French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.5 French 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle, Grenade Launcher C&R

SOLD FOR: $755

WOA#: WY230815VH006

Make:  Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France

Model: MLE 1949-56

Serial Number: H 03492

Year of Manufacture: 1956-1979

Caliber: 7.5 French

Action Type:  Semi-Automatic with Detachable Magazine. The front of the bolt body has an integral stripper clip guide for loading the magazine while inserted.

Markings:  Left side of receiver marked “H 03492” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7,5”. Proofmark of “P66” in a square outline also stamped on the left side of the receiver.  Left, rear side of the receiver marked “C.I.A. ALB. VT 7.5 FRENCH”.  The rear of the receiver is stamped “H 03492”.  Top of the barrel is marked with intervals “9-19” and the top of the rear sight is marked from “2-12.”  Underneath the grenade launcher sight is marked, “44292” on the barrel.  The BCG is marked “DE” with proof mark.

Barrel Length: 19.5”. 20” with Flash Hider.

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a tall post, set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture attached to a sliding escalator. A screw on the right rear allows for adjustment for windage. It is marked from “2-12”. The left side of the receiver has a scope rail machined into it.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stock is wood with a nylon handle on the bolt carrier. The three piece hardwood stock has a barrel band with sling ring, sling well with sling bar and a metal buttplate.  The LOP measures about 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. Side of the receiver has rails for adding accessories. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.  The stock is pretty clean from any scratches aside from loose storage marks that are hardly noticeable.  There is discoloration where the stocks meet the receiver.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is dulled. There is erosion throughout.  There is a small bulge near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some wear around the muzzle device and where the magazine clips in. There are some light scratches.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition. The screw remain sharp. The markings are clear.

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:  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 in 1966.  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!

French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.5 French 20" Semi-Auto Rifle, Grenade Launcher C&R
French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.5 French 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle, Grenade Launcher C&R