MAS FR F2

History of the MAS FR F2

The standard sniper rifle of the modern French Army, the FR F2, is a proven bolt-action system built on Cold War-era advantages of the FR F1, dating back to 1966 The FR F2 was developed after the actual use of the FR F1 and was modified at the request of the French Army. This resulted in the all-new FR F2, which remained largely unchanged from its predecessor in every respect, with perhaps the biggest difference between the two being the use of a thermowell (for enemy IR devices) that wraps the thermal signature of the barrel.

It also reduces the impact of "heat fog" that contaminates the line of sight through the range. The shield also prevents bounce flashes, which can reveal where the shooter is at range and sunlight.

Other improvements result in the bipod assembly being closer to the receiver, allowing for easier adjustment without the operator staggering forward. The bipod was suspended from a yoke attached to the rear of the barrel. The barrel is 21.73 inches long with a 4-slot right-hand attachment. The front end is made of steel, and the weapon is powered by a detachable 10-round magazine that is deployed in front of the trigger group.

Ammunition is NATO standard 7.62 x 51 mm. The FR F1's proven bolt-action system - itself identical to the 1936 infantry bolt-action rifle MAS-36 - remains unchanged in the improved FR F2. The standard range includes the SCROME J8 and APX L806 series, which are accurate to 800 yards.

Originally constructed by Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne (MAS), which became part of GIAT Industries and is even now called NEXTER.

In addition to serving in the French army, the FR F2 also served in the Latvian and Lithuanian armies.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service

1984

Origins

France

Categories

bolt-action sniper rifle

Manufacturer

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

Operator

France;Latvia;Lithuania

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

Barrel length

650mm

25. 59 inches

Cured weight

11.68 lbs

5.30 kg

Attractions

Various ranges

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*

7.62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed

Detachable 10-round magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

2,624 feet

(800m | 875m)

Mile speed

2,690 ft/s

(820m/s)

Changes

FR F2 - Improved form of the FR F1 bolt-action rifle; new thermowell on barrel; misplaced bipod assembly; steel front over plastic.