Why no French milsurps?

Does this qualify as a French Milsurp?

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

I don't think the 308 converted MAS 36's have problems, it's the MAS 49/56 semi autos that tend to have problems.

Considering the uniqueness of most French firearms, I am of the opinion they deserve their own forum. Back when I was heavily into searching for them to purchase, it would have been helpful.

I am no longer actively searching, I have a Chassepot, Gras, Lebel Rifle, Lebel Carbine, Berthier Rifle, Berthier Carbine, MAS 36, MAS 49/56 and two handguns which wouldn't be in a rifle forum.

Only one I'm still interested in would be a Gras in 8mm Lebel but they aren't exactly easy to find. I suppose if a Gras Carbine walked into my life it might go home with me if the price was right. The RTI Ethiopian ones are too expensive for the condition they are in in my humble opinion.

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No wonder you are not hunting anymore, you have them all! In reference to the converted .308 MAS 49/56's, I was able to obtain one about 2 years ago for $400. I was a little worried after researching them and seeing all of the negative comments about them. I must say, I must have gotten lucky because the rifle functions flawlessly. It is a complete numbers mis-match and the metal isn't very pretty, but she works perfectly! My MAS-36 in 7.5 works great also, but how in the hell are you supposed get a sight picture with that small aperture and massive front sight post? It is the worst sight system I've ever encountered.

I just get a kick out of the French creating the MAS 36 so it can't be messed with by the troops and they never noticed the troops could manage to incapacitate two rifles by locking them together with the bayonet.

You lot continue to fascinate me, you keep ratting on about a French thread, but none of you are pestering Badger....he's just sitting back laughing.

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Originally Posted by muffett.2008

You lot continue to fascinate me, you keep ratting on about a French thread, but none of you are pestering Badger....he's just sitting back laughing.

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I asked directly years ago and was told no. Didn't make sense then, doesn't make sense now. But not my page.

I had this one come in a few weeks back, now sold to a happy Customer

I found one for 550€. Am thinking about it…

The Mas-36 is a good shooting rifle and has easy to find components . 7.5mm brass is made now [ when I started shooting them I had to use converted 6.5x55mm ] and any short bearing surface .30 cal bullet is ok . I have two pre WWII rifles , several post war refits , a FR-1 sniper , and a CR-39 . The CR-39 did shoot much better than I though it would . I also have one each of the MAS -44 series of semi-autos , plus a sniper . As far as the rest of the French rifles , I never had that much problem finding them . I have all the Gras models , Chassepot , 32 Lebels and Berthiers , All models , 8mm and 7.5mm , 3 and 5 shot , and all carbines . Also the 8mm Gras and Rolling block and a French Win .351 . I did a massive shooting test on all of the 8mm rifles . Slugged all the bores [ that really determined what bullets shot best ] and tested over 20 different loads at 100 yards .

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Originally Posted by hatrick

Does this qualify as a French Milsurp?

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I recall Martin B. Retting offering these converted to straight pull, many years ago.

Would like to have an 1886/93, a Berthier, and a G98 to go with my Mk. III Ross rifles. The way prices have gone, this isn't going to happen; no more Rosses either, for the same reason.

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Originally Posted by Singer B

how in the hell are you supposed get a sight picture with that small aperture and massive front sight post? It is the worst sight system I've ever encountered.

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and the aperture drilled off-center to zero at the factory after brazing in the front sight. I can't understand that one. "Let's make dozens of variations of a single part so that we don't have to make a single nice-n-tight dovetail like the Russians did".
mine has a centered rear aperture...and shoots about 1/2moa left. easily fixed since the obelisk in front is so huge...thin stripe of fingernail polish puts it dead on. After I completely took it apart and cleaned it up, it took ~10-20 rounds for the forestock to settle into a good place. Now it shoots consistently. I had a target posted on here somewheres. The forestock is still a little loose. It'll shoot even better if I shim the rear and front of the barrel, or cut a few more beer cans up to shim where the screw plate is.