Follow Up to the "MSE" post
LOL!
No, I didn't buy It to Freak out other competitors on the firing line. (I'm sure I would get resounding "only dropped once" gaffs that you normally hear about French rifles)
I have a fairly extensive MILSURP collection. (Close to 100 rifles) I had just read an article about the "MSE" in an East-Coast Gun collectors association newsletter. Not 30 seconds later I find one on Gunbroker..... and Damn, I actually had the cash to buy it!
I figured what the hell! It's rare, it's unique, and it'll be a decent investment I can actually get some use out of. I agonized a bit about the price. It's the most I've ever paid for a Milsurp. (My Hungarian 52M sniper was the previous high point)
If I had to chose between an M1A "NM" or Garand "NM" and the "MSE", the Garand or M1A would win hands down. However, the "MSE" has it's own distinct personality, and is a worthy inclusion to my collection.
My French rifles so far:
MAS 36 (Prewar- WW2 Vet bringback,- nice shape)
MAS 36 (Postwar, arsenal refurb, excellent+)
MAS 36 (Century .308 conversion.. YUCK! This one is useless!! Shoots a pattern , not a group!!)
MAS 36/51 (W/ integral Grenade launcher-- this one is unissued)
MAS 49/56 (1974 arsenal refurb- Like new)
MAS 49/56 "MSE" (1968 Arsenal refurb)