MAS49 Syrian Contract 7.5×54 MAS 22.8″ Very Good 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 distinctive and historically significant example of France’s first standard-issue semi-automatic service rifle: a Syrian contract MAS 49 in very good overall condition. This rifle comes complete with its rifle grenade attachment and sight, an original leather sling, and features matching serial numbers on the receiver, stock, and trigger guard.

Historical Background
The MAS 49 was adopted by the French military in 1949 as its first domestically produced semi-automatic service rifle, replacing various bolt-action designs. It utilized a unique direct impingement gas system with a rear-locking tilting bolt and was chambered in the 7.5×54mm French cartridge. Approximately 6,000 of these rifles were produced specifically for the Syrian government under contract. The Syrian contract rifles differ from their French-issue counterparts in several key ways, most notably the addition of a MAS‑36 style spike bayonet integrated into the forend. These rifles were delivered in 1953 and served in various conflicts, including the Suez Crisis and civil wars in Syria.

Condition & Features
This rifle is in very good overall condition. The metal retains a strong, serviceable finish with clear MAS markings and the correct Syrian contract serial number range. The bore is in good condition with visible rifling.

Grenade Launcher System
The rifle is complete with its original rifle grenade launcher system, a feature built into the barrel. This includes the distinctive flip‑up grenade sight on the front band and a screw‑adjustable range collar on the barrel. The grenade launcher was designed to fire 22mm rifle grenades, making each rifle an accurate grenade-launching platform.

Matching & Non-Matching Numbers
The rifle remains matching numbers on the receiver, stock, and trigger guard – key indicators of its core integrity. The bolt carrier, bolt, dust cover, and bayonet are non‑matching , a common occurrence on rifles that saw service and parts replacement during arsenal maintenance. The correct Syrian contract bayonet is the MAS‑36 style spike bayonet stored under the barrel.

Accessories
Included with this rifle is an original leather sling , adding to its authentic military presentation. The rifle also retains its correct stacking rod and bayonet lug.

Collector Appeal
For the collector of French military arms, Cold War‑era rifles, or those seeking a documented Syrian contract example, this MAS 49 offers a solid opportunity. Its matching core components, complete grenade launcher system, and original leather sling make it a well‑rounded and historically rich package. This is a tangible piece of Cold War history, ready for display, research, or the range.

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.