MAS 49 (Fusil Semi-Automatique de 7.5mm Modele 1949)

History

There is a lot of work to be done to rebuild France after World War II. The French army, like the nation, is in rebuilding mode and currently consists of temporary personnel captured, donated or procured by allies such as Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.

As such, there is no standard service rifle - just the bolt-action rifle and a few self-loading types that pop up elsewhere. Self-loading rifles gained traction before and during the war, culminating in designs such as the classic American M1 Garand, which was widely used during World War II.

Although assault rifles emerged late in the conflict, semi-automatic rifles managed to maintain a steady presence in many arsenals in the postwar years. This led to the development of models such as the Swedish AG m/42, the Belgian Fabrique Nationale FN 1949 and the Czech CZ52.

For the French trying to consolidate their outdated line of bolt-action rifles, there was the "Fusil Semi-Automatique de 7.5mm Modele 1949" - also known simply as "MAS 49" (MAS stands for Government Corporation). From "MAS" - Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne - and "49", indicating the first year the rifle was introduced - 1949).

Official use began in 1951.

The MAS 49 borrows some shapes from the previous MAS 36 rifle series just to keep development and production costs in check, including the original two-piece wooden stock. This gives the gun a fairly heavy grip at 10 pounds, with an overall length of 43 inches and a barrel assembly of 40 inches. The weapon was fitted for the 1924 French 7.5x54mm cartridge - a modern cartridge chosen to replace the original 8mm Lebel mark. The 7.5mm cartridge proved to be a good enemy suppressor, with statistics comparable to the well-accepted 7.62x51mm NATO standard rifle cartridge released soon after in 1954. The action centers on a direct shock system with a semi-automatic fire mode that allows one round to be used per trigger pull.

The muzzle velocity is 2,700 feet per second and the effective range is 1,300 feet. It is conventionally fed from a detachable 10-round magazine mounted in front of the trigger group. While front and rear adjustable rear sights are standard on the design, the optics cater for long-range firepower, extending the rifle's effective effective range to 2,600 feet. The muzzle allows for the addition of a grenade launcher assembly - a first instance on any service rifle.

The sighting device on the left side of the rifle allows removal.

In practice, the MAS 49 is an effective weapon system, especially at ranges where its 7.5mm cartridge can be used well. Its massive wooden body became a heavy and sturdy weapon, reinforced with harsh military abuse.

The gas system proved reliable and was one of the design's famous qualities - it didn't have any complicated piston movements, but instead allowed the gas pressure to push directly against the bolt.

The MAS 49 had a very long and extended service life in the French army, spanning several decades before being replaced. From 1951 to 1979, the weapon was used in support of Zaire, as well as during the First Indochina War, the Algerian War, the Suez Crisis, the Vietnam War and the Sabah II Invasion. If there was one limitation to the rifle range, it was the unique 7.5mm cartridge in France, at a time when Europe was witnessing a huge shift to the 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge. Therefore, the future of MAS 49 is questionable.

In 1978, the MAS 49 was eventually replaced by the FAMAS bullpup assault rifle, which was chambered for the smaller 5.56x45mm NATO standard rifle cartridge.

The MAS 49 was upgraded to the MAS 49/56 in 1956, before being officially decommissioned, and subsequently named in 1957. This version attempts to improve on existing designs based on actual use of weapons throughout France's commitments in Indochina, Algeria and Suez.

The revised shape includes a knife bayonet mount and a shortened barrel and front end for a more compact profile, which in turn results in an overall lighter design. In this way, weapons can now be released outside of standard infantry, where compactness and light weight are important - for example for airborne troops and vehicle personnel.

Total production of MAS 49 rifles was 295,840, although 275,240 of these were from the 1956 improved MAS 49/56 brand. Operators include the Algerian, Monaco and Vietnamese armies.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes