MAS-49 rifle

MAS-49
Syrian contract MAS-49 rifle
TypeSemi-automatic rifle
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service1951–1979 (as standard French service rifle)
Used bySee Users
Wars
Production history
ManufacturerManufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne
Produced1949–1965
No. built20,600 (MAS-49)
275,240 (MAS-49/56)
VariantsMAS-49
MAS-49/56
MAS-49 Syrian contract
Specifications
Mass4.7 kg (10 lb 6 oz) (MAS-49)
4.1 kg (9 lb) (MAS-49/56)
Length1100 mm (43.35 in) (MAS-49)
1020 mm (40.2 in) (MAS-49/56)
Barrel length580 mm (22.8 in) (MAS-49)
525mm (20.7 in) (MAS-49/56)

Cartridge7.5×54mm French
.308 (Century Arms mass conversions)
Caliber7.5 mm
ActionDirect impingement gas operation, tilting bolt
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Muzzle velocity820 m/s (2,690 ft/s)
Effective firing range400 m (437 yd)
800 m (875 yd) (with telescopic sight)
Feed system10-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron sights adjustable from 200 to 1,200 m (660 to 3,940 ft)
Removable APX(SOM) telescopic sights

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.[1] The French Army formal designation of the MAS-49 is Fusil semi-automatique 7 mm 5 M. 49 ("semi-automatic rifle of 7.5 mm model 1949").[2]

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.

  1. ^ Huon, Jean; Proud Promise—French Semiautomatic Rifles: 1898–1979, Collector Grade Publications, 1995. ISBN 0-88935-186-4.
  2. ^ Manuel du Grade TTA 116 (in French). Berger-Levrault. 1956-03-19. p. 213.