FR F2 sniper rifle
Standard French military sniper rifle from 1986.
The FR F2 is a bolt-action sniper rifle that has been the French military's standard since 1986, designed to engage point targets out to 800 meters.
The FR-F2 is an upgraded version of the earlier FR F1. Its barrel is largely covered by a polymer thermal shroud, is free-floated, and includes a flash hider. The bipod is positioned just ahead of the receiver, a change from the previous model. GIAT developed a new three-groove conical barrel, tapered from the throat area for the first 100 mm and at the muzzle, to reduce wear from propellant gases. The manual safety sits at the rear of the trigger.
It fires 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition and mounts a telescopic sight. Standard French army optics include the APX L806 (with bullet drop compensation from 100 to 800 m in 100 m increments), SCROME J8 (Army), Nightforce NXS (Air Force), or Schmidt & Bender 6×42 mil-dot (Navy). Backup sights on the barrel shroud are standard. When issued as part of the FÉLIN system, it uses a SAGEM Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic combining a telescopic sight, thermal sight, and laser rangefinder. The bolt action is based on the MAS-36 infantry rifle but was heavily modified and strengthened to reduce flex that could hurt accuracy.
In August 2018, the French government released a tender for a replacement. The FR F2 has since been replaced in the French Army by the FN SCAR and the HK 417. The Lithuanian Armed Forces use the FR F2. It was formerly used by France (replaced by the FN SCAR PR and HK417) and by another user that replaced it with the Sako TRG.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- France
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 1986–present
- Wars
- Gulf War / War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) / Northern Mali conflict / Operation Serval / Russo-Ukrainian War
- Manufacturer
- GIAT Industries
- Production Date
- 1984–present
- Weight
- 5.1 kg
- Length
- 1138 mm
- Part Length
- 600 mm
- Cartridge
- 7.62×51mm NATO
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Velocity
- 820 m/s (2,690.3 ft/s)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The FR F2 is an upgrade from the earlier FR F1 sniper rifle. Its barrel is thermally shielded along a considerable part by a polymer shroud, is free floated, and is equipped with a flash hider. The bipod-stock configuration differs from its predecessor, with the bipod built just ahead of the receiver. GIAT studies led to a new three-groove conical barrel; tapering the barrel from the throat area up to the first 100 mm and at the muzzle end reduced barrel wear caused by propellant gasses passing the projectile in the bore.
The rifle uses the same basic bolt design as the older MAS-36 infantry rifle, but the MAS-36 bolt action was extensively modified and strengthened to reduce accuracy-inhibiting flex in the FR F1 and FR F2. The FR F2 is also issued as part of the FÉLIN infantry combat system, outfitted with a SAGEM Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic that serves as a telescopic sight, thermal weapon sight, and laser rangefinder.
In August 2018, a tender was released by the French government for a replacement to the FR F2. The FR F2 in the French Army has since been replaced by the FN SCAR and the HK 417. The rifle is also used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Former users include those who replaced it with the Sako TRG, and the French military replaced it with the FN SCAR PR and HK417.
Reader's Guide
The FR F2's significance lies in its long service as the standard sniper rifle of the French military from 1986 until its replacement. Its design evolved from the FR F1, incorporating a thermally shielded, free-floating barrel with a conical profile to reduce wear. The rifle's bolt action, derived from the MAS-36 but strengthened, reflects a lineage of French infantry rifle design adapted for precision. The FR F2 was integrated into the FÉLIN infantry combat system with a multi-function optic, showing its role in modern networked warfare. Its replacement by the FN SCAR and HK 417 in French service, and by the Sako TRG elsewhere, marks the end of an era for a rifle that served for over three decades. The FR F2 remains notable for its distinctive barrel shroud and bipod placement, and for being the standard French sniper platform during a period of significant military operations.
Did You Know?
- The FR F2 has been the standard sniper rifle of the French military since 1986.
- Its barrel is thermally shielded by a polymer shroud and is free floated.
- The rifle uses a three-groove conical barrel designed by GIAT to reduce barrel wear.
- The FR F2 can be fitted with a SAGEM Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic as part of the FÉLIN system.
More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 2 1-24
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