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!
The best firearms reference books: https://www.headstamppublishing.com
http://www.patreon.com/ForgottenWeapons
http://www.floatplane.com/channel/ForgottenWeapons
Cool Forgotten Weapons merch! http://shop.forgottenweapons.com
At Forgotten Weapons I think the most interesting guns out there are the most obscure ones. I try to search out experimental and prototype weapons and show you how they work, in addition to more conventional guns that you may not have heard of before. You’re much more likely to find a video on the Cei Rigotti or Webley-Fosbery here than an AR or Glock. So, do you want to learn about something new today? Then stick around!
Items you may have missed...
Interview with Nicole Wiley: German .22 Training Rifles
Scheintod Revolver: A German Tear Gas Pepperbox
Pistols for Royalty: the Mannlicher 1900 Standard and Magnificently Engraved
New Model Melior: A Remarkably Nice Belgian FN Lookalike
Japanese “Papa” Nambu pistol with matching stock
Mystery Revolver with Hammer Safety