FAMAE SAF
Taurus MT-9 and MT-40
Overview
SAF
The FAMAE SAF sub machine gun with shoulder stock in folded position.
Source: www.taringa.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Brazil - Forjas Taurus SA
MT-40 (Brazilian production model in .40)
Portugal
Brazil
Description
Introduction
The SAF is a sub machine gun of Chilean origin. It was designed by FAMAE in the early 1990's. The design of the SAF is based on the Swiss SG-540 assault rifle which FAMAE already produced under license.
Design
The SAF is a blowback operated weapon that fires from a closed bolt position. The internal mechanism is mostly similar to the SG-540, but the rotating bolt has been replaced by the blowback mechanism. Additionally a three round burst mechanism has been added. The forearm and fixed stock are made out of polymer. Folding stock versions use a metal tubular side folding stock.
Firepower
The SAF fires the 9x19mm round from 20 or 30 round translucent magazines. The cyclic rate of fire is very high at about 1.200 rpm. This makes the three round burst option rather useful. The maximum effective range is quoted as 150 meters.
Users
The first users of the SAF have been the Chilean military and law enforcement. The Portuguese gendarmerie has placed a large order, making it one of the primary export users. In Brazil the SAF has been produced under license by Taurus in 9mm for military use and in .40 S&W for law enforcement use.
Variants
SAF
The SAF is the standard version from which two other models have been derived: the Mini SAF and SAF SD. The SAF is available with a fixed polymer stock and a metal tubular side folding stock. A variant of the SAF chambered in .40 S&W was developed. Both models were produced under license by Taurus in Brazil as the MT-9 and MT-40 respectively.
Mini SAF
The Mini SAF is a more compact version of the SAF that can be used for concealed carry. The Mini SAF has a much shorter barrel and lacks a stock. A vertical grip is fitted and a sling can be attached at the buttcap. It is normally used with 20 round magazines, although the standard 30 round magazines can be used as well.
SAF Silenciado
The silenced version of the SAF is fitted with an integrated silencer. The silencer makes the weapon longer than the standard version and reduces the rate of fire. The silenced SAF is only available with the metal side folding stock.
Details
Related articles
Heckler & Koch MP5-K
The Mini SAF has a vertical forward grip that makes it look very similar to the H&K MP5-K compact sub machine gun.