The FA-MAS Type 62 was the result of 40 rifle prototypes designed by MAS between 1952 and 1962 for the French Army, including a Bullpup variant. All variants were designed to take the 7.62×51mm NATO round. It shows a resemblance to the FN FAL as well as performance, and came close to being adopted by the French military as a replacement for the MAS-49, until the new 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge become popular. However, it is also to note the FA-MAS Type 62 bayonet is used on the FAMAS.