Matching French MAS MLE 1944 Parkerized 23” Semi Automatic Import Rifle, MFD 1944-1948 C&R
SoLD FOR: $1,197.66
LSB#: 150817RM64
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1944
Serial Number: F 6323
Year of Manufacture: 1944-1948
Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “CAI ST. A VT / 7 5 FRANCE”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MAS MLE 1944 / F 6323”. The underside of the forearm and the left side of the butt are marked “F 6323”. The base of the bayonet (stored backward under the barrel) is marked with the last two digits of the serial number “23”. The left side of the barrel, next to the nosecap, is marked “G”. The recoil pad is removable and is marked “MAS / 1962 / 1”. The bottom rear of the butt is marked “3”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post that is surrounded by a hood. The rear sight is a sliding aperture assembly marked from “2-12”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, a metal butt plate, metal nosecap, metal barrel band with sling loop and a metal sling bar with sling well. The area at the bottom rear of the butt shows thinning and a compression mark. The wood shows various scrapes, small scratches and compression marks. The LOP measures 12 7/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep. There is no visible erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish, as refinished. We cleaned cosmoline off most of the metal but the metal still has some cosmoline on it. The buttplate shows small scratches. The front of the barrel shows some small scrapes and discoloration. The finish shows other scuffs and light marks. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition, as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. Excess cosmoline must be removed from the chamber before loading or firing the weapon. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a slip on rubber recoil pad and one 10 round magazine. The magazine shows scrapes, scuffs and discoloration from oxidation. It is in about Very Good condition. The recoil pad shows scuff and a few scrapes. It is in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The French MAS MLE 1944 was the precursor to the MAS 1949. This MAS MLE 1944 has a bright strong bore. It has been refinished, but the markings are still deep and its numbers match. From http://www.virdea.net/french/mas-auto.html : “The MAS Mle 1944 served in combat with the Marine Commandoes in Indochina where it was a popular and reliable weapon. It was also carried on French warships through the 1980s in the version of the updated MAS Mle 44A”.
