Click Click Boom
Member
So, the anwser is that they are not importing them currently but there are a decent amount floating around in the 300-600 price range. Is this a correct statement?
Mas 49/56?
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xjchief
Member
I bought mine as an impulse purchase about 10 years ago. Ammo was tough to find for a while but lately it seems to be much easier to come by.
Click Click Boom
Member
I did a little local searching and havn't found one.
Warren
Member
I love how the rear sight works on the Mas-36 is it the same on the 49?
I want one as well. Why are they not imported anymore?
I want one as well. Why are they not imported anymore?
Ash
Member
They work the same but are different. I imagine importation ended when supply dried up.
Ash
Ash
ak_milsurp
Member
Mas 49/56 "mse"
Hmmmm,,
Looky what I just bought! Woo hoo...
MAS 49/56 "MSE" Match Rifle. Rare as Chicken lips in the USA... and DAMN hard to find in France anymore...(According to a French High-Power match shooter I know) they only made 900 of 'em..
It's in the Original 7.5 French, has a trigger pull about half what a standard 49/56 has. Has a deep target crown on the end of the barrel.... you can't see it cause of the Muzzle brake. Sights are twice as fine in adjustment clicks. (Like a National Match Garand)
In Europe these sell for 2,000-2,500 Euros (No I'm not from Europe)
I got this one for a shade over $1500 here.. Yes that is 3 times the going rate for a nice 49/56. but it's functional equivalent is a garand National match rifle in the USA. And those are going $3500+ for original examples now. And this "MSE" is rarer still, not many still exist.. those that do are highly prized by match shooters in France. And, they're still used by some French Air force and French police (Gendarmerie) Swat units as designated marksmen/sniper rifles)
Other collectors tell me there are less than ten documented original examples in the USA....
This one actually came from the estate of the former owner of Century International in 1998..... to the guy I bought it from....who had it 10 years and never shot it! Go figure! Had Cosmoline in the bore~~
AK_MILSURP
CHugiak, AK
Hmmmm,,
Looky what I just bought! Woo hoo...
MAS 49/56 "MSE" Match Rifle. Rare as Chicken lips in the USA... and DAMN hard to find in France anymore...(According to a French High-Power match shooter I know) they only made 900 of 'em..
It's in the Original 7.5 French, has a trigger pull about half what a standard 49/56 has. Has a deep target crown on the end of the barrel.... you can't see it cause of the Muzzle brake. Sights are twice as fine in adjustment clicks. (Like a National Match Garand)
In Europe these sell for 2,000-2,500 Euros (No I'm not from Europe)
I got this one for a shade over $1500 here.. Yes that is 3 times the going rate for a nice 49/56. but it's functional equivalent is a garand National match rifle in the USA. And those are going $3500+ for original examples now. And this "MSE" is rarer still, not many still exist.. those that do are highly prized by match shooters in France. And, they're still used by some French Air force and French police (Gendarmerie) Swat units as designated marksmen/sniper rifles)
Other collectors tell me there are less than ten documented original examples in the USA....
This one actually came from the estate of the former owner of Century International in 1998..... to the guy I bought it from....who had it 10 years and never shot it! Go figure! Had Cosmoline in the bore~~
AK_MILSURP
CHugiak, AK
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That is awesome and jealousy-inspiring and not fair.
Dare you to take it to some highpower match or something and show up the smarmy sorts with their accuratized M-1s. 'course, that's probably why you bought it in the first place, right?
Dare you to take it to some highpower match or something and show up the smarmy sorts with their accuratized M-1s. 'course, that's probably why you bought it in the first place, right?
kBob
Member
I did not purchase an MAS 44 or 49 or 49/56 because I shot 49/56 that was in French Service in 1974.
