FR F2
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Sniper Rifle · In Service · 1984
Also known as: Fusil a Repetition modele F2, FR-F2, MAS FR F2
Overview
The FR F2 (Fusil a Repetition modele F2) is the successor to the FR F1, re-chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO to align with France's transition to the standard NATO cartridge. Introduced in 1984, the FR F2 retained the proven bolt action of its predecessor but incorporated significant improvements including a longer barrel with a thermal sleeve to prevent heat mirage, a synthetic forearm, and the superior SCROME J8 8x telescopic sight. The FR F2 remains in active service with the French Armed Forces and has seen combat in numerous conflicts across Africa and the Middle East.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5300 g (187.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5700 g (201.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1138 mm (44.80") |
| Barrel Length | 650 mm (25.59") |
| 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 | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3274 J (2415 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic With Wood |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Scrome J8 8x Scope, Thermal Sleeve, Bipod, Adjustable Buttplate, Free Floating Barrel, Flash Hider, Synthetic Forearm
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 1984
- French Foreign Legion · adopted 1984
- French National Gendarmerie · adopted 1984
- Gabonese Armed Forces
- Senegalese Armed Forces
- Royal Moroccan Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- Yugoslav Wars (1992-1995)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
- Operation Serval (Mali) (2013)
- Operation Barkhane (Sahel) (2014-2022)
Production
Production years: 1984-present
Produced by MAS for the French military. Exact production figures not publicly disclosed. Still in active service but being gradually replaced by the Accuracy International AXMC.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Notes
The distinctive thermal sleeve wrapped around the barrel is one of the FR F2's most recognizable features, designed to prevent heat shimmer from distorting the sight picture during sustained shooting. The rifle uses the SCROME J8 scope with 8x magnification and a mil-dot reticle, providing significantly better optics than the FR F1's 4x APL sight. The FR F2 has been used by French snipers in virtually every French military deployment since the late 1980s. France is gradually replacing the FR F2 with the Accuracy International AXMC in .338 Lapua Magnum under the designation FRG2.
Background
French snipers using the FR F2 gained particular distinction during the Battle of Uzbin in Afghanistan in 2008, where a French patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters. French sniper teams with FR F2 rifles provided crucial covering fire that helped prevent a complete overrun of the patrol. The FR F2 has served as the primary French sniper rifle for nearly four decades, participating in more French military operations than any other precision rifle in their inventory.