France’s Army has officially kicked off the search for a replacement for its FR-F2 bolt-action sniper rifle.
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According to Jane’s 360, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the government agency responsible for procuring weapons for the French military, issued a tender on Aug. 18 that called for 2,600 new rifles which have officially been designated the Fusil de Précision Semi-Automatique, or FPSA.
The tender also stipulates that interested parties deliver 2,800 night sights—which includes 1,800 image intensifiers and 1,000 thermal sights— as well as some 6.3 million rounds of 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition, to be split between precision and perforating ammunition. In addition, all necessary maintenance and training equipment, spares and technical information should be included.
Jane’s speculates that Heckler & Koch are in the running to get the contract. This makes sense, given that the HK416 F is now the standard rifle of the French Armed Forces, and the HK417 has been used by “certain frontline” French Army units in place of the FR-F2, Jane’s says.
Manufacturers have until Oct. 5, 2018 to submit a proposal on the FPSA.
The FR-F2 has been used by the French Army since 1986. That rifle was itself an upgraded version of the FR-F1 made by state-owned MAS, or Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne. Via Sniper Central, see a quick rundown of the specs for each. Below, you can also check a video taking you through the history of each rifle.
France FR-F1 & FR-F2 Specs
FR-F1 | FR-F2 | |
---|---|---|
Caliber | 7.5x54mm | 308 Win (7.62x51mm NATO) |
Barrel | 23.60″ (600 mm) | 25.57″ (650 mm) |
OA Length | 44.77″ (1138 mm) | 47.21″ (1200 mm) |
Weight | 12.44 lbs (5.65 kg) Loaded | 12.75 lbs. (5.80 kg) Loaded |
Twist | FR-F1 : 1:11.8″ RH, 4 Grooves | 1:11.6″ RH, 3 Grooves |
Action | Bolt | Bolt |
Sights | 3.8x Power APX scope | 6X Power scope |
Trigger | 4.4 – 4.8 lbs | 4.4 – 4.8 lbs |
Capacity | 10 | 10 |