French MAS MLE 1949 7.5x54mm Bayonet Semi-Auto Rifle MFD 1949-1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1026
LSB#: 210909DW27
Title: French MAS MLE 1949 7.5×54 Grenade Launcher Sight Semi-Auto Rifle C&R
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MLE 1949
Serial Number: F39461
Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1949 to 1956
Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)
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 import mark on the barrel 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 39461”. The left side of the butt, the belly of the stock, and the bottom of the trigger guard (no letter prefix) are each marked with the serial number. The base of the bayonet is marked “61”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a tall post, hand painted red, 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 and Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nosecap with stacking loop and hole for the included bayonet, barrel band with sling ring, sling bar, sling well, and a metal buttplate. Along with moderate finish loss, the buttplate has scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The wood has numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks, many of which have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The barrel has been backbored to about 1/4 of an inch from the muzzle. The grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is stubborn fouling in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The barrel has a cluster of light surface oxidation and thinning where the grenade launcher used to be. The metal has thinning on the most edges. The bolt has some thinning from cycling. The metal has other handling marks. The screw heads show use but slots are usable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The rifle has a spiked bayonet stored backwards in a slot under the barrel as well as a 1-round box magazine.
Our Assessment: This French MAS MLE 1949 is a scarce French Military Rifle as only around 20,000 were made. This one looks good and has a very good bore that can still put a ton of lead down range. The rifle comes with a spiked bayonet and a 10 round magazine attached. The grenade launcher has been removed. Good luck and happy bidding!