MAS FR F1

History of the MAS FR F1

Until the advent of the improved FR F2 sniper rifle in 1984, the French Army's sniper ranks were equipped with the original FR F1, a compact bolt-action sniper Rifle weapon. This model was adopted in 1966 and produced until 1980, in service with the French army and selected units in Mauritania.

The French Foreign Legion is one of the prominent French operators of this weapon system.

The FR F1 originally came in the French 7.5x54 cartridge, an evolution of the 7.5x57mm MAS mod 1924 design. 7. The 5x54 was used in MAS 36 series rifles and several other designs during World War II (1939-1945) (actually the FR F1 itself used the related MAS 36 type action). Later in its life, the FR F1 was redesigned to use the standard 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, as world events dictated this change. The cartridge is attached to a free-floating barrel assembly that provides the required accuracy. The free-floating barrel ensures that no part of the barrel is affected by the shaft, whose condition changes depending on external factors.

The barrel of the FR F1 is directly connected to the receiver.

The general design of the rifle consists of a wooden stock with an integral pistol grip and wooden forestock (note that pistol grips are rare on bolt-action sniper rifles). The receiver and barrel are metal by design. For comfort, a cheek pad has been added to the upper, and there is also a pad on the butt. The trigger group remains below the receiver as usual. The bolt handle is on the right side of the gun, as is the ejection port for spent cartridges.

The receiver is designed to accept telescopic sights, the standard French accessory is the padded APX L806. Ammunition is fed from a spring-loaded 10-round detachable magazine that fits under the receiver and in a chute in front of the trigger group. On the receiver end of the front was placed a folding bipod support, which folded up and forward, towards and slightly beyond the length of the front.

The barrel is closed by a slotted muzzle brake. All in all, the design is simple, robust, and has proven to be very effective in practice.

The total weight is 5.3kg, the barrel length is 1,200mm and the barrel length is 650mm. The muzzle velocity is rated at 2,560 feet per second, and the effective range is up to 800 yards.

As mentioned earlier, the FR F1 series rifles have been replaced by the more modern FR F2 series in service with the French Army.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service

1966

Origins

France

Categories

bolt-action sniper rifle

Manufacturer

Manufacture d'Armes St Etienne (MAS) / GIAT Industries / NEXTER - France

Operator

France;Mauritania

Roles

Accuracy/Precision

Wide range of accuracy/accuracy capabilities; suitable for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,200 mm

47. 24 inches

Run Length

650mm

25. 59 inches

Cured weight

11.68 lbs

5.30 kg

Attractions

range

Action

Manual bolt action

Bolt Action

The process of manually operating the control bolt lever to eject the spent cartridge, releasing the bolt and inserting a new cartridge into the chamber.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

7. 5 x 54mm France; 7. 62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed

Detachable 10-round box magazine

PERFORMANCE

Max Eff. Range

2,630 ft

(802 m | 877 yd)

Muzzle Velocity

2,560 ft/sec

(780 m/sec)

VARIANTS

FR F1 - Base Series Designation