French MAS MLE 49/56 .308 Semi-Auto Rifle w/Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $746
WOA#: WY240215KN021
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1949/56
Serial Number: G48997
Year of Manufacture: Late 1950s
Caliber: .308 Win
Action Type: Semi-automatic, detachable 10 round magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “G76037”, “MAS Mle 1949-56”, “CAL 7.5”, “.308”, and a C.A.I. import stamp. There is a “Z” on the right side of the receiver. The rear of the receiver is marked “G4057”. The top of the bolt carrier is marked “G” and “HG”. The right side of the front sight base is marked “IMT”. The top of the barrel is marked “8884”. The bolt head is marked, “CO”. The rear of the buttpad is marked “MAS 1962 2”.
Barrel Length: 19.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two protective ears, one of which is bent inwards. The base of the post is marked “1 2 3 4” on top. It can be rotated when the retaining pin is pushed down. The rear sight is an elevation adjustable escalator aperture sight marked from 2-12. A screw on the right side of the aperture housing can be turned to adjust the aperture for windage. The left side of the receiver has an integral scope base machined into it.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a nylon charging handle, semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band with sling ring, sling well, sling bar, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate is pitted with wear along the edges. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are faded white spots on both sides of the buttstock. The top of the buttstock has spots of dried residue. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as arsenal refurbished.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10 round magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is worn and pitted and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 4\10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The magazine has some drag marks from being inserted into the firearm. The front sight base is pitted under the new finish with one of the protective wings being bent. The screw heads show light use. Some receiver pin holes are damaged. The markings are mostly legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as arsenal refurbished.
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 detachable ten round magazine and 2 point leather sling.
Our Assessment: The initial MAS-49 semi-automatic rifle was produced in limited quantities (20,600 units), whereas the shorter and lighter variant, the MAS-49/56, was mass-produced (275,240 units) and issued to all branches of the French military. Overall, the MAS-49 and 49/56 rifles gained the reputation of being accurate, reliable and easy to maintain in adverse environments. All the MAS-49 and 49/56 rifles feature a rail on the left side of their receivers to accommodate a designated rifle scope.
This Century Arms International conversion to .308 Win makes ammo easier to find compared to the original chambering of this rifle. This conversion allows for greater versatility and compatibility with a wider range of ammunition, making it more accessible and practical for shooters who may have difficulty sourcing the original chambering. If you’re a collector looking for a piece of french history in a convenient chambering, this rifle is the perfect choice. – R.E.
