Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 2 Codexery

PGM Hécate II

French Army standard heavy sniper and anti-materiel rifle.

PGM Hécate II

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?

More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 2 1-24

Spotted an error? Know more?

Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced

Comments

Loading…
Open in the interactive codex →