FR F2 sniper rifle
| Industry | Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | FR F2 sniper rifle |
The FR F2 (; ) has been the primary sniper rifle employed by the French armed forces since 1986, engineered for accurate engagement at distances reaching 800 metres.
History
In August 2018, the French authorities launched a procurement process aimed at replacing the FR F2. Subsequently, the FN SCAR and HK 417 rifles have taken over its role within the French Army.
Design
The FR-F2 represents an upgraded iteration of the preceding FR F1, incorporating a free-floating barrel with thermal insulation, encased in a polymer shroud and fitted with a flash suppressor. Its bipod and stock assembly is mounted just forward of the receiver. GIAT designed a barrel featuring three grooves with a conical profile that narrows near both the throat and muzzle to minimize erosion caused by propellant gases.
The manual safety mechanism is positioned behind the trigger guard. Chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, it supports various telescopic sight options including the APX L806—adjustable in 100-metre increments from 100 to 800 metres—as well as alternatives like the SCROME J8 (used by the Army), Nightforce NXS (Air Force), or the Schmidt & Bender 6×42 mil-dot scope (Navy). Standard issue includes backup iron sights mounted atop the barrel shroud.
Integrated within the FÉLIN infantry combat system, the FR F2 can be equipped with a SAGEM Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic that combines telescopic, thermal imaging, and laser rangefinder capabilities. The bolt mechanism is derived from the MAS-36 infantry rifle but has been significantly strengthened to improve precision by limiting flexing found in earlier designs.
Users
- French military.
- replaced by the Sako TRG.
- Lithuanian Armed Forces.
- Moldovan Armed Forces
See also
- PGM Hécate II, a heavy, long-range modern sniper rifle developed in France.