MAS 36 7.62x39 bolt gun

[TexAg]

I went to Cabela's in Ft. Worth today just to look around and I saw these in the used gun racks.
http://www.wlawarehouse.com/store_front/mas-scout/
At first I thought it was an AIA x39 Enfield based bolt gun that takes AK mags, but then I realized it's something a bit different. It's got a pretty heavy bull barrel and a FIXED 10 (it appeared) round AK mag. I picked it up and thought it was pretty muzzle heavy. There aren't iron sights on it, but there is a picatinny scout rail on it. Wise Lite arms makes them and I've seen them post on here before, but this gun seems like (to me) a very bizare and well, pretty misguided transformation of a milsurp.
It seemed way too muzzle heavy; it's got a bull barrel, but why? A FIXED AK mag? I'm thinking it would have taken too much engineering to make it removeable, but you just lost a lot of potential appeal for guys who want a bolt in x39 that uses their same AK mag. No iron sights; you either add them yourself or use the scout rail for an optic (and now you limit yourself in optics because it's got to be an EER scope, pistol scope or dot scope/sight).
I'm not sure I get it and for $400 I definitely would not get it. The CZ bolt 7.62x39 I've handled was far better handling and at least you've got irons and provision for mounting a traditional scope.
Anyway, thoughts? Anyone else seen these or have one? I think an SKS or Saiga fits the bill a bit better.
Oh and this definitely would tick off the anti-bubba-izing crowd.

 

[iamkris]

Count me among the ticked off. I have a nice MAS 36 and they are underappreciated. Nice handy gun. Good sights, decent ergonomics, good full power cartridge.

I love how the ad says it is a "tick over 10 pounds" and "because of the size and weight, makes a nice youth rifle". Huh?

 

[Storm]

That rifle ought to be in a freak show.

 

[Aren't we all]

couldnt they have just made a trench mag type deal and put in an adaptor for 7.62 x 39?
BAH! that beast makes me and my Mas cringe.


Marsh

 

[Carl N. Brown]

Anyone remember the 7.62x39 conversions of Japanese Ariskas (captured in WWII by the Chinese and later issued to their paramilitaries after caliber conversion)? They were common at 39.95 at gunshows a few years back.

Unless the MAS were converted by some military using 7.62x39, I would much prefer an original MAS in the original caliber.

My suspicion is someone had MAS actions that could not be used in the original caliber and made a 7.62x39 conversion as salvage.

Added: followed the link, it is a ~500 unit commercially made item.

 

[Zack]

Ak mag looking thing? looks like an AK... Weird barrel..... ! ugly! Looks like Bubba built it from spare parts :|

 

[bannockburn]

Mon Dieu! That's one nightmarish looking abomination. Kind of like trying to make a sow's ear out of a silk purse.

 

[TexAg]

My guess as to why they were at Cabela's is that they dumped them there because they couldn't sell them!

 

[armoredman]

Poor MAS. I had a 36 years ago, couldn't find ammo, (this was about 20 years ago, btw), thought it was an interesting little rifle.
I agree, my CZ527M carbine in 7.62x39mm is far better than that thing.

 

[junkman_01]

I kind of like it!