BigGunsMoreFun
Member
I recently purchased a very nice (almost new) French MAS 49/56 rifle. It looks to be all original.
I have been told by more than one person that due to the configuration of the bolt and the heavy duty firing pin that these rifles are prone to slamfires. It was recommended that I use old military surplus ammo since the primers are much harder than in commercial ammo. I'd love to do that but there is very little surplus 7.5x54mm French surplus ammo around. What real, military surplus ammo that is around is over $1.00 per round and considered a collectors item not ammo that you go out and shoot.
Another suggestion which sounds like a better option to me is to buy a titanium firing pin for the rifle. The thought is that a light yet still strong firing pin will not fall forward inside the bolt and hit the primer on soft, commercial ammo and if it does, it is not heavy enough to set off the primer.
There is no return spring on this firing pin in the bolt assembly so that is not an option. I figure this has probably been discussed before and I have searched the archives. None of the old links to this type of firing pin work any more. I have googled looking for this type of firing pin with no luck. There are plenty of old, original (NOS) firing pins out there but I have yet to find a titanium one. :banghead:
Does anyone know where I can get a titanium firing pin for a French MAS 49/56? Please don't waste my time with wise ass comments like "How many times do you want to cover this? Search the archives." or "Why don't you google it yourself." I have already done that.
I'm looking for useful answers here. If the answer is that I can't get them any more, so be it but please, let's get there without lowbrow commentary.
Thanks.
Molon Labe,
Joe
I have been told by more than one person that due to the configuration of the bolt and the heavy duty firing pin that these rifles are prone to slamfires. It was recommended that I use old military surplus ammo since the primers are much harder than in commercial ammo. I'd love to do that but there is very little surplus 7.5x54mm French surplus ammo around. What real, military surplus ammo that is around is over $1.00 per round and considered a collectors item not ammo that you go out and shoot.
Another suggestion which sounds like a better option to me is to buy a titanium firing pin for the rifle. The thought is that a light yet still strong firing pin will not fall forward inside the bolt and hit the primer on soft, commercial ammo and if it does, it is not heavy enough to set off the primer.
There is no return spring on this firing pin in the bolt assembly so that is not an option. I figure this has probably been discussed before and I have searched the archives. None of the old links to this type of firing pin work any more. I have googled looking for this type of firing pin with no luck. There are plenty of old, original (NOS) firing pins out there but I have yet to find a titanium one. :banghead:
Does anyone know where I can get a titanium firing pin for a French MAS 49/56? Please don't waste my time with wise ass comments like "How many times do you want to cover this? Search the archives." or "Why don't you google it yourself." I have already done that.
I'm looking for useful answers here. If the answer is that I can't get them any more, so be it but please, let's get there without lowbrow commentary.
Thanks.
Molon Labe,
Joe