In the field of firearms technology, I think it can be argued that, when the subject of great sniping rifles is discussed, those offered by the French are rarely considered. This is unfortunate. While precision military rifles produced by that nation are relatively few compared to examples developed by, say, Germany or the United States, a careful study of Gallic long-­range military shooting reveals some interesting, innovative entries. As we shall see, the subject of the article, the relatively recent Fusil à Répétition modèle F2 (FRF2) is easily one of the most intriguing, subtly elegant, and effective of its type.

The lineage of French sniper rifles hearkens back to World War I where, like those of other nations, an arm was cobbled-­up from an existing battle rifle, in this case the Mle 1886 M93 “Lebel” 8mm bolt action. Fitted by various methods with an optic adopted from one used on artillery pieces, the gun proved effective enough, especially when the scope was serially upgraded to reflect the needs of the battlefield. Useful though it may have been, the limited numbers in which it was issued reflected a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the authorities. They were elusive in Great War trenches and, thus, today are rarely encountered on the collector market.

Throughout the inter- ­and immediately post-­war years, France produced no sniping arms of significance. It was not until circa 1971 that a scoped arm built on the MAS 49-­56 MSE semiautomatic repeater appeared, though it was not actually intended for combat use but as an international service rifle competition arm. Unfortunately, its abilities were somewhat hampered by a mediocre scope, the 3.85X APX L806 (03).

Cognizant of the ’49-­56 MSE’s inadequacies as a precision rifle, the French embarked on a new program, resulting in the FR (Fusil à Répétition) series. Commencing in 1966, rather than using an existing platform, the French decided to produce an entirely new arm. As we shall see, features seen on previous service arms were judiciously melded into the project.

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The subject gun’s action was a beefed-­up version of the French MAS-36 service rifle, “MAS” being the initials of its maker Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-­Étienne. It was an unusual slab-­sided affair that accommodated a one-­piece bolt with odd-­looking but surprisingly ergonomic dog-­leg handle. Designed in 1936 for use in conjunction with a 7.5x54mm rimless round, which was originally intended for machine guns, the bolt was simple and robust enough to ably perform its task. Employing dual rear locking lugs, a sturdy extractor and minimal internals, it was easy to disassemble and service. Like earlier French military rifles, the ’36 had no safety. Unlike the MAS-36 action, which had a solid floorplate, cartridges being loaded through its top, the modified receiver accommodated a 10-­round removable magazine, the magazine catch being a robust, accessible lever sited on its left side.

 Due to the action’s physiognomy, a two-­piece stock consisting of butt and forend defined the arm’s overall silhouette. The stock maintained some features of the ’49-­56 such as an added pistol grip, easily removable plastic cheekpiece and stock-­lengthening wooden inserts. A folding bipod arrangement, employing dual height-­adjustable legs was attached on either side of the rear of the forend.

While the basic MAS 36 action was used as a model for the new Fusil, its new incarnation, as noted, was strengthened to improve its accuracy. A simple, manually operated rotating lever is found at the rear of the triggerguard to provide the rifle with a positive safety without having to alter any of the action’s internals. Turning the lever into the downward position effectively blocks the trigger from moving completely backward and tripping the sear. Trigger pull was lightened to between 4.4 and 4.8 pounds, and the 21.8-­inch barrel, which jutted out a considerable distance from the gun’s abbreviated forend, was free-­floated and tipped with a flash hider that could be revolved to align the hider’s apertures with the grooves of the rifling. Sighting included improved adjustable iron sights and a variant of the 3.85X APX L806 scope.

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The Fusil à Répétition modèle F1 (FRF1), as the new piece was called, was adopted by the French military in 1966. Deemed a creditable piece of hardware, it was hampered by mediocre optics and a proprietary round. While an OK service cartridge, it did have somewhat less potency than the 7.62x51mm NATO round. Though the FRF1 was used by French forces for a number of years as its principal sniping rifle, in 1980, by which time France had joined NATO, new priorities were set. These included a rechambering of the gun to 7.62 NATO, a complete revamping of its optics and a reconfiguring of a number of features to those deemed desirable. Accordingly, work was begun on the successor to the FRF1.

