FR F2, FR G2, FRF2, FRG2 Sniper Rifle (France)

The FR F2 Sniper Rifle (FRF2, Fusil à Répétition modèle F2, ‘Repeating rifle model F2’) has been the standard issue sniper rifle of the French armed forces since 1985. It was designed by GIAT Industries, a French-based military industry conglomerate. Intended as an improvement on the model FR F1 sniper rifle, this rifle features the same action, but is fitted with a new barrel, new bipod and sights.

 

FR F2 sniper rifle

FR F2 sniper rifle

 

During the early 1990’s GIAT developed the FR G series of sniper rifles, consisting of the FR G1, FR G2 and FR G3 sniper rifles. Those were cheaper variations of the FR F2 sniper rifle and were built using surplus MAS M1936/51 rifle actions instead of newly manufactured, more robust and more expensive FR F1 / F2 actions. Of those G series rifles, the FR G2 rifle saw only limited use with special operations elements of French Air Force. The FR G3 was sold to civilians as a hunting or target rifle, chambered for 7mm-08 (7x51mm) sporting ammunition.

Technical Details..

The FR F2 sniper rifle was designed around an improved MAS M1936 action and bolt group, strengthened and redesigned to ensure better accuracy. It features a manually operated, rotary bolt with dual locking lugs at the rear of the bolt. Ammunition is fed from detachable box magazines with a 10-round capacity. The barrel is free floated and equipped with a flash hider. It is enclosed into its characteristic plastic sleeve, which is intended to reduce the heat signature of the barrel. Furniture consists of a plastic forend, wooden shoulder stock and pistol grip. The shoulder stock can be adjusted for length of pull using wooden spacers, and has a cheek rest. The rifle is fitted with a manual safety, located at the rear of the trigger. An adjustable folding bipod is attached to the receiver, with a hinge placed above the barrel.

Standard sighting equipment can be either a day-time telescopic sight on a quick detachable mount or day/night SAGEM sight combining day-time optics, IR channel and laser rangefinder in one unit. Back-up iron sights are standard on each rifle.

 

FR F2 sniper rifle

FR F2 sniper rifle with SAGEM electro-optical sight

 

Specification Value
Full text name FR F2, FR G2, FRF2, FRG2 Sniper Rifle (France)
Caliber cartridge 7.62x51mm NATO / .308 Winchester
Action type manual
Trigger type sa
Overall length, mm 1200
Barrel length, mm 600
Weight empty, kg 5.1
Magazine capacity, rounds 10