1961-1963 Vintage French MAS Model 49/56 Rifle in 7.62 NATO w/ Accessories, Extra Mags, Bayonet, Manual SOLD
Guns International #: 101209188 Seller's Inventory #: CM19-717
Category: Military Rifles - Non-US - Military Arms

Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Verified Seller
Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 190
Total Number of Listings: 14879
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check



Description:
The French MAS Model 49/56 in 7.5 French caliber was adopted by the French Army in 1956 as an improved version of the Model 49 that was already in service.  Using the lessons learned in Indochina and Algeria several areas of the MAS 49 were redesigned.  The result was called the MAS 49/56 and features a gas-operated semi-automatic action (same as MAS 49), a shortened 20.7" inch barrel, a 10-round detachable box magazine, provisions for a detachable blade bayonet, and a integral NATO standard grenade launcher.  The shorter barrel length of the 49/56 made the rifle much more maneuverable, while the rifle retained the proven heavy duty machined receiver of the MAS 49.  The factory iron sights are robust and adjustable, with the rear peep-style sight adjustable from 200 meters out to 1200 meters with a push-button slide.  The ten round box magazines were well-made and robust as well, with the magazine attaching to the rifle via a retention clip mounted on the magazine rather than the rifle itself.  The bolt locks open on an empty magazine, which can either be replaced by a full mag or topped-off with stripper clips using the clip-slot on the bolt.  The integrated grenade launcher on the MAS 49/56 was well designed, with the flip-up sighting system also functioning as a gas cut-off to the action, and an adjustable collar/gas seal on the barrel that controlled the distance it would lauch the grenades.  The MAS 49/56 served the French Army well, proving to be reliable, well-made, and sufficiently accurate for a main battle rifle.  The MAS 49/56 had a very long service life in the French Army, serving thru the Vietnam War period all the way until 1978 when it was replaced with the select-fire FAMAS bullpup rifle.  In the late 1980's and into the 1990's the French sold these rifles as surplus, at which time many were imported into the United States.  Like this example, many of these rifles were converted by the importers to 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester because French 7.5 ammunition was hard to find and expensive.  This particular rifle was imported and converted to .308 Winchester by Century Arms International, and is in great shape overall.  The serial number of this rifle is H 39075, which means it was manufactured sometime between 1961 and 1963.  The finish on this MAS is 100% factory original, as this rifle was never reworked by the French Military like most that we have seen.  The bore is in great shape on this MAS 49/56, the rifling still shows nice sharp lands and grooves throughout.  The original factory hardwood stock set is in great condition overall.  Both the forearm and buttstock are free from any cracks, major damage, or repairs, only showing some minor handling marks and dings/scratches typical of an issued military rifle.  All of the controls on this MAS are in perfect working order and the action goes into battery perfectly with some authority.  We have no doubt that this MAS 49/56 will be a blast to shoot!  This rifle comes with a ton of original extras and accessories.  Included with the rifle are a total of 3 original 10-round magazines (importer converted to .308), an original 1963-dated MAS knife bayonet and scabbard for the 49/56, an original "night sight" tube-attachment still in the original plastic issue bag and carrying sack, an original French Army tan leather spare parts pouch (empty) for the 49/56, an original tan leather French Army sling for the MAS 49/56, and an original French Army manual for the MAS 49/56 (in French).  If you have been looking for an interesting and cool new addition to your military weapons collection this vintage French MAS 49/56 would be an excellent choice.  These rifles are getting harder and harder to find in good condition and seem to be appreciating in value each year, so not only would this rifle be fun and economical to shoot but it should perform well as an investment too.            

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: MAS
Model: Mle. 49/56
Serial Number: H 39075
Caliber Info: 7.62 NATO / .308 Winchester
Bore: Excellent
Condition: Very Good
Manufacture Date: 1961-1963
Extras: Original Sling, 3 Mags, Night Sight Attachment, Bayonet & Scabbard, Tool/Parts Pouch, French Military Manual