I noted to my French counterpart that when on line most of the French soldiers had a hankerchief stuck half in a pocket. He explained that this was for whipping out the reciever to remove fouling from the direct impengment gas system. I observed the hankies in use. A number of the French and our guys had failures to feed while on line and this with rifles in French Military service using French made 7.5 ammo. They were less reliable that day than the M-16 A1 rifles I was teaching the French about that were then using petroleum lubes, a lot less reliable, ......even clceaned out with a hankie.
WHen I heard from many that the rifles were hot stuff when they were"dime a dozen" and just comming on the US market I remembered that day and those guns.
I have among my pictures a shot of French Commandos carrying the 49/56 in a 1975 military event in Germany. WHen I was discussing small arms with a young French LT he had disparaging things to say about the 49/56 but was concerned by the lack of power in 5.56 mm systems by comparison. He stated that many French military of the time believed their government messed up by not adopting the HK G3 after testing a few years earlier.
That summer I had a French NCO refuse training from myself, the German Instructor or one of his privates that had been assisiting us, on the operation of the G3. He insisted he knew the gun well, having served in a Commando trained organization that was part of the French testing of the G3.
Fortunately we were using magazines with only eight rounds in them because appeaerntly the French were using HK91 semi autos in their testing rather than select fire G3s. Yep an eight round burst, a look of surprise and then anger that the German gun had "broken". In French NCO fashion of the time he stood up, hurled down the rifle and stormed off the range blaming everyone but himself for the burst.
Ah, the good olde days.
-Bob Hollingsworth
I noted to my French counterpart that when on line most of the French soldiers had a hankerchief stuck half in a pocket. He explained that this was for whipping out the reciever to remove fouling from the direct impengment gas system. I observed the hankies in use. A number of the French and our guys had failures to feed while on line and this with rifles in French Military service using French made 7.5 ammo. They were less reliable that day than the M-16 A1 rifles I was teaching the French about that were then using petroleum lubes, a lot less reliable, ......even clceaned out with a hankie.
WHen I heard from many that the rifles were hot stuff when they were"dime a dozen" and just comming on the US market I remembered that day and those guns.
I have among my pictures a shot of French Commandos carrying the 49/56 in a 1975 military event in Germany. WHen I was discussing small arms with a young French LT he had disparaging things to say about the 49/56 but was concerned by the lack of power in 5.56 mm systems by comparison. He stated that many French military of the time believed their government messed up by not adopting the HK G3 after testing a few years earlier.
That summer I had a French NCO refuse training from myself, the German Instructor or one of his privates that had been assisiting us, on the operation of the G3. He insisted he knew the gun well, having served in a Commando trained organization that was part of the French testing of the G3.
Fortunately we were using magazines with only eight rounds in them because appeaerntly the French were using HK91 semi autos in their testing rather than select fire G3s. Yep an eight round burst, a look of surprise and then anger that the German gun had "broken". In French NCO fashion of the time he stood up, hurled down the rifle and stormed off the range blaming everyone but himself for the burst.
Ah, the good olde days.
-Bob Hollingsworth
ak_milsurp
Member
Follow Up to the "MSE" post
LOL!
No, I didn't buy It to Freak out other competitors on the firing line. (I'm sure I would get resounding "only dropped once" gaffs that you normally hear about French rifles)
I have a fairly extensive MILSURP collection. (Close to 100 rifles) I had just read an article about the "MSE" in an East-Coast Gun collectors association newsletter. Not 30 seconds later I find one on Gunbroker..... and Damn, I actually had the cash to buy it!
I figured what the hell! It's rare, it's unique, and it'll be a decent investment I can actually get some use out of. I agonized a bit about the price. It's the most I've ever paid for a Milsurp. (My Hungarian 52M sniper was the previous high point)
If I had to chose between an M1A "NM" or Garand "NM" and the "MSE", the Garand or M1A would win hands down. However, the "MSE" has it's own distinct personality, and is a worthy inclusion to my collection.
My French rifles so far:
MAS 36 (Prewar- WW2 Vet bringback,- nice shape)
MAS 36 (Postwar, arsenal refurb, excellent+)
MAS 36 (Century .308 conversion.. YUCK! This one is useless!! Shoots a pattern , not a group!!)
