French MAS MLE 1949-56 7.62.51 NATO FAL Magazine Converted Semi-Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB250721SP005
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France, imported by CAI.
Model: Custom MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G71193
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1965, we do not know when this rifle was converted for use of FAL magazines.
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic fed by Detachable Magazines
Barrel Length: Approximately 20 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an escalating aperture mounted to an integral base, graduated from 200-1200 meters. A rifle-grenade sight is mounted to the front sight assembly with two positions for direct and indirect fire. Grenade range can be more finely adjusted with a sliding collar on the barrel between the front sight and flash-hider. The left of the receiver has an integral mount for an optic (not present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The three piece wood stock has a traditional semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band with sling ring, a sling well with sling bar and a metal butt plate. A single-slot rail section has been secured to the right of the forend. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The stock has a loss below the receiver on the left side. There are notable dings on the nose of the forend. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered erosion under the finish and some patches of surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished, parts do not match. The conversion for the use of FAL magazines was performed after import to the US.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The most notable finish wear is on the grenade launcher assembly and normal operational wear. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as customized.
Mechanics: The channel for the bolt-stop was used to installe FAL magazine latch, the bolt does not lock back on an empty magazine. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one 10-round MLE1949/56 magazine and one 20-round metric FAL magazine.
Our Assessment: Oh la la! A mil-surplus that some might call the 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 1983. 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.
This particular example has been cleverly modified to accept metric FAL magazines. The channel for the original bolt-stop was emptied out and used to mount a spring mechanism for a magazine latch and the interior of the magazine well had a recess cut to accept these magazines. This not only allows higher capacity and easier magazine changes, it uses a magazine designed specifically for the 7.62 NATO cartridge, which may prove to help with reliability. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
