FR-F2

The FR F2 (Fusil à Répétition modèle F2) is a development of the earlier FR F1 sniper rifle, produced by GIAT Industries. It entered service with the French armed forces in 1986 as their standard sniper rifle, intended for engaging point targets out to 800 metres. In August 2018 the French government issued a tender for a replacement, and the FR F2 was subsequently withdrawn from French service in favour of the FN SCAR PR and the HK417.

The FR F2 is a manually operated bolt-action rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO. Its bolt is derived from that of the MAS-36 infantry rifle, though extensively modified and strengthened to reduce flex affecting accuracy, a change first introduced on the FR F1. The barrel is free-floated, fitted with a flash hider, and covered along much of its length by a polymer shroud providing thermal shielding. GIAT studies produced a three-groove conical barrel: tapering the bore from the throat area through the first 100 mm and again at the muzzle reduced wear caused by propellant gases passing the projectile. The bipod-and-stock arrangement differs from that of the FR F1, with the bipod mounted just ahead of the receiver. The manual safety sits at the rear of the trigger. Backup iron sights on top of the barrel shroud are fitted as standard on every F2. Optical sights vary by service: the APX L806, with bullet drop compensation calibrated for 7.62×51mm NATO from 100 to 800 m in 100 m increments, and the SCROME J8 were used by the Army, the Nightforce NXS by the Air Force, and the Schmidt & Bender 6×42 mil-dot by the Navy. The rifle was also issued as part of the FÉLIN infantry combat system, fitted with the SAGEM Sword Sniper optic combining a telescopic sight, thermal weapon sight and laser rangefinder.

Beyond France, the FR F2 has been used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces and by Ukraine. Estonia previously operated the rifle before replacing it with the Sako TRG.