
French MAS MLE 1949/56 7.5mm Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher, 1950’s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY240925JT008
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1949/56
Serial Number: H 71387
Year of Manufacture: Late 1950s
Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)
Action Type: Semi-automatic, detachable 10 round magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “ H 71387”, “MAS Mle 1949-56”, “CAL 7.5”, and a C.A.I. import stamp. The back of the dust cover is serial matching. The barrel is non-matching. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 19.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two protective ears. The base of the post is marked “1 2 3 4” on top. It can be rotated when the retaining pin is pushed down. The rear sight is an elevation adjustable escalator aperture sight marked from 2-12. A screw on the right side of the aperture housing can be turned to adjust the aperture for windage. The left side of the receiver has an integral scope base machined into it. The underside of the flip up grenade launcher sight is marked “100 / 75 / 50 / 120 A.P”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The three-piece wood stock has a nylon charging handle, semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, barrel band with sling ring, sling well, sling bar, and a metal buttplate. There are compression marks, scuffs, and slight scratches throughout the wood; but far fewer than most military rifles. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 10 round detachable magazines in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original 1981 Arsenal Finish (As Indicated by Stamp)
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are surface scuffs throughout the metal surfaces, typical of parkerized finishes. The action and screw heads only show light wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine – Excellent 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 two detachable ten round magazines, original sling and bag, rubber recoil sleeve, cleaning kit pouch, sling and sling bag, grenade sights and repro sling.
Our Assessment: The MAS 49/56 was the final iteration of the MAS semi-automatic rifle series that began with the MAS 40. The 49/56 was a development on the earlier MAS 49, but with a shorter barrel that was fitted with the ability to fire rifle grenades. With nearly 300,000 made, the 49/56 would serve as the primary rifle of the French military from its introduction until being replaced by the FAMAS in the early 1980s. Nearly all of the 49/56s in the French inventory were surplused to the U.S. market in the 1990s. This example was made in the late 1950s.
It was arsenal refurbished in 1981, according to the stamp on the receiver, which is very common for these rifles. The stock has some wear to it, but its otherwise in Very Good condition. The metal retains most of its finish, though there are some small wear marks. The bore is bright with no erosion and the rifling is sharp which should make for a good shooter. This rifle comes with a multitude of extras. This rifle would fit into any French or Cold War collection.
– R.E.
