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Wish I'd had that guys' weapon when I was in uniform.

Nothing terribly wrong with carrying a bolt-action rifle like the GIAT FR-F2 into a possible fight- if you have the rest of a company of Legion paras around you for security.

Or the other guy has no clue you're there.
But, you're right. I think I'd prefer the more semi-auto ones like the PSG-1, MSG90 by Heckler&Koch.

Re.: "Nothing terribly wrong with carrying a bolt-action rifle like the GIAT FR-F2 into a possible fight..."

That rifle appears to be based on the MAS M-36 Bolt Action, which is reputed to be one of the strongest and more stable platforms ever designed. They seem to have rigged a MAS 49/56 detatchable box magazine up to it, which would be a tactical improvement.

This system allows for a fairly long barrel in a short package. The M-36 is distinguished not only by it's 2-piece stock, but by the oddly-shaped, forward bent bolt handle. They were originally issued "sans" (a little Francswah Lingo, there) any sort of a "Safety".

Do you know if these are still chambered for the 7.5 X 54MM or are they in 7.62 NATO now?

It is, despite it's updated gadgets, a rather big and klunky looking thing... but I'd fully expect it to hold it's own at 1000 Meters against anything we've got in the .30 cal. Sniping arena.

It is rather doubtful that many Civilians get to play with one of these - but an enterprising 'Smith could probably build something very similar on an M-36 action.