ID these French police rifles

[MikeJackmin]

Found here:

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/world...ells-activate-france-attack-charlie-hebdo.cnn

Screen grab in case they take the image down, lightly enhanced:

http://www.ffmmov.com/fr.jpg

 

[Shear_stress]

Those are Ruger AC556s with French-spec stocks. The French really dig Rugers (check out the Manurhin MR88, which was on a Security Six frame). If the movie was any guide, Jacques Mesrine was killed by a bunch of Mini-14-wielding cops.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Thanks. If three minutes is not a THR record, it's close.

 

[nathan]

It has the hole in the stock like the M1 carbine.

 

[Shear_stress]

It has the hole in the stock like the M1 carbine.

Yup, that's how the French ordered them.

 

[19-3Ben]

Actually, that's kind of a cool configuration for that stock. I don't know if it would practically make any difference but it certainly seems cool.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Actually, that's kind of a cool configuration for that stock. I don't know if it would practically make any difference but it certainly seems cool.

A concession to M-1/M-2 Carbine style side-slinging.

Todd

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Those are Ruger AC556s with French-spec stocks. The French really dig Rugers (check out the Manurhin MR88, which was on a Security Six frame). If the movie was any guide, Jacques Mesrine was killed by a bunch of Mini-14-wielding cops.

Dude, you've seen that movie? You're a pretty eclectic dude.

Figures that French people like Rugers. Say what you will about them, they do have good taste.

 

[mothernatureson]

rugers in france

I have the Ruger book by Rl Wilson, in it talks about selling 2500 "carbines" to the French National Police. I do like my mini 14.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

What's the big surprise.

Someone had to inherit The "A" Team's non-lethal long arms.

 

[mac66]

Those are not AC556s. They are however Mini 14s with special stocks. They were purchased back in the 70s and 80s for the CRS (Company of Republic(an) Security) which is the national police reserve. The CRS is basically used for crowd control and sometimes riots and for perimeter security. Mini 14s are also used by the national prison system as well.

I've noticed at least 4 maybe 5 different variations. All have the slotted stocks, checkering and normal (not AC556 or GB) front sights. Some have the rear sight in front of the chamber instead of on the rear of the receiver like regular Minis. Original Minis came with wood operating rod covers. Later ones had plastic.

1. Semi auto w/ wood forearm op rod covers w/normal sights
2. Semi auto w/plastic op rod covers, normal sights
3. Full auto selector w/wood op rod covers and rear sight in front of the chamber.
4. Full auto selector w/plastic op rod covers and regular sights.

 

[Shear_stress]

Those are not AC556s. They are however Mini 14s with special stocks.

...And selector switches, as you say. Since the full auto receiver is different from that standard semi receiver, I'd say they are closer to AC556s than Mini-14s.

Dude, you've seen that movie?

Sure have. Basically the French Scarface, but more or less true.

 

[mac66]

Shear,

i agree that some are closer to AC 556s as they are obviously made on full auto receivers. Technically though, the AC 556 was specific designation for a specific configuration. These are kind of a unique setup just for the French, basically full auto Mini 14s. Some however are semi autos and both have different rear sight set ups. Some have the old style rear peep and some have a sight in front of the receiver. I haven't been able to find a photo with enough resolution that I can blow up enough to get a good look at the forward mounted rear sight however.

 

[Shear_stress]

Fair enough. Really, these rifles aren't AC556s or Mini-14s, but a family of separate variants that incorporates features from both. The French call it the "Mousqueton AMD".

 

[DougW]

I saw the Police patrolling Paris in 1982 with their Mini14's. 20 round mags too if I remember correctly.

 

[JFrame]

Here's a write-up of the Mini-14 variant being used by the French:

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/35231/the-mousqueton-a-m-d-frances-mini-14/

.

 

[mac66]

Well, not only have I have seen at least 4 if not 5 variations but at least three versions of how the French got and/or developed the Mini 14 for their own use. It is actually an interesting story if we ever get to the bottom of it.

Now I wonder if Ruger will come out with a checkered wood stocked, sling slot version to capitalize on the French being on TV with them. I don't think Ruger makes wood stock versions of the Minis anymore. I do really like that French stock.

 

[herkyguy]

I've been wondering the same thing since I saw this video on CNN a few days ago.

I went back and forth between m1 carbine and mini 14 for some time before seeing a good angle that revealed the mini14 receiver.

It was the only thing that kept me tuned in..... CNN was really stretching to keep their hours-long live broadcast.

 

[Deserthunter]

French Mini14s

This is an informative thread, especially to Mini-14 fans like myself. Thanks to MikeJackmin for triggering the tread and to contributors for their informative information.

 

[cluttonfred]

More info on these French rifles here from Ian McCollum's great site:

http://www.forgottenweapons.com/french-police-mini-14/

 

[sauer1911]

I glad to see the mini-14! Atleast when the Sig sp2022 jams they'll have a good weapon to protect themselves with.

My Sp2022 had to go back and have the slide, barrel, and recoil rod/spring replaced after about 50 rounds. Not exactly a confidence booster!

be safe.

 

[9mm+]

This is an informative thread, especially to Mini-14 fans like myself. Thanks to MikeJackmin for triggering the tread and to contributors for their informative information.

Yes, I agree. I love the Mini-14. I know that it's blasphemous to say this, but I'm not a big fan of AR's. They work very well, of course, but they're so...hmmmm...common. It's good to see police toting another rifle chambered in 5.56/.223.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

Having shot both an AC556 and an M4 in the same session for comparison recently, I'd say the M4 recoil was much straighter back while the AC556 has some climb.

Mike

 

[WVGunman]

Here's a write-up of the Mini-14 variant being used by the French:

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/35231/the-mousqueton-a-m-d-frances-mini-14/

.

Huh. It says the French ordered the Mini-14 to avoid using guns that looked too militaristic. But it then says the Mini-14s are being replaced with the H&K G36. Guess they got over it!

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

The ruger in that stock has a resemblance to the MAS rifles....