French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.62×51 .308 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $905
WOA#: WY230918GM001
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G 92829
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1979
Caliber: 7.62×51, .308 Win
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 “G 92829” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7,62 / .308”. Proofmark of “P73” 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. FRANCE”. The rear of the receiver is stamped “H 06313”. 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, “02709” on the barrel. The top of the bolt is marked “DN 71 / TQ”.
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 with a slide that allows the tensioned rear sight to rise. The left side of the receiver is machined for optic mounts.
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, metal buttplate covered by a removable rubber buttpad, semi-pistol grip, and straight comb. The LOP measures about 13.6” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Side of the receiver has milled out rails for adding accessories. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition. There are no cracks of chips. There is a general spread of scratches and compression marks. The right side of the handguard has a prominent elongated nick and the right side of the buttstock has some more noticeable scratches that have broken the surface of the stock.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Factory Arsenal Refurbished in 1973
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling, though no prominently sharp. There is light erosion throughout but no significant pitting.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% 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 throughout and some finish loss on the leading edges all around.. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for C&R. The screws 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 firearm, it was rearsenaled in 1973. 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! -L.S.
