Make: MAS (Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Etienne)
Model: 49/56
Serial Number: H71566 (bolt serial matches)
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1949-1965 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: 7.5×54mm French
Action Type: Semi Automatic, accepts a detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 20.7" ready to accept rifle grenades
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a protected post adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a tangent leaf marked from 200 to 1200 meters with a rotating aperture. An adjustable, folding ladder sight located on the front sight block enables trajectory aiming for grenades when the rifle is rested on the ground. The rifle also features a scope rail on the left side of the receiver for mounting an optic. An APX L806 scope is mounted to the left side of the receiver. The glass is clear and the scope rates in Very Good condition.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle features a stock with a semi pistol grip and two-piece handguard. The stock has a straight comb, smooth metal buttplate, and a thick rubber buttpad marked "MAS 1962". There are sling attachment points on the left side of the buttstock and forend. The wood has light pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches scattered throughout. The wood next to the band on the forend appears to have been worked on. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is worn. There is mild to heavy erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. The finish shows edge wear, light scratches, and typical handling marks for a service rifle. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to unmarred and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope, sling, scope case, manuals, cleaning kit, bayonet, night sights, and magazine
Our Assessment: This French MAS 49/56 was manufactured between 1949 and 1965 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic rifle. Produced by Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne, the MAS 49/56 served as the standard service rifle of the French military during the Cold War. The rifle is renowned for its robust direct-impingement operating system, detachable magazine, and integral grenade-launching capability. French military optics-equipped examples remain especially desirable due to their historical significance and complete military configuration.
Chambered in 7.5×54mm French with a 20.7 inch barrel, this rifle is equipped with an original APX L806 scope, providing the designated marksman capability for which these rifles were known. The barrel retains its original rifle grenade launching configuration. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6.5 out of 10, showing moderate wear consistent with military service. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition with light handling wear and solid structure. This rifle retains approximately 85% of its original finish, presenting an attractive military appearance. Included are the original APX L806 scope, sling, leather scope case, manuals, cleaning kit, bayonet, night sights, and magazine. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition and stands as a well-equipped and increasingly collectible French MAS 49/56 package. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
