In 1954 and 1955, the French company SOFAM (Société de Fabrication d’Armaments) in Paris marketed a system to convert bolt action rifles into submachine guns. The original design is reportedly Spanish, but was marketed through the French company. The design was pretty simple, using the stock and trigger guard of the rifle (in these examples a Mauser 98, but conceivably any type would do) and manufacturing a new receiver, bolt, barrel, and trigger system to go with them. The pitch was that production could be stood up in six months with minimal technological outlay, ideal for less-developed nations looking to upgrade their small arms. However, the cost calculations didn’t appear to make sense, as no buyers were found.
Many thanks to the IRCGN (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) for allowing me access to film these two examples for you!
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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!