It was decided that an entirely new scope would be employed. Patriotically, it was designed and produced by a French optics manufacturer. Requirements were 8X fixed-­power magnification; it would have to be able to be easily focused and the reticle incorporate a rangefinding arrangement. As there were few optic makers in France, selecting a contractor for the successor to the APX L806 was not all that difficult. The chosen company was Scrome, a firm heretofore known for providing optical devices for such arms and pieces as artillery, mortars and cameras. Up to this time, Scrome had never essayed a riflescope.

What was finally adopted was a worthy, steel-­body scope, the Scrome J8 8x40mm. It was easily adjustable vertically and horizontally in mils using a pair of dial turrets, and incorporated a traditional eyepiece focus. Fitted with an integral mount that allowed the scope to be easily attached and removed to a rail atop the receiver, the rail and mount arrangement was also set up to allow variable positioning for correct eye relief.

The lens of the J8 included a clever reticle that permitted the shooter to determine and correct for ranges from 200 to 800 meters. At first glance, the display looks a bit complicated. When one gets accustomed to its eccentricities, it is revealed as a simple and extremely practical arrangement.

As successful as the J8 was, there were others in the French military who preferred alternatives. The air force adopted a 6x42mm Schmidt & Bender, for example, the Gendarmerie a 3-­12x50mm Schmidt & Bender or 10x42mm Leupold, and the navy commandos a 1.5-­6x42mm Schmidt & Bender. All could be handily adapted to the new arm.

The Fusil à Répétition modèle F2 (FRF2), while basically retaining most of the F1’s action mechanics, was otherwise given a considerable makeover. Now chambering 7.62 NATO, the F1 receiver was appropriately modified. The floating barrel concept was retained, though it was enclosed within a polymer thermal heatshield forend, the front of which was fitted with a flexible enclosure between it and the flashguard to capture any hot air generated during firing. Molded into the top of the shield was a rudimentary blade-and-notch sight arrangement to enable the rifle to be fired at close range, sans optics.

The FRF2 bipod employs two sturdy, easily height-­adjustable legs within a swivel set-up mounted between the action and the handguard. It permitted fluid movement of the rifle without causing the shooter to have to alter the positions of the legs. As well, the underside of the handguard has a removable rubber cover that gives a shooter a non-­slip surface to quickly enable the firer to rest the rifle on an opportunistic platform without having to deploy the bipod.

The final product was a svelte, stylish longarm, looking quite unlike anything else in the inventories of other nations. The overall length was 441/2 inches, barrel length 24 inches, and weight 11 pounds. Adopted in 1986, the FRF2 service period continued for some number of years thereafter, eventually being replaced by the FR.G series of sniper rifles. Issued four per infantry platoon during its service life, the FRF2 was employed in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, Mali and other venues. No more than about 3,000 were ultimately manufactured, however.

After being removed from service and put into Gendarmerie stores, the arms were held back from civilian sales until recently when they were finally ferreted out and rescued by Val Forgett, president of Navy Arms who, relying on contacts enjoyed by old family connections, managed to strike a deal with the French and purchase what arms were available. Unfortunately, due to bureaucratic regulations and red tape, the guns’ original Scrome telescopic sights were not included in the deal.

Concurrently with FRF2 negotiations, Navy Arms was also able to score a cache of No.4 Enfields used by the French resistance during World War II, as well as a quantity of MAC Model 1950 pistols, all of which are purveyed by Navy Arms.

The lack of glass caused Forgett to figure out an alternative. With the help of Curt Wolf of U.S. Armament, a firm known for reproducing Gatling Gun and 1903 Colt copies, among others, a replacement mount with Picatinny rail was sourced, thus permitting users to handily fit any preferred scope of choice to the unit.

