Mas?

[Scott Conklin]

What the heck is it? I've got a guy wanting to trade me one, plus a thousand rounds of .308, for one of my Para-Ordnance P-14's. I looked the rifle over and it appears pretty well made. Milled receiver, very good fits on everything. Got a grenade launcher with it too. He claims it shoots great and I've not known him to lie before.

Drawbacks: Odd looking mags(he's got 3) and the receiver has been stamped 7.52 then overstamped 7.62 then stamped below that .308. Considering I've got a herd of .308 rifles now I wouldn't mind having the ammo at all and the pistol is just a dust catcher but still, it's worth more than a thousand rnds. So, is this thing a boat anchor or something worth tinkering with? BTW, I've got $400 in the Para so I can't get hurt *too* bad...can I?

 

[PreserveFreedom]

I always thought "mas" was Spanish for "more".

 

[C.R.Sam]

The one in question appears to have been re-chambered for 7.62/308. If it otherwise looks like a good trade....most definately want check headspace and actual bore diameter.

Looks like at best a marginal deal.

Sam (edited to delete info on wrong rifle, with apologies.)

 

[JKeith]

French MAS 1949/56

You said it came with several magazines...if it is a semi-auto rifle then it is the French MAS 1949/56. This rifle was designed for the 7.5X54 cartridge. Good shooters and finding ammo has been easier as of late.

Some of these were converted to .308, but the reviews I've read have been mixed. Some surplus dealers won't sell the converted rifles because they don't think they are safe. Based on what I have read, I don't think I'd buy a converted one.

As far as the price, Empire Arms has them in rearseneled like new condition for $350. I also know that SOG was selling them in like new condition recently, but don't remember the price.

You can go to Empire Arms page, click on military surplus rifles and scroll down the page...you will see a picture and description of the MAS 1949/56.

If it is bolt action, then it is a MAS 36 or the next variant which had the grenade launcher (don't remember the number). I bought a MAS 36 still in the wax wrap from AIM Surplus two years ago for $75.00.

Hope this helps.

 

[Scott Conklin]

Thx guys. I spent a little time hunting around the Net last night myself. It's a 49/56 semi. From what I've read I think I'll havta pass on this one.

Although, if you want to see an amazing transformation go to http://mccann.shop-utopia.com/rifles/mas/mas.html and look at the MAS on the bottom. I don't think it's quite worth a Grand to accomplish though.