French MAS MLE 1949 7.5×54 Grenade Launcher Sight Semi-Auto Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1925

LSB#: 220316CA151

Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France

Model: MLE 1949
The grenade launcher attachment has been removed and the nosecap has been modified.

Serial Number: F 75471 

Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1949 to 1956

Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic with Detachable Magazine

Markings: The import mark on the receiver reads “CAI ST. A. VT. / 7.5 FRANCE”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MAS MLE 1949 / CAL 7,5” and with the serial number “F 75471”. The top of the bolt carrier is marked “E 1”. The interior of the sling is marked with French stampings.

Barrel Length: Approximately 23 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall post set between 2 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.
The grenade launcher sight is attached to the left side of the nosecap/sight assembly. The grenade sight is pushed (rotated) up until it clicks into place; there is no lock. The grenade launcher has been removed. The oversized knurled screw at the front of the grenade launcher sight is for adjusting the missing grenade launcher.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap with stacking loop, barrel band with sling ring, sling bar, sling well, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes. The front half of the stock shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. The LOP measures 12 7/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The barrel has been backbored to about 1/4 of an inch from from the muzzle. The grooves are light gray and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and light intermittent erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scuffs and light scrapes. The most prominent marks are on the barrel. An area on the right side of the receiver shows discoloration around the magazine catch. The bolt shows operational wear. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: 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.
The front of the bolt body has an integral stripper clip guide for loading the magazine while inserted.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a French leather sling and a magazine. The refinished 10-round magazine shows light scrapes. It is in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This French MAS MLE 1949 is a scarce French Military Rifle as only around 20,000 were made. This one has been refinished so it looks great. It has deep markings on the receiver and a good bore that can still put a ton of lead down range. This MAS 1949 was originally made with a grenade launcher. The grenade launcher has been removed but the grenade launcher sight is still in place. This is a nice semi auto to add to your Military collection. Good luck.