It's the FRF2 replacement in the squad. The FRF2 is the current DMR.
Why is the French military replacing the FR-F2 Rifle? Is there something wrong with it?
Hi Riley, a very good and valid question. there is nothing wrong with the FR-F2. In fact it is an extremely precise weapon. I’ve fired it on several occasions, never in anger (which is a pretty dumb expression as you are not going to shoot someone’s head off because you’re worked up.) No in fact at balloons from up to 500 metres away. I’m not a trained sniper which is why we fired at a ‘relatively‘ short distance. In the FFL, you are expected to be able to pick up any legionnaire's weapon and be able to use it effectively. Although the two times we were doing night shooting, I was away. What I can tell you is that it has a slight kick, so unless you are regularly shooting with it, be prepared to readjust your position each time. It is fairly light between 5.1 and 5.3 kgs depending on which manual you are using.
A quick side step here The FR F2 replaced the FR F1 in ’86 the FR stands for
Fusil à Répétition. When I did my corporal's course, the weapons instructor weighed each of the weapons on scales in front of us and that was the answer that we were to give on our final exam.
OK, back on target, so to speak. Since it was first introduced in 86 as the FRF1’s replacement (not to be confused with when it was first produced)(there have been several small but significant changes to it. One of which was a black plastic sleeve to reduce its thermal image. Also hot desert conditions it helped to keep the barrel cooler.
It is a bolt action precision rifle accurate up to 800 m with a magazine of 10 NATO standard 7.62 rounds.
The French
Ministère des Armées published an Invitation To Tender for 2,600 precision rifles to replace the 7.62mm FR-F2 bolt action sniper rifle in August of last year. Basically it is in ‘order to keep up with their allies’. The British and the US have marksmen rifles which are much better.
I’ll compare it with the Brit L129A1 sniper rifle. It is
semi automatic and has a box magazine of 20 rounds. It is fitted with sights that can be used for long distances and short range, for close quarter combat zones and weighs a little over 4 kg. Accurate up to 800 m.
