Not just another debate thread - can you answer a question?

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White Tiger

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I don't know much about which rifle or system is better, I am only beginning to learn about rifles and systems in general iand on my own. The many arguments I've read between two groups (DI/non-DI) who know much more about this than I, have actually been of great help - I'm learning - so it's been worth it, so keep 'em coming - but that's not really what I'm after in this thread.

It's that my interest centers around acquiring the best rifle for the money I can spend - and for this reason I've been really interested in the MAS 49/56 (for $400.00)...in the original 7.5 french (not re-fitted for the .308 Win)...I am SMITTEN with this rifle!

...so I need some of you experts to either talk me down, or let me know if I'm on the right track?

...I should also tell you that I'm planning on reloading for the 7.5 French...because I know that is (at least) one weakness in my plan...

So, whaddaya think?
 
Great rifle, any DI system isn't inherently non reliable, it has more to do with user error and other things. The MAS 49/56 is very reliable, can be cleaned with gasoline and motor oil and fire just fine. It has a free floating pin and needs to be kept clean to avoid slamfires, like the SKS.
 
I have an MAS 49/56,and it is an excellent rifle.It is a true direct impingement action that is extremely reliable.Accurate and powerful.Sweet rifle.Get one,you'll love it.
The SKS is certainly reliable as well,but does not have a detachable magazine like the 49/56.It is definitely a good rifle,and can be found for around 300 bucks.The SAFN 49 (except for one type)also has an internal magazine,and good luck in finding one for 400 bucks.As I recall,I paid 500 for my Egyptian contract 8MM several years ago,and they cost more now.
 
WildAlaska - Hmm...why would anyone want one? Are you kidding? Maybe you're thinking of the MAS 36? Perhaps it's just different strokes for different folks? I'll let you know what got me interested - but I'd like to hear why you don't think it's a good idea?

I started out wanting an AK 47, doing some research I found a post by someone saying they had a "French AK"...which started me on an entirely new project to find out more about the "French AK".

The cool factor AND the price point got my interest.

(...and I'm not a fan of a whole lot of things French...)

Wayne in Boca - of all 3, I'd much rather have the MAS 49!
 
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WildAlaska. It doesn't matter why he wants one. That's his choice.

I personally don't like AR rifles, I consider them tools with no soul nor attraction. Yet, there are lots of folks who like them. The AR Platform is probably one of the largest sellers in the US, but when I look at one, I think Meh!

If he wants one, then lets give him the advise he's looking for, not try to sell him on another platform.
 
^ best post here. The AR has no place in my house but I try not to contest that with other people. Its a personal choice and who are you or I to infringe on that?

The MAS factory always produced quality arms, from the Lebel rifles to the FAMAS all of them were of the finest quality France had to offer. They, to date, are the only people to safely accommodate spitzers in a tubular magazine.

The MAS-49 I was reading has a number of upgrades which can assist in safety of the rifle. Like the SKS, there are spring loaded firing pins which reduce slamfire likelihood, there is also a system which can be installed on the grenade launcher to adjust gas pressure, important if you wish to reload for it, as the pressure curve achieved by factory ammo and military ammo can vary.

A no modification scope mount is available http://www.galatiinternational.com/product/SKMAS70.html

Good luck to you!
 
Excellent info guys, thanks!

I have nothing against AR's either - but I don't want one - just doesn't do it for me. In some of my research I learned that the U.S. was very close to selecting the MAS 49/56, just before deciding in favor of the M14, and the 7.5 French was allegedly part of the ammunition testing and came very close to being approved (perhaps would have been selected had we gone with the MAS 49/56?), before the U.S. approved the .308 Win...the 7.5 x 54 French round has nearly identical ballistics to the NATO round.

I just don't know a lot about the practical application/actual handling of the MAS 49/56 - hoping to hear that from folks who have one. I'm not that far away from the AK 47 (and it's numerous variations), and could probably go either way - but the MAS has me mystified right now - need some help!

That's why I'm not opposed to getting negative information - I actually need some of that to help me make my decision - but I would prefer not to hear the subjective stuff, like; "...I just don't like it...", as that doesn't help me - guess I'm looking for why someone wouldn't want this gun...as well as why they would!

Appreciate all the feedback so far!
 
No problem! Just ask and you shall receive. Good luck, any pictures of the rifle you have in mind? You should make sure the bore is good, and if it is a local sale, go to a range with the seller and "test drive" it. Never hurt anyone.
 
WildAlaska. It doesn't matter why he wants one. That's his choice.
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Thats cool, I would just be concerned with a fella wasting his money on an obsolete, poorly made, ammunition unfriendly military rifle in generally poor condition with minimal collector or resale value.

