FR F1
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1966
Also known as: Fusil a Repetition modele F1, FR-F1, MAS FR F1
Overview
The FR F1 (Fusil a Repetition modele F1) was the standard sniper rifle of the French Armed Forces from 1966 until its replacement by the FR F2 in the 1980s. Based on the MAS 36 bolt-action rifle's receiver, the FR F1 was purpose-built as a precision sniper weapon with a free-floating barrel, match-grade trigger, and the APL L806 4x telescopic sight. Chambered in the French 7.5x54mm cartridge, it represented a significant upgrade over the modified MAS 36 rifles previously used by French military marksmen.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5200 g (183.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5500 g (194.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1138 mm (44.80") |
| Barrel Length | 552 mm (21.73") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 18 N (4.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3175 J (2342 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.5x54mm French · primary — also known as 7.5 French, 7.5x54mm MAS, 7.5mm French Service
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Apl-L806 4x Scope, Bipod, Adjustable Buttplate, Free Floating Barrel, Micrometer Rear Sight, Flash Hider
Variants
- FR F2 — Successor
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 1966
- French National Gendarmerie · adopted 1966
- Swedish Armed Forces
- Djiboutian Armed Forces
- Lebanese Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Kolwezi Airborne Operation (1978)
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
- Chad-Libya Conflict (1978-1987)
Production
Production years: 1966-1984
Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed. Produced exclusively by MAS (Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne) for the French military and select export customers.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Discontinued: 1984
Notes
The FR F1 was one of the few Cold War-era sniper rifles designed from the outset as a dedicated sniping weapon rather than a modified service rifle. The bolt action was derived from the MAS 36 but extensively reworked for smoother operation and improved lockup. The rifle featured a distinctive pistol-grip stock with an adjustable rubber buttplate. The APL (Atelier de Puteaux) L806 scope was calibrated for the French 7.5x54mm sniper cartridge. Some FR F1 rifles were later converted to 7.62 NATO when France began transitioning away from the 7.5mm caliber.
Background
The FR F1 was born from France's desire for an indigenous precision sniper rifle independent of foreign designs during the height of the Cold War. French Foreign Legion snipers used the FR F1 during the daring airborne assault on Kolwezi, Zaire in 1978, where the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment jumped into combat to rescue European hostages held by Katangese rebels.