SOLD - Scarce, Minty French MAS Model 1949 Rifle

Description

4/1/22 - This is a near-mint example of a scarce French MAS Model 1949. The MAS-49 is a French semi-automatic rifle that replaced various bolt-action rifles as the French service rifle that was produced from 1949. It was designed and manufactured by the government-owned MAS arms factory. The French Army formal designation of the MAS-49 is Fusil semi-automatique 7 mm 5 M. 49 ("semi-automatic rifle of 7.5mm model 1949"). The initial MAS-49 semi-automatic rifle was produced in limited quantities (20,600 units), whereas the shorter and lighter variant, the MAS-49/56, was mass produced (275,240 units) and issued to all branches of the French military. Overall, the MAS-49 and 49/56 rifles gained the reputation of being accurate, reliable and easy to maintain in adverse environments. All the MAS-49 and 49/56 rifles feature a rail on the left side of their receivers to accommodate a designated rifle scope. The MAS-49 and MAS-49/56 were replaced as French service rifles by the FAMAS assault rifle in 1979. This one is in near-mint condition with just a few very light scuffs here and there. The number at the back of the action matches the receiver, but the number on the underside of the trigger guard does not match. Very faint import mark on the left side of the receiver. Comes with a minty leather sling. Excellent shiny bore with strong rifling and very minor thinning in the grooves.