[Illuminate]

Well, after almost getting an SKS-D, I went to another gun shop and saw a Mas 49 (not a 49/56). It's in OK shape - stock is very dinged up, metal is OK though, and the bore looked nice. Definitely needs a good cleaning. I was told it shoots well. It has all matching numbers down the the bayonet, and it cost about 300. What do you guys think? Did I get an OK deal, or should I have not purchased it?

PS: I also posted this on gunboards.com in the French section. :)

[Kor]

$300 seems a shade high, but then again the only MAS's I've seen have been the 49/56 guns, so it may be a fair price on a full-length 49.

If it's still in the original French 7.5 MAS chambering, it should be a nice shooter - but you're gonna pay through the nose for the ammo...

[Marko Kloos]

The MAS 49s are good little rifles, a box magazine-fed Froggie Garand if you will. Surplus 7.5mm French is not cheap, though...find a decently priced lot somewhere and stock up on ammo.

[Jim K]

7.5 French is not only hard to get, but I have never seen any on the market that is non-corrosive.

Jim

[Cosmoline]

I've seen some 7.5 locally that's modern production. It's got the little Legionaire on the cover. It's not too $$$

[Aikibiker]

I bet it has never been fired and only dropped once, right?

[Illuminate]

I own a MAS 36/51 so I know all about the ammo... ;) I get this Portuguese new-production stuff that's non-corrosive. 13.50 a box - not great, but better than a broken leg.