French MAS 49/56 18.5” Barrel in 7.5×54 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $775.00
WOA#: WY240316RG012
Make: French, MAS
Model: 49/56
Serial Number: H20662
Year of Manufacture: 1958-60
Caliber: 7.5×54 French
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Box Mag
Markings: This rifle is marked, “H20662 / MAS MLE 1949-56 / CAL. 7.5” The bolt is marked, “DN 72 / TS” The dust cover is marked with the Century import mark.
Barrel Length: 18.5” 20” with the muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: This rifle has an adjustable front cone post with protective wings, the rear sight is an adjustable tangent rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a three piece smooth wood furniture set with finger grooves in the forend, semi-pistol grip, and flat steel buttplate. There are only minor pressure dents. There is a screwed in cheek riser. The LOP is 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock rates in at about Excellent overall condition for a C&R rifle.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 10 round magazine in Very Good condition
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 6/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about % of its metal finish. The barrel is worn of most of its finish, the receiver has small spots of finish thinning. There are small scratches on the barrel and receiver. The screw heads are unmarred, the markings are visible. The internals are lightly worn from use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for a C&R.
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: None.
Our Assessment: The French MAS 49/56 is a semi-automatic rifle developed in the mid-20th century by Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS). It was adopted by the French military in 1957 as an updated version of the earlier MAS 49. Chambered in 7.5x54mm French, later variants were modified to accept the more common 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. One of the distinctive features of the MAS 49/56 is its detachable magazine, holding 10 rounds of ammunition. This allowed for quicker reloading compared to the integrated magazine of its predecessor. The rifle also featured a direct impingement gas system, contributing to its reliable semi-automatic operation.
Throughout its service life, the MAS 49/56 saw action in numerous conflicts, including the Algerian War and various peacekeeping missions. Despite being replaced by more modern firearms in French military service, the MAS 49/56 remains a respected and collectible rifle, valued for its historical significance, robust construction, and unique design features. -R.E.
