Milsurp After Hours

I came across these images on the nettie, French troops in Afghanistan, can anyone tell me what the rifle is?

Joe

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2315/1 ... 016jpg.jpg[/pic]

http://tof.canardpc.com/view/a90d1c37-0 ... da8843.jpg[/pic]

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2017 ... 069jpg.jpg[/pic]

Action looks like a MAS 36,I remember reading about a sniper based off that? maybe that's what it is?

Here is my guess.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR_F2_sniper_rifle

The sniper in these photos is using the Fusil à Répétition Modèle F2 (FRF2) with the Société de Conception et de Réalisation Opto-Mécanique et Électronique (SCROME) lunette de tireur d'élite (LTE) J8 F1 Scope.
Calibre of weapon is 7.62 NATO (OTAN)
Patrick

Thanks for the leads Gents. Interesting rifle based on the old MAS36 receiver, unusual bipod mount too.

Joe

http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarm ... rms_id=170

The FR F2 remains the standard sniper rifle of the French Army. It is a bolt-action operated system built upon the strengths of the FR-F1 before it.

After the FR F1 sniper rifle was put into practical use, some improvements were requested by the French Army, resulting in the all-new FR F2. The FR F2 remains largely unchanged from her predecessor with perhaps the biggest difference between the two rifles being the use of a thermal sleeve which encompasses the barrel. This not only dissipated any heat signature developed by the barrel as seen through an enemy's infrared vision device, it also reduced the affects of heat haze contaminating the telescopic sight view as well as reflective glints.

Additional improvements resulted in the bipod assembly being relocated closer to the receiver allowing for easier adjustments without the operator having to lurch forward. The bipod hangs off of a yoke fitted to the aft portion of the barrel. The barrel is of 21.73 inches in length and is of a 4 groove, right-hand twist attachment. The forend if constructed of steel and the weapon operated from a 10-round detachable box magazine, this inserted just ahead of the trigger group. Ammunition is of the 7.62x51mm NATO standard. The proven bolt-action system of the FR F1 - itself the same system as found in the 1936 MAS-36 infantry bolt-action rifle - remains unchanged in the improved FR F2. Standard-issue telescopic sights include the SCROME J8 and APX L806 series allowing for precision at up to 800 meters.

Construction was provided initially by Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne (MAS), which became a part of GIAT Industries and, itself, is now known as NEXTER.

From my freind kelt

The FRF2 chambering the 7.62x51 Nato round has a very specific 3 grooves conical barrel, the first 100mm of the grooves is tappered, thus reducing the wear and friction losses while insuing very consistant bullet speed/accuracy.
Targets have been taken out at ungoldy ranges with the FRF2/J8 Scrome scope.