Originally Posted by Emsav

Firstly I must congratulate my countryman "Fantassin" on their extremely eloquent and accurate answer. As for the MAT-49 sub-machine gun, to the best of my knowledge whilst it may be used for training purposes it is highly unlikely as it has been steadily phased out since 1979 being replaced by the FAMAS F1. Saying that MAT-49's were in the hands of the "rebels" during the 2011 Libyan conflict.

Exactly how much knowledge does the average French granny have about sub-machine guns

Originally Posted by Alsacien

Exactly how much knowledge does the average French granny have about sub-machine guns

Depends on which network she belonged to during WW2......

Originally Posted by fantassin

DPM smocks are only worn by the DS of the Commando Course based in the Ecole des Fusiliers Marins et Commandos in Lorient as a way to set them apart from the trainees and they only do during the course itself.

Wearing the DPM Smock is also a way of remembering the fact that the Free French "originals" from this units were trained by the Brits in Achnacarry in 1942.

Other members of the Commandos Marine do not wear uniforms in DPM pattern.

The GIGN has also worn DPM pattern uniforms in the past when operating on its own in France; when abroad they wear CCE French camouflage for obvious reasons.

Many thanks

Originally Posted by fantassin

Depends on which network she belonged to during WW2......

She does not look quite that old in the photos....

Originally Posted by Alsacien

She does not look quite that old in the photos....

Thank you for the compliment, shows you are a gentleman

Originally Posted by Emsav

Firstly I must congratulate my countryman "Fantassin" on their extremely eloquent and accurate answer. As for the MAT-49 sub-machine gun, to the best of my knowledge whilst it may be used for training purposes it is highly unlikely as it has been steadily phased out since 1979 being replaced by the FAMAS F1. Saying that MAT-49's were in the hands of the "rebels" during the 2011 Libyan conflict.

Your knowledge in incorrect ,Fact , MAT49`s were used in the eighties and nineties for training in sea and muddy conditions , there all de classed arms and could not be fired , as I said before it saved fucking up a good Famas.

Originally Posted by Cyclic

Your knowledge in incorrect ,Fact , MAT49`s were used in the eighties and nineties for training in sea and muddy conditions , there all de classed arms and could not be fired , as I said before it saved fucking up a good Famas.

A "Good Famas" surely a contradiction in terms ?

Keep in mind the FAMAS has now been in service for 33 year with little improvement (the INF version only adds sighting aids but does not correct the deficiencies of the rifle itself)....and that a program to replace it is currently underway.

I thought that as I written it, do you think they are really that bad ?, say compared with an SA80 which has not been without major issues? septic M4`s are probably the best / most proven in my opinion.

The FAMAS is now well past its sell by date; they are worst weapons around but it is now in need of a replacement which should be either the HK 416, the FNH SCAR or the Beretta ARX-160. That is if money is available, of course.....