French MAS MLE 49/56 7.5 French Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: WY250501TW017
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1949/56
Serial Number: G 18858
Year of Manufacture: Late 1950s
Caliber: 7.5x54mm (7.5 French)
Action Type: Semi-automatic, Direct impingement gas operation, tilting bolt, detachable mag fed.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “G 18858”, “MAS Mle 1949-56”, “CAL 7.5 P82”. The receiver has a C.A.I. import stamp. All parts are serial matching. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 18.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two protective ears with a folding grenade sight. The rear sight is a sliding tangent peep sight.
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 light compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood.There are no cracks or chips. 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
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action has light wear. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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, a leather sling, and grenade launching apparatus.
Our Assessment: The French MAS Mle 1949/56 is a classic Cold War battle rifle and one of the last full-power semi-automatic military rifles adopted before the rise of intermediate cartridge designs like the FAMAS. Built on the foundation of the earlier MAS-49, the 49/56 refined the platform for improved balance, lighter weight, and greater utility in modern combat. Chambered in 7.5x54mm French and employing a direct impingement gas system with a robust tilting bolt, the MAS 49/56 was highly reliable and designed to withstand rugged field conditions. It also incorporated a built-in rifle grenade launcher system and folding grenade sight, making it one of the more versatile rifles of its time. This example, serial number G 18858, is in very good condition and features all-matching serialized parts—a desirable trait for collectors. The rifle retains about 90% of its parkerized finish, showing only mild wear consistent with service and storage. The bore is semi-bright with strong rifling and light erosion, typical of surplus rifles that saw use with corrosive ammunition. The three-piece wood stock is clean and structurally sound with only minor wear and no cracks or chips. Included are two original 10-round magazines, a leather sling, and the complete grenade launching apparatus, all of which enhance both the completeness and historical appeal of the rifle.
For collectors and shooters alike, this MAS 49/56 represents a significant piece of French military history. With its matching components, complete accessories, and strong mechanical condition, it offers both a valuable collectible and a functional shooter. Whether displayed for its Cold War legacy or used at the range with proper care, this rifle exemplifies the craftsmanship and innovation of postwar European small arms. -R.E.
