French MAS MLE 1949/56 .308 20″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $730
WOA#: WY230829MA001
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MLE 1949-56
Serial Number: G 4063
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1979
Caliber: .308 / 7.62×51
Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Detachable Magazine. The front of the bolt body has an integral stripper clip guide for loading the magazine while inserted.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “G 4063 MAS MLE 1949-56 CAL. 7,62 .308”, with a P75 Proof and “C.A.I. GEORGIA VT FRANCE”. The rear of the receiver is marked “H / 23081”. The right side of the front sight is marked “EC”.
Barrel Length: 19”. 20” with Flash Hider/Grenade Launcher
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable tall post, set between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture attached to a sliding escalator. A screw on the right rear allows for adjustment for windage. It is marked from “2-12”. The left side of the receiver has a scope rail machined into it.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with a nylon handle on the bolt carrier. The three piece hardwood stock has a barrel band with sling ring, sling well with sling bar and a metal buttplate. The LOP measures about 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This rifle comes with its removable rubber buttpad. Side of the receiver has rails for adding accessories. The stock rates in about Good overall condition. There are scratches, scuffs, nicks, and scrapes throughout. There are no cracks. There is moderate to heavy handling wear as well as corrosion on the stock band. The finger grooves have grown shallow. There is a chip on the left side.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1X 10rd magazine in Very Good Condition. The spring is strong and the leading edges are sharp.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and generously covered in oil. The rifling is shallow and nearly gone in some places. There is no pitting visible in the bore however.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows corrosion throughout in varying degrees from mild oxidation to heavy corrosion on all parts. There is some pinprick pitting on the receiver. The screw heads are slightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition.
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 original magazine.
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. 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!