The FAC 70 (Foote Automatic Carbine, 1970) is an American prototype assault rifle.
History
This experimental assault rifle was developed after the R68 Foote designed two years prior was deemed too heavy. Somehow, Sterling Armament of England managed to find out about the FAC 70 and were extremely interested in it; as such, Foote sent the prototype over to England for testing and evaluation.
However, it appeared that sending the FAC 70 over for testing and evaluation practically equated to naught, as it was never actually adopted or put into mass production after that. The sole prototype is still in existence, with a serial number of 045, although its whereabouts are unknown.
Design Details
The FAC 70 was essentially an improved version of the R68 that was cheaper and easier to manufacture than the R68. The FAC 70 is also lighter than the R68. Due to similar looks, it can be assumed that the R68 and FAC 70 both used the same AK-derived long stroke gas piston action with a rotating bolt.
As with the R68, for easy usage, the weapon's charging handle was located on top of the weapon so that both left- and right-handed users could use the weapon with ease. The safety was also located inside the trigger guard so that one could flick it quickly while keeping their finger on the trigger. The weapon takes 20 round M16 magazines as standard.
As with most prototypes done by Foote, the FAC 70 looked like a production firearm, with a fine finish and excellent quality wooden foregrips and stocks all done by Foote himself.