MAS-49
Encyclopedia : M : MA : MAS : MAS-49
| MAS-49 rifle specifications | |
|---|---|
| Cartridge: | 7.5 × 54 mm French |
| System of operation: | Gas, semiautomatic, direct impingement |
| Length: | 1100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Weight: | 4.7 kg (10 lb 6 oz) |
| Barrel: | 580 mm (22.83 in) |
| Rifling: | 4 grooves, left hand twist |
| Magazine capacity: | 10 rounds |
| Magazine type: | detachable box |
| Rate of fire: | - |
| Sights: | standard iron |
| Country of origin: | France |
| In production: | 1951-65 |
The MAS 49 is a French designed semiautomatic rifle that was intended to replace the motley collection of aging French bolt-action rifles and captured German rifles after the end of WWII. The MAS (which stands for Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne--one of the several French government-owned arms factories) 49, in 7.5 x 54 mm caliber, evolved from the prototype MAS 44, and began production in 1951. It saw significant service with French troops in the latter stages of the 1946 to 1954 Indochina war. An improved version called the MAS 49/56 was introduced in 1957 and incorporated lessons learned in Southeast Asia — it was shortened and lightened, and a bayonet, built in grenade launcher sight and combination grenade launcher/compensator had been provided.
Like the earlier Swedish AG-42 Ljungman semiautomatic rifle and the later U.S. M16 assault rifle, the MAS 49 and 49/56 employ the direct impingement gas operating system, which operated a tilt-locking bolt (like that of the Russian SKS carbine and the Belgian-designed FN FAL assault rifle.) Both the 49 and 49/56 use a 10-round detachable magazine. The MAS 49/56, although relatively unknown to shooters and collectors in the Americas until quite recently, is a high-quality, compact, lightweight and noticeably accurate weapon. The MAS 49/56 ended production in 1980 (at which time a few of them were chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge) and was replaced with the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO caliber FAMAS "bullpup" assault rifle.
Many MAS 49/56 rifles imported as surplus in the USA had been rechambered locally to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO round, but several user reports have noted this conversion was unsatisfactory (resulting in numerous action stoppages and misfires) at best and possibly dangerous at worst, since the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge generates much higher chamber pressures than the original 7.5 x 54 mm round.
External links
- [More French MAS Info]
- [Buddy Hinton French MAS 44 49 49/56 Collection]
- [MAS 44-49 Manual 1953]
- [MAS 49 Manual 1950]
- [MAS 49 Manual 1951]
- [MAS 49 Manual 1953]
- [MAS 49 Manual 1970]
- [MAS 49/56 Manual 1974]
- [French Weapons Discussion Board]
- [Survey on French MAS 44 49 & 49/56 Rifles]
References
- Huon, Jean; Proud Promise--French Semiautomatic Rifles: 1898-1979
- Smith, W.H.B.; Small Arms of the World
See also
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