French MAS MLE 49/56 .308 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $910
WOA#: WY220829EU001
Make: MAS
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: H05371
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1979
Caliber: 308 (7.62mm)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “ H05371” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7.62 .308 CAL” and “CAI ST. ALP VT FRANCE”. Receiver back cap stamped “10391”. Top of the barrel marked with intervals “9-19” and the top of rear sight is marked from “1-13.”
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is post sight with protective ears along with a grenade launching sight. Has an adjustable elevation peep rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with a nylon handle on the bolt carrier. The LOP measures 13” 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 Very Good+ overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is clear. There is minimal erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some wear around the rear sight muzzle device. A few dings in the fore- and buttstock. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
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: Two detachable magazines, grenade sight
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. Century Arms International rechambered these imported firearms from the French 7.5mm to 7.62mm NATO (308) which reports say cause some issues but don’t discount this Cold War era semi-auto rifle yet. Sturdy, versatile, and easy to maintain in less-than-stellar environments: three key things gun owners want in their firearms and three things that the MAS MLE 49/56 offers.
