French MAS MLE 1936-51 7.5x54mm 24.5″ Bolt-Action Rifle, Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $725
WOA#:WY230202DD001
Our Assessment: The French MAS MLE 1936 is the first in line of the MAS family of firearms. It began development early in the proceedings of WWI as France began preparing and bulking up their military power before another War could begin. Ironically, the French were correct in their speculation as WWII would soon begin and a German invasion on French land would ensue. The MLE 1936 was the first step in a 3 series plan to ready the military with more efficient infantry rifles that were converted to the new 7.5x54mm rounds. The effort was admirable but their development of semi automatic rifles was slowed down and when WWII began, France found itself completely outmatched. Germany literally came into the game gun blazing with fully automatic weaponry and their newly formed and evolving Blitzkrieg warfare. The limited availability, heavy and long 5 round capacity bolt action rifles were of almost no help against such a force that France quickly surrendered. It wouldn’t be until the United States liberated France from German control that the French would resume production of their semi Automatic Rifles, the MAS MLE 40. The reputation of the MAS 36 became the “rifle that was never fired and only dropped once” as pictures emerged of the French surrender and MAS 36 rifles piled up in front of German soldiers. The French MAS 1936-51 is a MAS 36 equipped with a 22 mm NATO standard rifle grenade launcher. This is a C & R rifle worth adding to any collection. If you are a big time historical military collector or a gun enthusiast wanting to have fun with a classic bolt action rifle then this is a perfect opportunity to grab one. The MAS 36 is one of the longest serving rifles in firearms history as it has been used throughout WW2 and well into the 1st Indochina War. Good luck and happy bidding!
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1936-51
Serial Number: F 52559
Year of Manufacture: 1937 – 1952
Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Center Fire
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MAS MLE 1936-51 F 52559” and “CAI ST ALB VT. 7.5 France.” The rear of the bolt body is marked “D M”. The bolt charging handle is marked with a matching serial number “ F 52559”. The top of the receiver is marked E B G”. . The integrated grenade launcher is marked “10-38”. The grenade launcher sights are marked, “100 / 75 / 50 / A 120 F”. The left side of the handguard is marked, “F” with X’d out numbers. The rear sight is marked 2-12 with a proof mark in the center.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a sliding aperture marked from “2-12”. Behind the front sight is a fold up grenade launcher ladder sight that rests in a cutout in the stock. The left side of the front band has an adjuster for the grenade launcher from 80 meters to 380 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The three piece wood stock has a traditional smooth pistol grip, finger grooves in the handguard, barrel band with sling ring, a sling well with sling bar and a metal butt plate. The buttplate has some dings and scratches. The wood has some very light scrapes, scratches & compression marks. The wood shows several areas of discoloration on the buttstock. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Wood, Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The barrel is counterbored about a 1/2 inch back from the muzzle. The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. The bore is bright and there is no visible erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The metal shows light wear where the receiver meets the front stock. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. This rifle was made without a safety. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a grenade launcher mounted onto the barrel, in Fine condition.