MAS-49 rifle
| MAS-49 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1951-1979 |
| Used by | France |
| Wars | First Indochina War, Algerian War of Independence, Suez Crisis, Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1951-65 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4.7 kg (10 lb 6 oz) |
| Length | 1100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Barrel length | 580 mm (22.83 in) |
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| Cartridge | 7.5 × 54 mm French |
| Action | direct impingement gas operation |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 10 round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | iron sights, removable APX(SOM) telescopic sights. |
The MAS-49 is a French-designed semi-automatic infantry rifle that replaced the motley collection of aging bolt-action rifles (MAS-36, U.S.M1917 and captured Kar98ks) that were in French service after the end of World War II.
Background
The MAS (an abbrevation of Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne - one of several government-owned arms factories in France) 49, in 7.5x54 French calibre, evolved from the prototype MAS 38-40 (which would have gone into service in 1941 if France had not fallen in 1940) followed by the MAS 44, and began production in 1951. It saw significant service with French troops in the latter stages of the First Indochina War, as well as the early stages of the Algerian War of Independence and the Suez crisis.
Like the French experimental Rossignol ENT B5 rifle(1901), the Swedish AG-42 Ljungman semi-automatic rifle and the later U.S. M16 assault rifle, the MAS-49 and MAS-49/56 employ the direct impingement gas system, which actuates a tilt-locking bolt (like that of the Russian SKS carbine and the Belgian-designed FN FAL assault rifle.) The MAS-49 and MAS-49/56 both use a 10-round detachable magazine. Both rifle models are equipped with a rail on the left side of the receiver. It allows for the immediate installation of an APX 806L(SOM) telescopic sight by sliding it into place and then locking it in with a small pressure lever.
The MAS-49 proved to be a particularly long-lived infantry rifle, serving with the French Army until 1979. Its direct impingement design had reduced the number of bolt moving parts to only 6: the bolt carrier, then the bolt proper which carries the extractor, the ejector and the firing pin, and lastly the recoil spring. Disassembly of the entire bolt mechanism,for cleaning purposes, takes only a few seconds. The MAS-49 had a reputation for reliability in conditions of poor maintenance, sometimes being cleaned with nothing more than rags and motor oil. The rifle could also endure harsh service environments (many Foreign Legion MAS rifles saw service in Algeria, Djibouti, Indochina, and French Guiana).
Variants
An improved version called the MAS-49/56 was introduced in 1957 and incorporated lessons learned from service in Algeria, Indochina, and the Suez Crisis. The rifle was shortened and lightened to improve mobility for mechanized and airborne troops, and a bayonet was added. Other improvements included a built-in grenade launcher sight and combination rifle grenade launcher/compensator for use in destroying enemy strongpoints. The MAS-49/56 ended production in 1980 (at which time a few of them were rechambered for the 7.62 x 51 mm 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 7.62 x 51 mm 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. Another point worth noting is that modern commercial 7.5 X 54mmm "French" ammunition made in countries other than France for current commercial distribution have been known to produce burst fire (2 or 3 rounds at a time) because of more sensitive primers. The original heavy steel firing pins on the MAS49 and 49-56 can be replaced by commercial titanium firing pins which are much lighter and generally cure the problem of burst fire on these weapons.
External links
- More French MAS Info
- Buddy Hinton French MAS 44 49 49/56 Collection (pictures)
- 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
References
- Barnes, Frank C., Cartridges of the World, DBI Books Inc. (1989)
- Huon, Jean; Proud Promise--French Semiautomatic Rifles: 1898-1979, Collector Grade Publications,1995,ISBN 0-88935-186-4
- Smith, W.H.B.; Small Arms of the World (1967)
See also
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