French MAS MLE 49 7.5 French Semi-Auto Rifle, Integral Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,501.00
LSB#: WY250430XX002
Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), France
Model: MAS MLE 1949
Serial Number: F 35669
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 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 “F 35669”, “MAS Mle 1949”, “CAL 7.5”. The barrel has a C.A.I. import stamp. All parts are serial matching. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 23”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post set between two protective ears. The left side has a sighting notch with a screw dial to set the distance of a grenade launch marked out from 26-10. The rear sight is a sliding tangent peep sight. The receiver has a French APX L806 scope mounted to it. The scope is in Excellent condition.
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, chips, and scratches throughout the wood. There is a crack in the forend. 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: 1x 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 95% of its metal finish. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The action has light wear. The screw heads show light 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 one detachable ten round magazines, a leather sling, scope and a bayonet.
Our Assessment: The French MAS Mle 1949 is a Cold War-era battle rifle that reflects the evolution of post-WWII military design, balancing rugged functionality with the need for modern battlefield adaptability. Based on the earlier MAS-49, the 49/56 was France’s final iteration of a full-power, semi-automatic infantry rifle before the adoption of the FAMAS bullpup. Chambered in 7.5x54mm French, it features a direct impingement gas system, robust tilting bolt, detachable magazine, and integrated grenade launching capability—all hallmarks of mid-20th-century military engineering. The rifle’s compact profile and lighter weight compared to its predecessor made it better suited for modern troop needs, and its continued use through the Algerian War and into the 1970s testifies to its reliability. This particular MAS 49 is a standout example in very good condition, retaining approximately 95% of its parkerized finish with only minor scuffs and wear. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and some minor fouling, indicating it remains a solid shooter. The rifle is equipped with a correct French APX L806 scope, mounted on the factory rail, which enhances its collectibility and practical accuracy. All serial numbers match, and it includes a functioning grenade launcher sight system and the original wood stock with expected service wear. Though the stock has a crack in the forend, it remains structurally sound and visually correct. The included bayonet, leather sling, and extra magazine round out a complete Cold War French military package.
For collectors of European military arms or fans of Cold War semi-automatics, the MAS 49 offers a unique combination of reliability, function, and historical relevance. It bridges the design gap between WWII bolt-actions and modern select-fire rifles, standing as a testament to France’s independent approach to military small arms. With its complete accessory package and matching numbers, this example is an excellent addition to any collection or a capable range rifle for those wanting to experience the precision of France’s last full-power battle rifle. -R.E.