MAS 36/51 (W/ integral Grenade launcher-- this one is unissued)
MAS 49/56 (1974 arsenal refurb- Like new)
MAS 49/56 "MSE" (1968 Arsenal refurb)
LOL!
No, I didn't buy It to Freak out other competitors on the firing line. (I'm sure I would get resounding "only dropped once" gaffs that you normally hear about French rifles)
I have a fairly extensive MILSURP collection. (Close to 100 rifles) I had just read an article about the "MSE" in an East-Coast Gun collectors association newsletter. Not 30 seconds later I find one on Gunbroker..... and Damn, I actually had the cash to buy it!
I figured what the hell! It's rare, it's unique, and it'll be a decent investment I can actually get some use out of. I agonized a bit about the price. It's the most I've ever paid for a Milsurp. (My Hungarian 52M sniper was the previous high point)
If I had to chose between an M1A "NM" or Garand "NM" and the "MSE", the Garand or M1A would win hands down. However, the "MSE" has it's own distinct personality, and is a worthy inclusion to my collection.
My French rifles so far:
MAS 36 (Prewar- WW2 Vet bringback,- nice shape)
MAS 36 (Postwar, arsenal refurb, excellent+)
MAS 36 (Century .308 conversion.. YUCK! This one is useless!! Shoots a pattern , not a group!!)
MAS 36/51 (W/ integral Grenade launcher-- this one is unissued)
MAS 49/56 (1974 arsenal refurb- Like new)
MAS 49/56 "MSE" (1968 Arsenal refurb)
Ash
Member
I had, at my height, more than 100 milsurps, but nary an MSE (though did have three 59/56's as well as a 36). Nice rifle.
Ash
Ash
There's no safety issue, only reliability issues. And if yours works, well, you're good to go.
That said, they do have a heavy firing pin, like most other military guns, so don't be putting .308 Winchester through a rechambered gun or you'll have slamfires.
That said, they do have a heavy firing pin, like most other military guns, so don't be putting .308 Winchester through a rechambered gun or you'll have slamfires.
ak_milsurp
Member
Slam Fires
Yep definately a heavy Firing pin. I'm surprised its not spring loaded. I think McCann industries makes, or used to make, a titanium firing pin for the 49/56. But the firing pin with shippin would run about $90!!!
I'm assuming they manufactured the lighter ones to eliminate the slam fire issue.
I think a spring loaded firing pin would be a less expensive fix. Kinda like the recall and subsequent fix on Chinese "NDM 86" Dragunov rifles in the past.
Yep definately a heavy Firing pin. I'm surprised its not spring loaded. I think McCann industries makes, or used to make, a titanium firing pin for the 49/56. But the firing pin with shippin would run about $90!!!
I'm assuming they manufactured the lighter ones to eliminate the slam fire issue.
I think a spring loaded firing pin would be a less expensive fix. Kinda like the recall and subsequent fix on Chinese "NDM 86" Dragunov rifles in the past.
My MAS 49/56, re-chambered to .308 has functioned well. I don't shoot it much.
The guys who talk about the possibility of it exploding because of the re-chambering have somewhat unnerved me. Accuracy seems on par to my FAL.
Reloads for semi-auto rifles should be made using narrow or small based dies to reduce the risk of out of battery fire and a KABOOM.
It seems to be a well designed and machined rifle. I have yet to test the grenade launcher.
My gun count seems to be exceeding my storage capacity. If anyone is interested in buying mine--- make me an offer. I will buy it back within 30 days if not satisfied.
The guys who talk about the possibility of it exploding because of the re-chambering have somewhat unnerved me. Accuracy seems on par to my FAL.
Reloads for semi-auto rifles should be made using narrow or small based dies to reduce the risk of out of battery fire and a KABOOM.
