C&R French MAS MLE 49/56 7.62 NATO Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $991
WOA#: WY230829KS001
Make: MAS
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G48499
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1962
Caliber: 308 (7.62mm)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MAS MLE1949-56 CAL.7,62 / .308”, “G48499”, “P71”, “P76”. The left side of the receiver is marked “C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT FRENCH FRANCE”. The top of the carrier is marked “DN 72 / T S”. The rear of the receiver is marked “41531 FC”.
Barrel Length: 18”. 20” with the fixed flash hider/grenade launcher
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post sight with protective ears along with a grenade launching sight. Has an adjustable elevation peep rear sight. The left side of the receiver has a milled scope rail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is 3-piece wood with straight comb, metal buttplate with a rubber removable buttpad, semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, a nylon handle on the bolt carrier, and stock band with sling ring, and sling bar in the left side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Side of the receiver has scope mount rails. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The 3 piece wood stock has some compression marks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some general corrosion and light erosion throughout. The gloves are well defined.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light scratches on the receiver and some thinning of the barrel from the grenade launcher slider. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition for a C&R rifle.
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 leather sling, 2 leather mag pouches and a belt, an extra rubber buttpad, 1949/56 Night Sight with cover, total of 5 magazines in Very Good condition and an original bayonet in Very Good condition as well.
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. Based on the marks on this firearms, it was rearsenaled by Century Arms to the 7.62 Nato .308 caliber. 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!