Type Sniper rifle Used by See Users Produced 1966-1980 | Place of origin France Manufacturer MAS GIAT Industries Weight 5.3 kg | |
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The FR F1 is a precision rifle used by French sharpshooters. It was manufactured by MAS (an abbreviation of Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne - one of several government-owned arms factories in France). It has been upgraded to FR F2 standard, and is still in service with all branches of French armed forces in this version. It was first designed around the 7.5×54mm MAS cartridge before being converted to 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition when it was upgraded to FR F2 standard. It was equipped with a telescopic sight, French army standard issue being an APX L806. Its practical range is 600 to 800 meters. It is a very accurate sniper rifle, due to its quality, free-floating barrel and efficient combined muzzle brake/stabilizer that dampens the barrel vibrations. The FR F1 utilizes the same bolt design as the older MAS-36 infantry rifle. The FR-F1 was fitted with a bipod with fully adjustable legs, mid-way along the length of the rifle.