PGM Hécate II
French Army standard heavy sniper and anti-materiel rifle.
The PGM Hécate II is the standard heavy sniper rifle and anti-materiel rifle of the French Army, sometimes known as the FR-12.7 (or '12.7 mm calibre repeating rifle'). It is manufactured by PGM Précision of France and is the largest weapon produced by the company. The rifle is chambered for the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) cartridge, and its name is derived from the ancient Greek goddess Hecate.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- France
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 1993–present
- Wars
- War in Afghanistan / Northern Mali Conflict / Operation Serval
- Designer
- Gilles Payen
- Manufacturer
- PGM Précision
- Weight
- 13.8 kg with no sight
- Length
- 1380 mm / 1140 mm with stock removed
- Part Length
- 700 mm
- Cartridge
- .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO)
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Velocity
- 825 m/s
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Hécate II shares the same metallic-skeleton design as other rifles in the PGM family, scaled up for its larger caliber. Its barrel, manufactured by FN Herstal, is lined with Stellite alloy—a material also used for large caliber machine guns—to increase barrel longevity. A high-efficiency muzzle brake reduces felt recoil to approximately the level expected of a 7.62×51mm NATO-chambered rifle. The rifle is equipped with an adjustable front bipod and a rear monopod for maximum accuracy, and the stock is also adjustable. The standard-issue sight is the SCROME LTE J10 F1 10× telescope. The Hécate II is a heavy firearm, weighing up to 35.27 lb at most.
Reader's Guide
The PGM Hécate II serves as the standard heavy sniper rifle and anti-materiel rifle of the French Army, designated FR-12.7. Its design, a scaled-up version of PGM's metallic-skeleton platform, emphasizes durability and accuracy. The use of a Stellite-lined barrel from FN Herstal, typically found in large caliber machine guns, extends service life under sustained fire. The muzzle brake is notably effective, bringing felt recoil down to that of a much smaller 7.62×51mm NATO rifle, improving shooter comfort and follow-up shot capability. The rifle's adjustable bipod, monopod, and stock allow for precise positioning. Adopted by the French military and other users including the Marine Corps Special Operations Battalion, SOBT and SKSO, and Rapid Deployment Forces and Black Cobra, the Hécate II fills a niche for long-range engagement and materiel destruction. Its name, referencing the ancient Greek goddess Hecate, aligns with PGM's thematic naming. The rifle remains in service as a purpose-built platform for the .50 BMG cartridge, with no successor mentioned in available records.
Did You Know?
- The Hécate II is the largest weapon manufactured by PGM Précision.
- The muzzle brake reduces felt recoil to about the level of a 7.62×51mm NATO-chambered rifle.
- The rifle's name comes from the ancient Greek goddess Hecate.
More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 2 1-24
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