French MAS MLE 49/56 .308 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher, C&R
SOLD FOR: $850
WOA#: WY230403WF004
Make: MAS
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G 57790
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1979
Caliber: .308 Win
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “G 57790 MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7.62 308”, “C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. MADE IN FRANCE”, “P78”. The top of the bolt is marked “DN 72” and “TS”. The bolt is marked “1.77”.
Barrel Length: 19”. 20” grenade launcher attachment.
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 buttplate and 13.5 to the back of the removable rubber buttpad. SIde of the receiver has rails for adding accessories. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. There are no chips or cracks. There are however some deep nicks and scratches on the left side of the stocks as well as on the bottom of the traditional pistol grip.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One original magazine in Very Good condition. The leading edges are sharp and the spring is strong.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is dulled. There is erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some wear around the rear sight muzzle device as well as some corrosion. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: This rifle comes with a total of one magazine as well as its removable rubber buttpad.
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. 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!