 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Circa 1946 Vintage French Military MAS Model 45 .22 Training Rifle ** All-Matching Rifle ** SOLD
Guns International #: 101219628 Seller's Inventory #: M19-858
Category: Military Rifles - Trainer Rifles - Rimfire European Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
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: 192
Total Number of Listings: 14882
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This all-original post-WW2 MAS Model 45 .22 caliber French Army training rifle is a very nice piece and is complete with the original factory magazine and sling. The MAS Model 45 rifle design was based off of the Mauser Obendorf KKW training rifle of Nazi Germany. The MAS 45 actually employed the same bolt and receiver as the Mauser KKW, but the stock, barrel, and sights were redesigned to French specifications. Because the French government was in control of the sector of Germany in which the Mauser firm was located, the French Government had Mauser Obendorf make the initial run of Model 45 rifles. These very first rifles had both the Mauser banner AND the MAS logo on the receiver. In late 1945 the French military had the machinery moved to France to the state-run arsenal, Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne, where production was resumed until sometime in 1948 when the model was discontinued. These rifles made in France had only the MAS logo on the receiver. The MAS Model 45 was a very high-quality .22 caliber training rifle, and served the French Army well for many years training their troops as marksman. The MAS Model 45 quickly earned a reputation for being extremely accurate and very well made. When the Model 45 hit the surplus market a number of them were imported into the States, where they have become quite collectible as both a historical "military rifle" and great shooter. This particular rifle is in good condition overall and in excellent condition mechanically. The original factory parkerized finish is still intact and in good shape but needs a thorough cleaning, as the original cosmoline it was stored in has dried and gotten into the pores of the parkering. This can be seen in the pictures provided. The bore in this MAS Model 45 is superb. The bore is bright and clean with no pitting, erosion, or imperfections visible. The rifling is still prominent throughout the length of the 24" inch barrel with nice sharp lands and gooves. The bolt, which is numbered to match the rifle on the stem of the bolt handle and the underside of the main body, is nice and smooth when worked and turns into battery perfectly. All of the controls on this MAS are in perfect working order. One difference we have noted between this example and the last one that we had is the rear sight is slightly different. The example we had prior to this one had a peep-style rear sight while this one appears to U-shaped with a notch. This may be an period arsenal modification for faster sight picture but information on these Model 45s is limited, so there was no way for us to determine for sure when it was done, only that it appears to have been that way for a very long time. The original hardwood stock on this Model 45 Trainer is in good condition and free from any cracks, chips, or repairs. The only deduction from the stock is that it appears to have been varnished at some point. Whether that was done at a French Military arsenal or by an individual here in the States, we don't know. It does have all of the original factory hardware in-place and in good condition, including the original buttplate. If you have been looking for an interesting new addition for your gun collection or military weapons collection, this circa-1946 French Army MAS Model 45 .22LR Trainer would be a great choice. These Model 45's seem to be harder and harder to find each year and appear to be an excellent long-term investment.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: MAS (French State Arsenal - Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne)
Model: Model 45 Military Training Rifle
Serial Number: F 1978
Caliber Info: .22 Long Rifle
Bore: Excellent
Condition: Good
Manufacture Date: Circa 1946