Mas 36/51 7.5×54 MAS 22.6″ w/ grenade launcher Wood Unissued condition

Our Grading Tier:

Excellent: 80–95% finish, solid wood with minor wear, very good to excellent bore. Non-critical hairline cracks acceptable. Arsenal repairs or spliced wood common on some models (Russian, Yugoslav or Finnish rifles). About as good as surplus gets.
Very Good: 60–80% finish, honest wear, good to very good bore. Solid serviceable condition with normal handling marks.
Good: 40–60% finish, moderate wear/repairs, fair to good bore. Functional rifle with visible service history.
Fair: Less than 40% finish, heavy wear or damage, worn bore. Project gun or parts donor.

Description:

We are pleased to offer a truly exceptional and rare find for the collector of French military arms: a MAS 36/51 rifle in unissued, excellent condition, featuring all matching serial numbers. This rifle comes as a complete infantry package, including its original grenade launcher, spike bayonet, and grenade launcher sights – a museum‑worthy ensemble that is seldom encountered on the civilian market.

The MAS 36/51 is the post‑war evolution of the legendary MAS 36, the standard‑issue bolt‑action rifle of the French Army from 1936 through the Indochina and Algerian wars. The “/51” designation indicates that the rifle was upgraded to launch rifle grenades, a critical capability for French forces fighting in the jungles of Indochina and the rugged terrain of North Africa. This conversion included the addition of a grenade launcher spigot fitted over the muzzle, a flip‑up grenade sight mounted on the left side of the receiver, and a reinforced stock to handle the stress of launching anti‑personnel or anti‑tank grenades. The spike bayonet is inserted into a socket under the muzzle when needed.

This particular example is in unissued condition, meaning it has never been issued to troops or used in the field. The metal retains virtually all of its original parkerized finish, with crisp French arsenal markings and matching serial numbers on the receiver, bolt, barrel, and stock. The bore is mirror‑bright with sharp, full‑depth rifling – a testament to never having been fired except possibly at the factory. The wood stock is flawless, with no dings, scratches, or handling marks, and retains the original finish. The included grenade launcher spigot and launcher sights are in pristine, unused condition, and the spike bayonet is equally perfect, with its bright metal and intact latch mechanism.

For the serious collector of 20th‑century military rifles, this MAS 36/51 represents a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity. The combination of unissued condition, all‑matching numbers, and the complete grenade‑launching accessories is extraordinarily rare. It is a tangible artifact of France’s Cold War military history – a rifle that stood ready for combat but never saw the field. Whether displayed as a centerpiece of a French collection or preserved as an investment‑grade piece, this MAS 36/51 is the definitive example of its type.

Important Notice Regarding Military Surplus Firearms:

Historical Artifacts: These rifles are typically 50–100+ years old and have served through wars, training, and storage. They are collectible historical items, not new commercial firearms.
Honest Wear Expected: Minor dings, scratches, handling marks, and edge wear are normal and do not affect grading.
Wood Cracks: Hairline cracks in non-critical areas (e.g., forend, buttstock sides) are common in aged wood and do not downgrade a rifle unless they affect structural integrity. Any critical cracks will be noted.
Non-Matching Numbers: Many surplus rifles have non-matching bolts, magazines, or parts. This is common and does not necessarily affect function or value. Matching numbers will always be noted if present.
Bore Condition: Bore condition is graded separately (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair). A “Good” bore on a 1940s rifle is often perfectly acceptable and shootable.
Cosmoline: Rifles stored in cosmoline may require thorough cleaning before use. Cosmoline preservation is a bonus, not a guarantee of a “new” rifle.

By purchasing, you acknowledge that you are buying a historical collectible surplus firearm and accept the characteristics associated with its age and service history. Please read through the descriptions and pictures carefully for details. We photograph and describe each rifle honestly. If you have any questions about a specific listing, please contact us before purchasing.