FR F1

The FR F1 was designed around the 7.5×54mm MAS cartridge but versions in 7.62×51mm NATO also exist. It was equipped with a telescopic sight, French army standard issue being an Model 53 bis. Its practical range is 800 meters.[4] It is a very accurate sniper rifle, due to its quality, rear locking helical lugs that cam the bolt forward during closure to obtain optimal cartridge seating, free-floating barrel and efficient combined muzzle brake/stabilizer that dampens the barrel vibrations.

The FR F1 utilizes the same basic bolt design as the older MAS-36 infantry rifle.[4] The MAS-36 bolt action was however extensively modified and strengthened to reduce accuracy-inhibiting flex.[5] The FR-F1 was fitted with a bipod with fully adjustable legs, mid-way along the length of the rifle.[4]

Three variants have been produced: the sniper rifle model A , the Tir sportif (target rifle) model B and the Grande chasse, for Big-game hunting, with APX 804 sight.[4]

•  France: Used by the French army, but now replaced by the FR F2 sniper rifle.[6] Snipers of the 2nd Parachute Regiment (Regiment Etranger Parachutiste; 2 REP) of the French Foreign Legion used FR F1 rifles when deployed to the Shaba province in southern Zaire in May 1978.[6] The FR F1 rifle was also used by the GIGN counter-terrorist group in the rescue of 30 school children during a 1976 bus hijacking in Djibouti.[7]
•  Mauritania[8]
•  Morocco: Used by Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie.[9]

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  FR F1.
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  FR F1.