In 2025, PGM Précision celebrates the 30th years of the PGM Hécate II, an iconic .50 BMG calibre rifle that has proven itself around the world.
Now recognized as the most accurate weapon in its class, the PGM Hécate II has established itself over the years as an international benchmark.
After the creation of the Ultima Ratio in 1991, Gilles Payen, founder of PGM Précision, set out in 1993 to create a high-precision rifle in 12.7 x 99 mm calibre to meet the needs of the French forces during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia : having a rifle capable of accurately engaging targets at very long range but also equipped with a genuine anti-materials capabilities.
Thus began the design of a rifle based on enlarged plans of the Ultima Ratio, which would be named PGM Hécate II in reference to the Greek goddess Hecate, renowned for protecting roads, hunters, and sailors, and for bestowing wisdom and victory.
This rifle was therefore designed from the outset for military use, more specifically for precision shooting, counter-sniping, and anti-material shooting at very long ranges.
After numerous tests, military validations, and improvements, the PGM Hécate II was adopted in 1995 by the French army, over its American competitors, and quickly deployed on the front lines of the war in the Balkans.
Since its creation, PGM Précision has continuously improved the PGM Hécate II to adapt it to the needs of snipers :
All these improvements have helped to perpetuate the excellence of this legendary weapon over the decades so much so that, 30 years after its creation, the PGM Hécate II is still in service in all infantry regiments of the French army and in many foreign countries.
Within the French Army, a major program to upgrade the weapons was carried out by the Army Technical Section (STAT), and the Integrated Structure for the Operational Maintenance of Land Equipment (SIMMT), in the late 2010s. All weapons delivered since 1995 have been modernized to meet the latest standards.
Photo : 3rpima Instagram
The PGM Hécate II now equips the armed forces and elite police units in many countries around the world and it has a proven track record of reliability in all types of environments.
Thanks to a design conceived to allow for evolution over time, and manufacturing of the highest quality, the PGM Hécate II offers unprecedented durability and total reliability.
PGM Précision quickly proposed this weapon to sport shooters, at the same time as highly specialized units requested a longer barrel, particularly to increase penetration capabilities with dedicated ammunition. In response, the PGM Hécate II became available with a 90cm (35.4”) barrel.
Indeed, for long range (LRS) or extreme long range (ELR) shooting in .50 BMG calibre, a 90 cm (35.4”) barrel can replace the original 70 cm (27.5”) barrel to increase ballistic performance. However, few sport shooters in Europe shoot with this calibre, which is only authorized on a limited number of shooting ranges, mainly due to the weapon’s classification.
In 2018, at the request of a loyal sporting shooter customer, a version of the PGM Hécate II was proposed in .416 Barrett calibre to take part in the famous King of 2 Miles competition. Equipped with a custom 90 cm (35.4”) barrel in this promising calibre, this version of the Hécate II quickly became a benchmark in major ELR competitions such as the King of 2 Miles, Extreme Shot Italia, etc.
For shooters who do not need the terminal ballistics of .50 BMG calibre, the ammunition and bullets available in .416 Barrett calibre offer superior intermediate ballistic performance and therefore a better chance of hitting a target located 2 or 3 kilometres away at the first shot.
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