French SF Using M4s [Archive] - M4Carbine.net Forums

MadMatt

03-17-13, 09:55

Just saw this video of French Army Operations in Mali. Their SF types seem to be using almost exclusively US kit, including M4s of some type. You have to watch the whole thing to see, but it's worth seeing anyway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iOdMN-HoKP8#t=397s

מגן ולא יראה

03-17-13, 10:14

Obviously. :rolleyes: Certain French forces use HK carbines.

RyanB

03-17-13, 11:33

Elite military units in the western world almost all use an M4 of some sort.

Silvanus

03-17-13, 11:46

At 4:46 you can definitely see an HK416. I have no idea if they use any other AR15-style rifles though.

kmrtnsn

03-17-13, 13:03

I watched it twice and never saw an M-4. Exclusive U.S. kit? SAW/Minimis? Belgium. M2 Browning .50? Belgium.

rojocorsa

03-17-13, 15:01

Not surprised. What? You'd expect them to use a FAMAS?

USMC_Anglico

03-17-13, 18:24

Not surprised. What? You'd expect them to use a FAMAS?

Exactly, saw it all the time in Astan. There is a reason why they and the UK/NZ/AUS SF all use M4 pattern weapons (alot use HK 416s) rather than their issue bullpups. Because they generally suck compared to the ergonomics, ease of use and modularity/accessories available for the M4 design. Same reason many other militaries use the M4 too.

I have used the FAMAS on the range, what a piece of junk.

Ick

03-17-13, 20:02

I couldn't seem to load the YouTube link.

Famine

03-18-13, 00:00

Did they ever fix the issue with the FAMAS where brass cases were being ripped apart?

Ick

03-18-13, 09:33

I couldn't seem to load the YouTube link.

Please ignore. Apparently it was a problem running it on my Apple device.

MrCleanOK

03-18-13, 10:25

I shared a FOB with the French for a while, including a SOF team. Most of the SOF guys carried HK416s and Glocks. A few of the guys carried a pistol that I didn't recognize.

Big French Army soldiers were carrying the FAMAS and Beretta 92G. Some of the infantry had a newer version FAMAS that plugs into their radios and allows them to key the net and do a few other functions, plus control aiming lasers, etc. with buttons integrated into the weapon. Crew served weapons were Minimis and M2s.

The French know how to do MWR right.

BoringGuy45

03-18-13, 14:09

Is the AR use new to the French forces? I thought French SF and GIGN guys were using the SIG 551 mostly.

Jdbl14

03-18-13, 16:05

I saw an article years ago that claimed that some of the French amphibious "special" units were using sigs. In all the photos I've seen in recent years any special units have had m4/416 style weapons.

USMC_Anglico

03-21-13, 02:32

Is the AR use new to the French forces? I thought French SF and GIGN guys were using the SIG 551 mostly.

I observed French sf with M4's circa 2008 in Afghanistan

montrala

03-21-13, 08:47

French Air Force adopted HK416 as standard rifle. Their SOF units deploy it to. Foreign Legion uses HK417 in DMR role.

Army are looking for FAMAS replacement and probably it will be COTS solution this time (instead of "in house" design). HK will be strong contender here for sure. There were even rumours that HK416 is done deal, but actually French did not start competition yet.