WildbettervaluesincoolriflesoutthereAlaska ™©2002-2011
 
.308Lover,

he is going to reload, and anyways as for availability, if he was concerned with that he'd probably not want one in 7.5 French.

WildAlaska, lets look at your post again:
I would just be concerned with a fella wasting his money on an obsolete, poorly made, ammunition unfriendly military rifle in generally poor condition with minimal collector or resale value.
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We don't know the condition of the rifle, and furthermore it is no more obsolete than the Ar-15 platform, which has been around for almost 50 years, they both use very similar technology and operate on the exact same principle. Sure the MAS has been out of production, but that doesn't make it obsolete, considering infantry rifle technology has not changed very much in the past 62 years, they all operate either on gas or retarded blowback.

And why do you say poorly made? Are we talking about the same rifle? The FAMAS is a very successful military rifle and is made at the exact same factory, probably using very similar methods.

Also, he is obviously looking for a shooter, there is no need to say it has minimal resale value, and quite a few collectors collect French military rifles.

That being said I don't think he appreciates your negative input, considering hes not looking for a new mall ninja rifle, so I'm going to ask you nicely: Please leave your personal opinion out of the the thread, since we all know what it is now. Thank you very much
 
7.5 French uses a .308-.310 diameter bullet, which are available.

Ammo is available in Boxer priming Prvi

Poring over reloading books, and their data, caused me to discover that the base size of the 6.5 x 55 mm Swedish was very close to 7.5 French. I could make Boxer ammo just by seating a .30 caliber boat-tail in the Swede. We were off to the races! No more ammo problems for me. I used .308 loading data and had no difficulty whatsoever.
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Source: http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/mas4956obs/index.asp

Do you happen to do the slightest research into the cartridge? Obviously, as shown it is no harder to reload for than most other ammunition
 
The FAMAS is a very successful military rifle and is made at the exact same factory, probably using very similar methods.
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The FAMAS is an execrable example of a military rifle, used only be France and its African clients. Heavy, bulky, poor ergonomics, finicky to reload for, inacurate and a shortage of parts.

and furthermore it is no more obsolete than the Ar-15 platform, which has been around for almost 50 years, they both use very similar technology and operate on the exact same principle.
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That makes no scense at all. No one uses the MAS, and no one but the French ever did, while the M16 is still first line issue in real armies

We don't know the condition of the rifle,
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LOL...have you ever seen a nice one?

That being said I don't think he appreciates your negative input, considering hes not looking for a new mall ninja rifle, so I'm going to ask you nicely: Please leave your personal opinion out of the the thread, since we all know what it is now. Thank you very much
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Who mentioned a mall ninja rifle, sport, and who are you to tell me to be quiet?:rolleyes:

WildmasindeedAlaska ™©2002-2011
 
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FAMAS hard to find ammo? Hahaha. It uses 5.56/.223, am ammo as the AR. Heavy, yes, but heavy isn't necessarily bad, lower recoil and steady aim.

The AR uses most of the same technology as the MAS, furthermore its use in regular armies has nothing to do with its obsolete status, its technology is no more obsolete. By your reasoning the AKM is obsolete, even though it is the most numerous rifle in the world.

I have seen a nice one, bore looks very good and all parts moved fine, never got to fire it, wasn't interested in it.


I'm just going to let you keep ranting, its going to get really funny real soon.
 
I get angry when someone has nothing but negativity to the thread. I misunderstood, it seemed like you were challenging the OP, I see thats not the case.
 
I get ****** off when someone has nothing but negativity to the thread.
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The only negativity is gonna be when some poor schnook gets a worthless, unusable, unsellable piece of French junk.:D

Some folks like 'em....if you are an advanced gunperson go ahead and get one.

Ya want something funky and finicky, get a Llungman.


WildlookslikeistirredupthemaswoobieAlaska ™©2002-2011
 
The MAS in 7.5 is ok. The MAS that was converted to .308 is not nice at all.

While Wildalaska is a hater of things French, he's not far off on with the MAS. It's just the degree of vehemence that's over the to.

Parts are hard to come by. I haven't reloaded the 7.5 but it is truse that some cartridges are harder to reload than others, I'd take Wild's word on the 7.5. Of the three MAS I've shot the two .308 were very inaccurate, the 7.5 was paper plate accurate at 75yds. Fit and finish were comprable to any SKS I've handled, that is not a compliment.

If you do decide to go with the MAS, forget the above and just have fun.
 
Why would you want a POS rifle in an obscure caliber??? You can't even justify the historical significance as being a reason for the purchase... What war or conflict was won with a MAS??
 
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