After about 2 years or working and waiting, my FR-F1 has arrived from France – so it’s time to get it zeroed! I am using the only commercial ammo available in the us; PPU 139gr FMJ (caliber 7.5x54mm). To properly show the accuracy this rifle is capable of, I will need to handload the ammo, and find a better shooter to use it.
General Purpose MGs
France in the Cold War: AA52 Replaces the Hotchkiss
For another perspective on the AA52 – and some live fire footage – check out Bloke on the Range’s video on the gun today: With the end of World War Two, it was finally time […]
Bayonet
The French Finger Trap: Because Soldiers Will Be Soldiers…
Soldiers will be soldiers…give them something that *can* be screwed up, and they *will* screw it up. Haven’t ordered a copy of Chassepot to FAMAS yet? You can place your order right now!
Bolt Action Rifles
ASAC Presentation: Development of French Military Repeating Rifles
At the Fall 2021 meeting of the American Society of Arms Collectors, I had the opportunity to make a presentation on the development of French military repeating rifles. The story begins with the Mle 1874 […]
Ian’s integrity is apparent, he does not fudge anything. Nothing to worry about Ian, you do well and have lots of experience.
Results on target do vary. One before last shoot I felt almost proud of result, but the last one was disappointment. Same ammo, same rifle. What should I make out of it? Nothing, it happens.
For now, let’s call it “flyers” 🙂
You may get improved results, if you use the tip/pad of your trigger finger instead of placing your finger all the through the trigger guard. Just my .02 cents.
Was going to tell him myself, observed he has the habit of doing so.
Something to consider is the possible effect of the barrel warming up.
I had a Lee Enfield No 1 MK III* with a Parker Hale peep sight that changed point of impact as the barrel warmed up. After the first shot I had to move two clicks up, then after the second shot, four clicks up. Shots then stayed in the bull until the barrel cooled down. I would then move six clicks down and repeat the process. I don’t know why, that’s just the way that rifle shot.
Ian, as you said, it’s just standard FMJ ammo. with proper reloads, You’ll definitely see some improvement. Also, next time, use send sock for rear support.
I am sure it is an optical illusion, or my bad eyesight, but the front shade of the scope seems to be slanted down by the end of the video …
I always make scope adjustments one at a time. Windage usually firrst, then elevation. I don’t remember where I picked it up, probably back in the sixties reading gun magazines.
Your second group was a dandy.
Super important in case either the scope isn’t level in the rings or the shooting posture doesn’t keep the rifle itself perfectly level as both adjustments will move the POI diagonally
What is that tiny little scope atop the rifle?
Looks like APX L806 model 1953
The trigger seems to require a very long amount of travel for a “single-stage” trigger.
The scope’s ocular lens housing is banging into your cap bill when you are shooting. This makes the shooter a bit ‘punchy’ and contributes to flinching.
wrong hat?
Very, very impressive second group! That drifting zero is a feature of every European scope that I’ve ever owned and shot. The EU seems to require that scopes break by the tenth shot.
Maybe if your European scope is over fifty years old. Never had this issues with IOR Valdada, Zeiss or Schmidt & Bender scopes of recent manufacture.
Did you try getting more FAMAS mags when you were importing this?
It’s hard to come by educated people about this topic, but you sound like you
know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Accurate or not, that’s a cool looking rifle. Very unique.
I bet with some work it will do quite well.
I am sure you will figure out various tweaks with ammo and trigger pull. Great video; looking forward to one with Karl putting it through its paces. Darn good looking rifle, to boot.
Ian I was given 5 boexes of ammunition tagged 7.5 Lebel. I have no use for it. Could I send it to you?
The second group could not be an accident. It was spectacular. Looks like a loose scope mount or bedding issue?