C&R French MAS MLE 49/56 .308 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher
SOLD FOR: $894
WOA#: WY230728RL001
Make: MAS
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G52269
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1962
Caliber: 308 (7.62mm)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of receiver marked “G52269” and “MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL 7,62 .308”. The 7,5 mark has been stamped over with 7,62 when converted. The rear of the receiver is marked, “H 10896”. Top of the barrel is marked with intervals “9-19” and the top of the rear sight is marked from “1-12.” The rear left side of the receiver is marked “CAI ST ALB VT / MADE IN FRANCE”. The top of the BCG is marked, “7 / 4-75”. The barrel is marked, “065424”. The rubber removable buttpad is marked “MAS / 1951”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “.308”.
Barrel Length: 19”. 20” with the flash hider.
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 3 piece wood with a nylon handle on the bolt carrier. The stock features a metal buttplate with a rubber buttpad, sling well and bar, barrel band with sling ring, and finger grooved handguard. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Side of the receiver has rails for adding accessories. This rifle has its grenade launcher and ladder sight. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. There are some compression marks mostly on the buttstock with a few nicks, scratches and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Factory Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light varying oxidation throughout the receiver. There is some thinning on the leading edges. There is some minor pitting on top of the rear sight as well as some scuffs on top of the front sight. 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 total of one 10rd Factory magazine and its attached sling.
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 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! It comes with its factory magazine and a leather sling which makes this all the more desirable. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!