MAS 49/56

[cackinthebox]

From what i understand is this rifle is ok for CA correct? Even with the grenade tube, being that its not NATO standard, its ok. Any reason why i would not be able to have this shipped to CA?

[Saigon1965]

Have to remove the GL still - It's a feature -

[haodoken]

I've been looking at one for a while too. How do you remove the GL? Is it similar in nature to removing a yugo GL? (removing a retaining pin and heating the launcher)

[berg]

I've been looking at one for a while too. How do you remove the GL? Is it similar in nature to removing a yugo GL? (removing a retaining pin and heating the launcher)

Easier than the SKS. It basically just unscrews once you bend the little washer pieces back. Slide a straight punch through the muzzle break to use as leverage and unscrew it.

[Gator Monroe]

A blond (Almost unissued one) from the early 60's would be nice but I'm not sure which round is best for these weapons ???

[Saigon1965]

Century did the .308 conversion - They sucked apparently -

[Gator Monroe]

Did they do Several Cal. of 308 (Nato or Winchester ) or are they the same ? and is 6.5 the best cal to buy for these rifles ??

[Saigon1965]

Same that I know of .308 - The rifle is in 7.5 French - There are brass to reload out there -

[smle-man]

You can run 6.5 Swede brass through a 7.5 MAS sizing die and open it up to .30 and it will work just fine for your 7.5x54 MAS. Or 7.5 MAS brass is also available but a little pricey.

[haodoken]

Century did the .308 conversion - They sucked apparently -

Why? Because of the usual Century "workmanship" or was the rifle not able to withstand the .308 round?

[Saigon1965]

It was their wonderful customizing!!! I've read that there are things one can do to it to make it run - I don't know anything about them - Just glad I didn't end up with one - The caliber was not an issue at all -

[dfletcher]

I have the 49/56 and getting surplus ammo is a bit of a challenge plus it's almost always corrosive. Grafs is your best source for Privi ammo or for relaoding components. Brass is $35.00 per hundred, of course the 7.5 uses a .308 diameter bullet, so reloading is no more expensive than a 308.

The 308 conversions have almost universally been lousy. I've heard it's a combo of crappy workmanship and the 308 having a different pressure curve that causes malfunctions. If the work was done correctly, I'd figure why not use 7.5 French loads out of the 308 case, but really - don't know enough about it to bother. My guess is that if the conversion were well done a reloader could get the thing to run.

Regarding the GL, I think there is some confusion regarding what part of the MAS 49/56 comprises the launcher and should be removed. Removing the sights accomplishes nothing legally. Nor does removing the ranging ring alone. I think the part to be removed or neutered is the "muzzle device" because that is the part that allows mounting of the grenade, removing the ring may not be needed. But here's what I did.

I did remove the ranging ring and, since the gun uses detach mags and I don't know whether the muzzle device is a brake or a flash suppressor, I lined the inside of the device and in doing so covered the flash holes. To prevent GL function, I put a small set screw on the underside of the muzzle device, it protrudes enough to prevent slipping the grenade stem onto the barrel.

I'm quite certain I'm legally OK, but I suppose if there were another device that could be substituted I'd take a look at it. Just haven't found anything yet.

[smle-man]

I'v thought of having the muzzle device sleeved on the outside to increase OD and prevent a rifle grenade from going on. That also takes care of the the evil flash hider feature.

[Jarhead]

stay away from the .308 conversions - workmanship.

[Rogerbutthead]

There is a 7 page article in the American GunSmith Volume XX Number 5 May 2005 by Russell Corbitt that describes how to fix the importer's mistakes.

PM me if you need to see it.