A new set of sights are used, as the original sights are located in the carry handle (which has been covered by a Picatinny rail). Similar to the M16A4, the FAMAS is a very effective assault rifle especially at range. One burst will kill with Stopping Power at any range, as long as all three shots hit. Without Stopping Power, the FAMAS, like all burst weapons, becomes considerably underpowered.

The FAMAS has a slower reload than the M16A4, but its damage does not drop off until slightly further and it has less recoil. This difference in damage makes the FAMAS slightly better than the M16A4 at medium range.

The FAMAS has fairly low recoil. However, the ACOG and Thermal Scope introduce a fair amount of vertical recoil, making it much more difficult to hit targets behind thick cover at long range.

The weapon has returned in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. It behaves similarly to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare with some small differences. It is now unlocked at level 40 in multiplayer and its reload animation is now identical to that of the M4A1 Carbine. To make it look more modernized, a Picatinny Rail has been placed on the carrying handle, and RIS with rail covers. The rear sight aperture has been made thinner than the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare version, making the iron sights much easier to operate.

The FAMAS is similar to the M16A4 as they share nearly identical stats. The FAMAS takes 1.08 seconds longer to reload (.16s empty), but has less damage drop off than the M16A4, leading to an increase in medium range performance. Also, when you attach a holographic sight to the M16A4, the recoil is reduced.