FEG SA 2000
Posted Jun 13, 2023
The FEG SA 2000 is an often overlooked but underrated firearm which many consider to be one of the most interesting and reliable firearms ever made. Designed for the Hungarian Army and originally produced in the 1980s to replace aging Soviet firearms the SA 2000 has a unique design which sets it apart from other firearms of its era. To start this review, I’ll go over the history of the FEG SA 2000 and its unique design elements.
The FEG SA 2000, officially designated as the 8mm FEG SA 2000, was designed in 1979 by Fegyver- és Gépgyártó (FÉG) a Hungarian Company. The SA 2000 was designed to replace older Soviet weapons with a modern design. As such, the SA 2000 has several unique features not seen on other firearms. One of these features is its gas-operated, roller-delayed blowback action. This type of action uses a combination of gas pressure and rollers to unlock and delay the opening of the chamber and enable controlled fire. This action gives the weapon a smoother, more controllable recoil than other firearms action.
The most distinctive feature of the SA 2000 is its unique ergonomics. It uses an oversized pistol grip, thumb-rest, and ergonomic handguard to make the rifle more comfortable to use. The thumb-rest allows the shooter to rest their hand closer to the support hand when firing, giving them more control over the weapon. The stock is right-handed, but can be changed to left-handed use by swapping the stock with an available left-handed version. Additionally, the pistol grip is large enough for both support and firing hands, giving the shooter a better grip on the rifle.
Other features of the FEG SA 2000 include adjustable front and rear sights, a handguard that can hold a variety of accessories, and several safety features. The most notable safety feature is the safety detent, which is located on top of the receiver and has three positions: Safe, Semi-Auto, and Automatic. This allows the user to quickly switch from one firing mode to another without having to manually remove the safety selector switch. Other safety features include a bolt catch, a manual safety, and a magazine release.
The SA 2000 is chambered in the classic 8x56mm rimmed Hungarian cartridge, and is compatible with both original and modern-made ammunition. The rifle is also equipped with Picatinny rail mounted optics, although this is a more modern addition as this feature was not part of the original design. The rifle uses double stack magazines which have a capacity of 10 rounds, although higher capacity magazines are available for sale. The rifle is robust and dependable, capable of withstanding extreme conditions and rough use. Many regard it as one of the most reliable firearms ever produced, making it a great option for those in need of a reliable, battle-tested firearm.
In terms of performance, the SA 2000 is surprisingly accurate and reliable. While its overall accuracy is nothing to write home about, it is still very good for a rifle of its type. Its action is smooth and controlled even when firing in semi-automatic or fully automatic mode. The recoil is also noticeably lower than other firearms actions, making it a pleasure to shoot. The trigger is also quite good, providing a predictable and smooth pull. Altogether, these attributes make the SA2000 one of the best performing and reliable firearms of its time.
The SA 2000 is not without its drawbacks, though. The biggest one is its weight, which is noticeably higher than other firearms of its time. This makes it somewhat unwieldy, especially when compared to more modern rifles. Also, the magwell is very shallow and awkward to load from, although this problem can be solved by installing an aftermarket magwell. Additionally, the rifle can be difficult to disassemble and reassemble due to its somewhat intricate design. And lastly, its parts are difficult to come by, which could be an issue for those who are looking to upgrade or modify their SA 2000.
In conclusion, the FEG SA 2000 is a very unique and interesting firearm with its own advantages and drawbacks. While it’s certainly not the most modern or accurate rifle out there, it’s still an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable battle rifle. Its robust design and reliable action make it a great choice for a variety of uses, from target shooting to home defense. And with its unique features and ergonomic design, the SA 2000 is sure to please anyone looking for a dependable firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The FEG SA 2000 is a reliable and easy to use semi-automatic rifle.
-It is chambered in both 9mm and 7.62x39mm, making it an excellent choice for a variety of shooting scenarios.
-It is surprisingly accurate for a semi-automatic rifle, due to its adjustable gas piston and free-floating barrel.
-It is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to carry and shoot.
-It is affordably priced, making it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious shooter.
Cons:
-The supplied iron sights are not suitable for long-range shooting.
-The recoil is a bit snappier than some other rifles.
-It lacks some modern features, such as Picatinny rails.
-It is designed primarily for right-handed shooters.
-Due to its age, spare parts can be hard to find.
Who Should Buy
The FEG SA 2000 is a .9mm pistol designed for both self-defense and recreational shooting. As such, it is suitable for those who are legally able to purchase a firearm, and who are comfortable and experienced in the handling and use of a handgun. It may not be suitable for those inexperienced in the safe handling and use of firearms, or those with a limited budget.
Comparisons
| FEG SA 2000 | Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup | Palmetto State Armory PA-10 | Palmetto State Armory PSAK47 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm | .308 Winchester | 7.62x39mm | |
| Action | Gas-operated rotating bolt | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 | 10 | 25 | 30 |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs | 9.2 lbs | 7.25 lbs | |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches | 18 inches | 16.5 inches | |
| Overall Length | 28.4 inches | 28 inches | 34 inches |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 9x19mm
•Action: Semi-automatic, Blowback
•Capacity: 18-20 rounds
•Length: 8.3 in
•Barrel Length: 4.4 in
•Weight: 2.2 lbs
•Stocks: Synthetic
•Safety: Lever type in trigger guard
•Sights: Front- Blade, Rear- Notch
•Finish: Black Polymer
•Features: Spare Magazine Storage in Grip, Picatinny Rails, Quick on/off Sling Swivel base.
Popular Accessories
For the FEG SA 2000, some of the most popular accessories are extra magazines, extended flash hiders, fore grips, recoil reduction compensators, muzzle brakes, optics, and slings.
Accuracy
The FEG SA 2000 is a reliable semi-automatic target rifle that is known for its accuracy, with a tight shot group. FEG is a Hungarian manufacturer, and the SA 2000 utilizes their robust manufacturing techniques to produce a weapon that has a reputation for accuracy and durability. The SA 2000 utilizes a combination of machined and alloy parts for the receiver, barrel, and stock, and measures 46.5 inch in length. The SA 2000 has an overall impressive accuracy with a typical group of 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with quality ammunition. The adjustable open sights, glass-bedded stock, and the high-quality construction make the SA 2000 an attractive target rifle to gun enthusiasts.
