FR F1 FRF1 Sniper Rifle (France)

FR F1 sniper rifle (Fusil à Répétition modèle F1, Repeating rifle model F1, also sometimes spelled as “FRF1”) was a standard issue sniper rifle of French armed forces between 1966 and late 1980s. It was conceived during early ninety sixties as a replacement for the sniper version of the semi-automatic MAS M1949/56 rifle, which proved to be less accurate than expected. During late 1980s FR F1 sniper rifle was replaced in military service by slightly modified FR F2 version which fired 7.62×51 NATO ammunition rather than 7.5×55 M1929 ammunition used in FR F1. However, some of FR F1 rifles used by Gendarmerie Nationale were rebarreled to 7.62×51 NATO during 1980s, because Gendarmes thought that FR F1 sniper rifle better suited their needs than newer FR F2 rifle.

 

FR F1 sniper rifle

FR F1 sniper rifle

 

FR F1 sniper rifle was designed around an improved MAS M1936 action and bolt group, which was strengthened and redesigned to ensure better accuracy. It features manually operated, rotary bolt with dual locking lugs at the rear of the bolt. Ammunition is fed from detachable box magazines with 10-round capacity. Barrel is free floated and equipped with flash hider and adjustable harmonics compensator. Wooden furniture consists of a short but relatively fat forend, wooden shoulder stock and pistol grip. Shoulder stock can be adjusted for length of pull using wooden spacers, and has cheek rest. Rifle is fitted with manual safety, located at the rear of the trigger. Adjustable folding bipod is attached to the forend.

 

FR F1 sniper rifle

FR F1 sniper rifle

 

Standard sighting equipment consist of an APX L 806 3.85X fixed magnification telescopic sight on a quick detachable mount. Back-up iron sights are provided on each rifle. Special target version of the FRF1 sniper rifle featured diopter type rear sight instead of the telescope sight.

Photos by Ian McCollum @ ForgottenWeapons.com

 

Specification Value
Full text name FR F1 FRF1 Sniper Rifle (France)
Caliber cartridge 7.5x54 M1929C, 7.62x51mm NATO / .308 Winchester
Action type manual
Trigger type sa
Overall length, mm 1200
Barrel length, mm 600
Weight empty, kg 5.1
Magazine capacity, rounds 10