FRENCH MAS 36

[gunlover_06]

French Mas 36
ok guys need some help on this one, looking at maybe buying this rifle and need some info on it,
are they good guns, is ammo available for them? the one i am thinking of getting is an unisseud gun has the bayonet, guy who has it bought in 1969 and has never fired it, says it is just like the day he got it.all matching numbers,pristine bore and wood. he is asking $325.00 for it is this a good price?

 

[rugerdude]

The only experience I have with the MAS-36 was from a gunshow a while back.

A man was selling one for $175 with a scope on it, and it was in pretty good condition too. I had no idea what it was at the time, but my dad was interested, so we looked around for some ammo, and we found it...but it wasn't cheap.

I can't remember the cost, but I do know it was made by FNM (a portugese ammo manufacturer, comes in a blue box) and I don't even recall the caliber (7.5 french maybe?). Anyway, the cost of ammo was enough to put him off of buying it.

Now I wait to see if:
A.)I passed up a steal on a gun that was nice but ammo was pricey for
B.)I passed up a steal on a gun that was nice and not actually that expensive to shoot
C.)You are getting ripped off.

 

[mp510]

They were chambered in 7.5 French.

In the late 1990's or early 2000's (I foget which) the CAI drunken monkey's did a stellar job converting some to .308
I saw one on a used gun rack, and the conversion looked nasty (horrible machining, loose parts, and put back together with furniture that no longer fit properly). But, it sounds like this rifle is still in original condition.

There were also many unconverted rifles imported as well. And, many of those were in excellent condition. Sometimes I'll still see them in gunshops. There's presently a mint one on Gunbroker for $200, and couple slightly lesser rifles ranging from 175-198.
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=69743252#PIC

 

[Timthinker]

This may sound like a trivial point, but does the MAS 36 require a stripper clip? If so, this might be another problem to obtain. Remember, after World War 2, the French abandoned both the MAS 36 and its cartridge. I am confident that you could purchase ammo and stipper clips via the internet, but the cost might prove more than you are willing to pay. Consider this "food for thought."

Timthinker

 

[CA357]

It sounds like it's in excellent shape. After all, it's a French military rifle, it's never been fired and only dropped once.

 

[swingset]

They're actually quite accurate, handy little carbines (if not a bit homely).

Ammo is available, FNM, HotShot and PRVI all make good FMJ loadings that aren't expensive, and you can easily reload for it (since it takes a .308 projectile).

They're light, balance well, and have decent sights.

 

[Limeyfellow]

They are nice little rifles. I well recommend them if you reload. Reliable and very accurate for a milsurplus of its age. Reloading is simple from a stripper clip of a rimless round so its pretty straight forward. Their best feature in my opinion is the nice peep sight setup that is really easy on the eyes. If you can find its surplus ammo you find it second to swiss gp11 rounds but better than the majority of rounds out there.

Its major drawback is a lack of a safety.

Ended up saving a couple of my relatives escaping from Dunkirk, thanks to brave French soldiers sacraficing their lives for ours and I would feel more than happy with one.

 

[wayne in boca]

Possibly a regional difference,but I see them in South Florida gunshows for about $160.00 every time I go to one.Nice little rifles.

 

[cpileri]

remember when they were 35 bucks each???

Enough nostalgia.

Most reports praise their accuracy as the most universal good attribute of the rifle, ultra-simplicity of the bolt (simplest I have ever seen in a repeater), and good sights which of course contributes to their accuracy, place in WWII history, etc. Folks USED TO praise its low cost.

One positive report opined that as a 'truck' gun, it is perfect since if it is stolen it would be difficult fo rthe average bad guy to find 7.5 French ammunition from the 'usual' Bad Guy sources, whatever they are. No sense in handing them a 9mm or a Glock Fawdee, right?

Most reports that are unfavorable cite its odd caliber, French-ness (a non-issue, let's be real), and weight.

If you can find a MAS 36 CR39 (one with a folding, aluminum paratrooper stock) then you have a very desireable collectors item.

Opinion worth what you paid for it: if you alredy have a full-power rifle in a more common/versatile caliber (30-06/308/270/take your pick), or if you don't and opportunity to buy one is scarce in your area, or are a collector of these rifles; and are looking for an interesting and accurate rifle that even in bad condition can be a good 'truck gun', then by all means buy it. Although I had NO idea they were 300 bucks nowadays! Wow! Makes me wish I bought 50 or so when they were 35 bucks each.

C-

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I really like mine, shoots great and very little recoil.

I've been able to pick up surplus middle eastern ammo for mine (corrosive) for just a few dollars a box.

I think his price is high though. I haven't priced them lately, check around and make him a counter offer once you know what the market is.

If it's a conversion gun I would pass on it unless it's in the $100 range.

 

[kfranz]

remember when they were 35 bucks each???

Yes I do, in fact...

I like them. Handy, light, no pesky safety to disengage, ammo is available if not dirt cheap.
Personally, I'd look for a used one at half price before I paid $325 for an unissued one, but I'm not a collector.

 

[4fingermick]

It would want to be Charles De Gaulle's rifle for that much, I'm thinking. I bought a good one about 18mths ago, paid $AU200 for the rifle, Lee RGB dies with shellholder and 100 brass (some loaded).

Shoots like a house on fire. I used mine on a Palma style shoot at 300mtrs, no jacket, no sling, shot a couple points off a personal best, Happy with it? You bet!!

Graf's have stripper clips. I have a supply of new Swede clips which work (I have been told, I haven't actually tried them yet, the french round is pretty much a 6.5 Swede necked up.

I can't wait to see how this baby goes on lead boolits.

 

[GRIZ22]

I think Wolf makes 7.5 French ammo in their classic military line

 

[ball3006]

I bought two....

when they were 35 bucks, 41 bucks to my door. Good shooting rifles even though they were used for surrender practice by the Algerians, after the French used them. Butt ugly but nice bores. I think that guy's price is too high though. The bayonet is part of the rifle, not an extra like most rifles. It is stored in the tube below the barrel in the forestock......FOM makes ammo in 7.5 French and it is reloadable. Brass is available too.....chris3

 

[jd46561]

Very nice carbine, VERY accurate. I hit a bullseye, first shot at 100 yards with mine. I paid $200.00 , worth the money IMO. As far as truck gun goes, they dont have a safety so be careful. Here is a pic of mine ...