see with adding a sight to the top of the handle is its so much higher than the gun.

Somebody also mentioned the FAMAS being something of a "weak" gun, in the way that it couldnt hold an M203. I saw somebody in the forums during my search(Yes I did search) saying that an M203 could be mounted.

I guess that just needs some reinforceing the bottom huh?

Also another question semi related. Anybody got an adress for any of these places in Calgary I can go check out?

[Masterdeadpool]

Well as mentioned before, you can go to laser trek and try a couple of games, i'm not so sure if there are any rules about posting address's so ya the address to laser trek would be 7905 Flint Road SE

[freeman]

The body of Famas is made of plastic.only the barrel and bipod are made of metal. Unfortunately,It is known as one of the most plasticy AEG.

Yes.You can mount a M203 with a rail attached at bottom of handguard.That is can be done for sure,but you will risk breaking it. You can go ahead and do that for photo shooting or display,but it is not very practical for field use.

Have you read this thread?
A very good review from Bob the Angry Potato
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=21658

[ADI82]

SE heh
Yeah ill check it out. Isnt that where the Airsoft store is as well, Rangersoft or something.

But I guess that makes sence, SE is all warehouses and industrial a lot.


Anyways, what about the G36, a couple ppl added comments on it, but how does that handle as a weapon?

[CDN_Stalker]

Very good. Rugged, reliable, easy to use and shoots nice.

[Drake]

G36 Pros:
- Uses a V3 mechbox, which is common so parts and upgrades are easily found.

- You have several brands to choose from (STAR, Marui, CA)

- You have several realistic configurations you can go to; lots of aftermarket parts to do conversions, and very modular design makes changing the front end, carry handle/optics rail and stock very easy and quick.

- Ambidextrous (a plus if you're a lefty).

- AG36 available, if you want a GL.

- I haven't heard of any major flaws being reported, so it seems it's a robust, reliable design.


Cons:
- Small battery means you'll be swapping packs if you do a lot of shooting and/or are using heavy upgrades. You can, however, install a large battery in certain aftermarket handguards, but they're unrealistic looking. If you're using a fullsize front end, it might also be possible to build a very customized battery back. There's also a "full stock" (not quite) which offers better battery storage options. EDIT: see Freeman's post below!

- So far, most of the [airsoft] optics out there are kinda subpar (the ones built-in to the carry handle). Check the reviews.

- Locap mag capacity reduced (50 rnds, b/c of the fake bullets. But they're purdy, so it's forgiven). Wider mags (stacking pins) can make carrying the mags in a vest/USGI format mag pouches a problem (e.g., you can only fit one G36 mag in a MOLLE double mag pouch).

- If you're looking for a gun to integrate into an impression, your options are limited since it's only fielded by Germany, Spain and Norway, along with a number of police/SWAT and CT forces.


Personally I really like mine. I can go back and forth between a fullsize G36 and a G36C in a matter of minutes. Battery hasn't been an issue, even when running an MG36 config (with C-Mag); just have a spare battery handy.

[freeman]

Originally Posted by Drake

Cons:
- Small battery means you'll be swapping packs if you do a lot of shooting and/or are using heavy upgrades. You can, however, install a large battery in certain aftermarket handguards, but they're unrealistic looking. If you're using a fullsize front end, it might also be possible to build a very customized battery back. There's also a "full stock" (not quite) which offers better battery storage options.

That is not true for CA G36C.
You can fit a 9.6 1500mAh NICD battery in the stock handguard out of the box.That should be good for upgraded AEG,and you don't have to change batteries in one game or two .

No modification is required for CA G36C to use this battery .(You need to modify a TM stock handguard though)

You can get this battery here:
http://www.wgcshop.com/pcart/shopper...6V%20Batteries

[ADI82]

Cool. Ok, you guys convinced me, G36 looks best. That will be the first one ill try.

I managed to locate the place in Calgary, and its actualy not far from where I will be living, so I can get there hopefuly one of the nights and give it a try.


Battery isnt a problem as long as I got a spare I guess. If it fails in combat thats what a sidearm is for I guess huh.

Although im not going for any particular look, I do wanna style myself as something of a storm trooper(not the Star Wars kind, I mean a REAL storm trooper). So light body armor, helmet, knee/elbow pads. Black khaki pants, dark green T-shirt under the vest. G36 compact for CQB, armed with either shotgun or 40mm nade on the bottom, dot sight. Maybe I can find some airsoft grenades for room clearing. And some other storm/shock gear.

And hopefuly there is a team in Calgary that focuses on that.

And it also seems a mouth gaurd is a good idea, regardless of how annoying it may be...


But I do wonder, how long of a barrel yall figure could be fit in a G36, with it still being effective for CQB in length.?

[^Hyperion^]

you don't have to be in a team. You can be a lone wolf. This way you can wear whatever comes to your mind.