New MAS 36 Rifles report

[Richard Simmons]

Yeah rifles, I got two today. First the .308 MAS 36 from SOG. Ordered the Handpicked for $160 delivered. Finish is 95-98% with some light wear around the muzzle. Wood is EX+, bore is shiney with good rifling. Chamber appears as smooth as my other 7.5 rifles. They did cut the metal tab off on the receiver end of the lower handguard. The handguards though are tighter than any I've ever seen on a MAS of any kind. There is absolutely no shake, rattle or movement of any kind. the barrel is about 1.5" shorter than standard as it was set back for the conversion. It has a SKS type safety installed which functions just fine. It locks the trigger only. The bolt operates normally and is easily removed from the receiver. Mag floorplate and triggerguard are unmarked. Bolt is matched to the receiver. If it shoots OK and the forearms don't start shifting I'll be a Happy Camper. It is an Excellent IMO, no VG.

The other MAS 36 (7.5 French) is one I got at a local store today. Black enamel finish with about 95% coverage. Wood is VG+ to EX. Bore is very bright. It is counterbored and the muzzle has a recessed crown like a target rifle. Definelty not the rounded type crown on my others. The mag floorplate, triggerguard, bolt and receiver are all matching. Another very nice feature is that all the wood is flush with the metal. None of it is oversized like on my other rifles. Dosen't appear sanded any time recently, just very well fit when made. Makes the rifle much more comfortable in the hands. I really like it. Serial number is in the 6XXX range compared to my other two which are 23,XXX and 25,XXX range models. This particular rifle is very well put together. Perhaps a prewar? Rifle with 30rds of Syrian ammo was $115.00. I'm definetly a Happy Camper with them both at this point.

[whos2kno]

looks like you did ok today.
congrats
:jump:
:jump:

[zouavexx]

I'm a flag waver!

http://www.multimediapalace.com/flags/f/fr-flag1.gif

[Gonzotwp]

Congrats on some nice rifles!!:)
I hope you meant 1.5" shorter barrel. i think 15" shorter would make it a MAS pistol !!!!!:D
Let us know how that .308 shoots!

Gonzo

:jump:

[Richard Simmons]

Thanks for the Tricolor. And yes I meant 1.5", I guess I was thinking bout something else that's 15":D

Of the two I can't get over the one in 7.5 French. The feel of the wood is incredible. On my bathroom scale it is nearly 1.5lbs less than the .308 rifle which has lost some of it's barrel and wood in the conversion. Very light handling. Really makes the rest of my MAS rifles feel bulky in comparison. Anyone else got one with the flush fitting wood? Might get a chance to check the .308 out this weekend.

[Guinny_Ire]

that of all my rifles, I like the fit and balance of the MAS best. A rifle should be heavy but not a chore. It should have balance and shoulder well. My wood is banged but shit it gives it character. Kind of like a plain jane with a come on look if you know what I mean. Can't imagine how the conversion would affect the wood. Post pics

[REDSTAR]

You bloody Frog poofs! :moon:

[Guinny_Ire]

you get out of that hole?

[vonmazur]

Richard: Do you have the Italic or Block pre fix on the painted gun that you got?? Beginning in 1936, with Script F and ending in 1940 with Script L. (J not used) In 1945, fiinished the Script L, then M,N, O, P, and Q all in Italic Script.("Q" looks like a fancy "2") So I have seen the following in Italic script( and in original condition)

F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, and Q.....(in Block Letters, FH, and FJ.) The dates on the Barrels run from MAT 1937 to MAS 1957

Dale in Ala

[Richard Simmons]

I just pulled it down to clean the cosmo out of it. It's a script L 600x and under the barrel is stamped FY 1945.

[vonmazur]

I have seen an FG too, if your Bbl is 1945 it is probably correct...

I wonder if they had a "FF" series??

Dale in Ala