C&R French MAS MLE 49/56 7.62 NATO Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $905
WOA#: WY230324RL002
Make: MAS
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: H 07855
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1962
Caliber: 308 (7.62mm)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “H 07855” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL 7,62 308”. Proofmark of “P75” in a square outline is also stamped on the left side of the receiver. Receiver back cap stamped “31230”. Top of the barrel is marked “75394” with intervals “9-19” on the grenade launcher and the top of the rear sight is marked from “1-12.” The right side of the front sight is marked “IMT”. The rear right side of the receiver is marked with the import stamp”. The top of the BCG is marked, “GG”.
Barrel Length: 19”. 20” with the fixed flash hider/grenade launcher
Sights / Optics: The front sight is post sight with protective ears along with a grenade launching sight. Has an adjustable elevation peep rear sight. The left side of the receiver is mounted with a scope mount and is fitted with a BARSKA 15-4.5X20 scope.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with a nylon handle on the bolt carrier. The LOP measures 13.6” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Side of the receiver has scope mount rails. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The 3 piece wood stock has some compression marks and scratches. The left side of the buttstock has a sling bar as well as a sling ring on the left side of the barrel band. They have an original Fontainebleau leather sling attached.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is no minor to no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows loose storage wear all over the receiver on both sides as well as on top of the BCG. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition for a C&R rifle.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: MAS MLE Grenade Launcher Muzzle Attachment, 2 magazines, leather sling, rubber buttpad, attached scope.
Our Assessment: Oh la la! A mil-surplus that some might call the ugly step-sister of the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine, this rifle offers flexibility with its lightweight build, detachable magazine, and rifle grenade launcher. Based on the marks on this firearms, it was rearsenaled by Century Arms to the 7.62 Nato .308 caliber. The MAS MLE 1949 was the standard infantry rifle for the French military from 1956-1979 before it was replaced with the now notorious FAMAS. These rifles are one of the longest running rifles to date as they were initially developed during WWI as the MAS 40. The 1949/56 is the final iteration of the MAS evolution and the time and battle tested development makes these particular rifles some of the most successful rifles in firearms history. The final stage in its evolution was the need to adapt to modern combat. War had changed since WWII to the peak of the Cold War. Enemies were no longer exclusively on the ground, but were held up in buildings, helicopters, and vehicles. The result was a much shorter barrel to its predecessor as well as a NATO standard 22mm internal diameter grenade launcher with a new gas cut off system. These are sturdy, versatile, and easy to maintain in less-than-stellar environments, which are three key things gun owners want in their firearms and three things that the MAS MLE 49/56 offers. Don’t miss this chance to add this exemplary and historically rich rifle to your collection! Happy Bidding!