The FR F2 is an improved upgrade from the Cold War-era FR F1 and is the principle sniper rifle for the French military.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited:
7/29/2017
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Credit: Left side view of the French GIAT FR F2 sniper rifle; color
The FR F2 is the standard sniper rifle of the modern French Army and serves as a proven bolt-action operated system built upon the strengths of the Cold War-era FR F1 appearing in 1966. The FR F2 was brought about after practical service use of the FR F1 with changes requested by the French Army. This resulted in the all-new FR F2 which, for all intents and purposes, remains largely unchanged from her predecessor with perhaps the biggest difference between the two being the use of a thermal sleeve which shrouds the barrel's heat signature (against enemy infrared devices) while also reducing the effects of "heat haze" which contaminates the view through the telescopic sight. The shroud also serves as protection against reflective glints that can give away the shooter's position at range and under sun.
Additional improvements have resulted in the bipod assembly being relocated closer to the receiver allowing for easier adjustments without the operator having to lurch forward. The bipod hangs off of a yoke fitted to the aft portion of the barrel. The barrel is of 21.73 inches in length and is of a 4 groove, right-hand twist attachment. The forend if constructed of steel and the weapon operated from a 10-round detachable box magazine, this inserted just ahead of the trigger group. Ammunition is of the 7.62x51mm NATO standard. The proven bolt-action system of the FR F1 - itself the same system as found in the 1936 MAS-36 infantry bolt-action rifle - remains unchanged in the improved FR F2. Standard-issue telescopic sights include the SCROME J8 and APX L806 series allowing for precision at up to 800 meters.
Construction was provided initially by Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne (MAS), which became a part of GIAT Industries and, itself, is now known as NEXTER.
Beyond its use by the French Army, the FR F2 has been taken into service by the armies of Latvia and Lithuania.
Specifications
Year: 1984
Manufacturing Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne (MAS) / GIAT Industries / NEXTER - France
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France; Latvia; Lithuania
