French MAS MLE 49/56 7.5 French Semi-Auto Rifle & Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,195.00
LSB#: WY250118VE003
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1949/56
Serial Number: H 44388
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 “ H 44388”, “MAS Mle 1949-56”, “CAL 7.5”, and a C.A.I. import stamp. The back of the dust cover is serial 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 scratches throughout the wood. 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
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.
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 scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action has light wear. There is some minor corrosion around the end of the gas tube. The screw heads show light use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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 a bayonet complete with its scabbard.
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. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
