French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.5 French 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $1675
WOA#: WY220906MH006
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G 26979
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 “G26979” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7,5”. Proofmark of “P72” and “P86” in a square outline also stamped on the left side of the receiver. Left, rear side of the receiver marked “C.A.I. ST ALB VT 7,5 FRENCH”. Receiver back cap stamped “G 26979”. The right side of the front sight base is marked “IMT”. 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, “063025” on the barrel. The BCG is marked “BA E”.
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. There is a scattered light and few impression marks and scratches.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 4X 10rd magazines in Excellent Condition with original import grease still intact and residing in original plastic packaging.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visual erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% 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 heads show some use but 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: This rifle comes with its original import items including 4 magazines, a sealed complete cleaning kit, Bayonet, Grenade Launcher attachment, and original rubber buttpad still in sealed packaging. All accessories are in excellent condition and most are still sealed and all are greasy.
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 1972. 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!
