PGM Hecate II
PGM Precision · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1993
Also known as: FR-12.7, Hecate II, PGM Hecate
Overview
The PGM Hecate II is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7x99mm NATO, produced by PGM Precision since 1993. Featuring a 7-round magazine capacity, this sniper rifle offers compact firepower. Safety features include manual safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 36 years of firearms manufacturing experience, PGM Precision brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 13500 g (476.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 14200 g (500.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1380 mm (54.33") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 15170 J (11189 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4000 m (4374 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Composite |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x99mm NATO · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm, .50 caliber
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Match Grade Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Adjustable Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Buttpad, Picatinny Rail, Monopod
Variants
- PGM Hecate II (.416 Barrett) — Caliber Variant
- PGM Mini Hecate II — Compact
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 1995 · as FR-12.7
- German Armed Forces
- Swiss Armed Forces
- Polish Armed Forces
- Slovenian Armed Forces
- Estonian Defence Forces · adopted 2007
- Latvian National Armed Forces
- Indonesian Armed Forces
- Brazilian Marine Corps
- Austrian EKO Cobra
- Egyptian Armed Forces
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 2022
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1993-present
Exported to over 60 countries as of 2025; exact production numbers not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Gilles Payen
Notes
The PGM Hecate II has been exported to over 60 countries as of 2025. The standard barrel length is 700mm, though a 900mm barrel option is available for increased muzzle velocity. A .416 Barrett caliber variant with a custom 900mm barrel is also offered for sport shooting applications, providing a flatter trajectory than the standard .50 BMG configuration. The compact Mini Hecate II variant was introduced around 2015-2016 with a shortened 660mm barrel. An airborne-adapted version features quick-detach Picatinny mounts and a removable stock for integration into helicopter weapon systems. The rifle weighs approximately 13.5 kg without optics in its standard configuration with the 700mm barrel, increasing to approximately 16.5 kg with the 900mm barrel. The rifling uses an eight-groove, 1:15 inch twist profile optimized for .50 BMG ammunition.
Background
Named after the Greek goddess Hecate, who was associated with crossroads, boundaries, and the liminal space between worlds -- a fitting name for a rifle designed to reach across extreme distances. The Hecate II became the French Army's primary anti-materiel rifle under the designation FR-12.7, used for engaging material targets, explosive ordnance disposal, and extreme-range counter-sniper operations at distances up to 1,800 meters.