PGM Hécate II

Hecate II
The PGM Hecate II
Type	Anti-materiel rifle
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	1993–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Afghanistan, Northern Mali
Production history
Designer	Gilles Payen
Manufacturer	PGM Précision
Specifications
Weight	13.8 kg (30.42 lb) with no sight
Length	1,380 mm (54.3 in) 1,140 mm (44.9 in) with stock removed
Barrel length	700 mm (27.6 in)
Cartridge	.50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO)
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	825 m/s (2,707 ft/s)
Effective firing range	1,800 m
Maximum firing range	Over 2,000 m
Feed system	7-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Telescopic sights

The Hécate II is the standard heavy sniper rifle of the French Army, sometimes known as the FR-12,7 (French: Fusil à Répétition de calibre 12.7 mm or "12.7 mm calibre repeating rifle").

It is manufactured by PGM Précision of France. This is the largest weapon manufactured by PGM, chambered for the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) cartridge.

Its design is the same metallic-skeleton as used in other similar rifles in the PGM family, only scaled up. It is equipped with both an adjustable front bipod and a rear monopod for maximum accuracy. The barrel is fitted with a high-efficiency muzzle brake which reduces the felt recoil to about the level expected of a 7.62×51mm NATO–chambered rifle. The stock is also adjustable.

It is used as an anti-materiel rifle for demolition shooting at long ranges, harassing fire, counter-sniping, and the destruction of unexploded ordnance from a safe distance, with High Explosive Incendiary/Armour Piercing Ammunition (HEIAP).

The standard-issue sight used with the Hécate II is the SCROME LTE J10 F1 10× telescope.

Snipers of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment section de tireurs d'élites (Sniper) France deploying a PGM Hecate II and FR F2 in Afghanistan.

The distinctive muzzle brake on the PGM Hecate II.

A PGM Hécate II with its standard issue scope in the French military, the Scrome LTE J10 F1.

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