In time, the French government decided the Scrome scopes could be released to the civilian market, so Forgett acquired what was available. Unfortunately, there were not enough to equip every rifle purchased, but his foresight in building new rail mounts paid off, ensuring that any FRF2 sold by Navy Arms would be capable of accepting an optic, be it an original Scrome or commercial substitute.

When purchasing the FRF2, Navy Arms realized that some number of the rifles would be in good enough condition to sell as-­is, while others would need some sort of tidying-­up. The guns were graded, dealt with, and priced accordingly. Refurbished rifles cost $8,995 — sans glass — and cost of an original varies depending upon condition and whether or not they are scoped. All guns sold by Navy Arms have been carefully inspected and tested for functioning, so there are no concerns about performance.

Whether redone or as-issued, each rifle comes with an accessory pack that includes the U.S. Armament steel scope mount; steel bipod with adjustable legs; two removable wood stock spacers; two removable black plastic cheek pieces; two removable 10-­round magazines with black rubber bases; a nylon two-­mag pouch; field carrying bag; nylon sling with snap connectors; plastic oil bottle; cloth pull-­through with brass lead; angled steel takedown tool; nylon pouch for carrying pull-­through; takedown tool; and original field manual in French.

For my shooting evaluation, Navy Arms supplied Guns & Ammo with two rifles, a handsome original in untouched condition with Scrome scope, and a nicely restored refurb topped with a Nightforce NXS 2.5-­10x42mm. The Scrome scopes are sold separately from rifles and offered in three grades. Pricing ranges $3,350 for A1, $2,995 for A and $2,540 for B. All have the original mount installed for quick attaching and come in the original factory hardside carry case complete with spare adjustment knobs, sunshade, lens cap, rubber eyecup, adjustment tool, and brush. A hardside field case is also provided.

Initial inspection of the arms revealed both had two-­stage triggerpulls with a crisp 41/2 pounds. Scopes using either the military or new mounts were easily removed and secured with no change in zero.

The bipod allowed excellent flexibility on the bench or in the prone position. I was able to easily select and install the cheekpiece appropriate to my particular hold. The buttstock lengths on both were perfect, so it was not necessary to alter them. While inspecting the dovetailed block extender arrangement, I could tell that it would not present any problem to make an adjustment.

The guns’ unique silhouette and unfamiliar action style did cause some interest and conversation from other shooters at the range. When I later let a couple handle the rifles, they both eventually extolled the virtues and admitted it was definitely not at all as alien as it appeared when first viewed.

Both F2 samples were run-­through at the range. Chosen ammo was HSM 168-­grain hollowpoint boattail (HPBT) match .308, Federal 149-­grain full-metal-jacket (FMJ) 7.62 NATO and Winchester 147-­grain FMJ 7.62 NATO. I suspected that the real challenge would be to navigate the Scrome reticle setup. With a little practice, we found it was quite easy to manage, effective and easily adjusted. The crosshairs of the Nightforce were straightforward and required no learning curve. We soon had both rifles consistently ringing 300-­yard gongs — the farthest distance at our disposal — with all three brands of ammunition. The task was performed effortlessly. The rifles were comfortable and shouldered well. Ten rounds could be run through the mags with no hang-­ups; feeding was impeccable.

Moving to 100 yards, more serious accuracy testing was essayed with both F2 rifles living up to our expectations. Best spreads were achieved with the HSM ammo, but only by a skosh over the other two brands. The most fun was had with the Scrome scope; mastering its interesting sighting arrangement was a kick and not at all difficult. Five-­shot groups averaged 1¼ inches with the HSM and 1½ inches with the Winchester and Federal loads. Several spreads were sub-one-inch. Neither setup disappointed. 

Unquestionably, for its time, the FRF2 was a quality sniper, and one that can still provide considerable joy in the field or at the range. It would be an interesting conversation piece in any gun room. For more information about pricing and availability of FRF2 rifles, visit Navy Arms at navyarms.com.