FR F2
| FR F2 | |
|---|---|
GIAT FR F2
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| Type | Sniper rifle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1986–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | GIAT Industries |
| Produced | 1984–present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (12.75 lbs) loaded |
| Length | 47.2 inches |
| Barrel length | 650 mm |
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| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Rate of fire | 5 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 820 m/s (2,690.3 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 800 m (874.9 yd) |
| Feed system | 10-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Telescopic sight |
The FR F2 (French: Fusil à Répétition modèle F2; English: Bolt-action Rifle, F2 model) is the standard sniper rifle of the French military since 1986. It is designed for shooting at point targets at distances up to 800 meters.
The FR-F2 is an upgrade from the earlier FR F1 sniper rifle. It was manufactured by MAS (an abbreviation of Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne - one of several government-owned arms factories in France). MAS now belongs to GIAT Industries, now NEXTER.
The rifle barrel is thermally shielded along a considerable part of the barrel by a polymer shroud. It uses a different bipod-stock configuration from its predecessor, which is built just ahead of the receiver. GIAT studies lead to a new three groove conical barrel. Tapering the barrel from the throat area up to the first 100 mm of the barrel and at the muzzle end reduced barrel wear caused by propellant gasses passing the projectile in the bore. It uses 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition, and is equipped with a telescopic sight, French army standard issue is either an APX L806 or SCROME J8 (Army) or Nightforce NXS (Air force) or Schmidt & Bender 6×42 mil-dot (Navy). The rifle is also issued as part of the FÉLIN infantry combat system outfitted with a Sagem Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic, which serves as a telescopic sight, thermal weapon sight, and laser rangefinder. The FR F2 utilizes the same basic bolt design as the older MAS-36 infantry rifle. The MAS-36 bolt action was however extensively modified and strengthened to reduce accuracy inhibiting flex in the FR F1 and FR F2.
Senegalese sniper with FR F2 during Flintlock 2013.
French soldier of the Rapid Reaction Corps standing guard with a FR F2.
French legionnaire using an FR F2 in Afghanistan.
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Wikipedia