It seems to be a well designed and machined rifle. I have yet to test the grenade launcher.
My gun count seems to be exceeding my storage capacity. If anyone is interested in buying mine--- make me an offer. I will buy it back within 30 days if not satisfied.
George Bruce
Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2008
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I bought one of the .308 conversions several years ago when Century was first selling them. Mine could not get to 15 rounds before I had a stuck case. I put it in a closet for years, planning to get to it someday. Someday arrive recently when I was reloading some .308 for a different rifle. I figured that the 7.5 french was a 40K psi cartridge, so why not load some 40K psi .308? I loaded twenty rounds of .308 using 39 grains of surplus 4895, GI spec 147 grain FMJBT bullets and commercial primers. I took the rifle to the range on Sunday and fired all 20 rounds fairly rapidly. Not as fast as I could shoot it, but fast enough that the rifle had no chance to cool down. I had one failure to feed and no failures to extract. I think I am on to something here. Maybe with some more fine tuning with loads and maybe a new recoil spring and I can make that thing reliable. I hope so. It is a wonderful little rifle.
ftierson
Member.
AIM has Prvi Partizan 7.5x54mm MAS ammo built to the M1929 Spec that the MAS Mle. 49/56 was designed to shoot for less than $11 a box (20) when you buy ten or more boxes...
It's quite accurate and functions perfectly in my Mle. 49/56.
Nice, non-corrosive, boxer primed ammo...
Get some now before the price goes up...
Forrest
It's quite accurate and functions perfectly in my Mle. 49/56.
Nice, non-corrosive, boxer primed ammo...
Get some now before the price goes up...
Forrest
BigdaddyG
Member
I have 2 of the .308 conversions. Both work fine with a variety of ammo. They shoot suprisingly good. My brother has one that didn't work. Too much gas pressure. He had his machinist neighbor make up a new gas plug that had a screw to adjust the gas flow. Now it runs fine.
jrfoxx
Member
Not really sure why, but there is just something about the lok of the 49/56 that I love. I have wanted one for about 5 years now, ever since I first found out they existed when I picked up a copy of a C&R/Milsurp gun rag to read on barracks watch one night, and saw a pic, and read about the cartridge, and how well regarded, but relatively unknown to a lot of people and thus how relatively cheap the rifles were for the quality of them. That will probably be the next milsurp I pick up (although it may have to be a while, the job is looking pretty grim at the moment, so sadly all shooting and gun/ammo buying is on indefinite hold )
I like the Mas 36 a lot too, and plan to get one of those also at some point.
)I like the Mas 36 a lot too, and plan to get one of those also at some point.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_6_48/ai_85472061
They are just excellent rifles in all regards. If they had more-available twenty-round mags, they'd be a better regarded battle rifle than the FAL.
They are just excellent rifles in all regards. If they had more-available twenty-round mags, they'd be a better regarded battle rifle than the FAL.
Just bought a 49/56 for $400 on a bit of a whim.... It's really a nicely put together rifle and as far as I can tell it's still in the 7.5 French chambering. Came with 3 10rd magazines and two boxes of what appears to be '60s vintage 7.5 ammunition on stripper clips. Bore looks to be in very nice shape and I'm looking forward to trying it out at the range.
It's not as good looking style wise as perhaps an M1A or a G3 but it's not bad and the machining and overall fit/finish is absolutely beautiful.
Just for kicks I would like to find a bayonet and any other accessories that might be out there for the rifle.
Is there any way to tell if the thing has been converted to .308? I'm assuming there would be some type of markings and the rifle I purchased has nothing of the sort... thanks
It's not as good looking style wise as perhaps an M1A or a G3 but it's not bad and the machining and overall fit/finish is absolutely beautiful.
Just for kicks I would like to find a bayonet and any other accessories that might be out there for the rifle.
Is there any way to tell if the thing has been converted to .308? I'm assuming there would be some type of markings and the rifle I purchased has nothing of the sort... thanks
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