Printable View
You don't hear much about this rifle and I'm curious why? I've never fired one or even seen on in person, but they look interesting and from some light research I've done seem like a solid design. For those who are more knowledgeable, what's the opinion of these rifles, and why aren't they more popular? What's the opinion on the 7.5x54mm round?
I believe the popular opinion is “never fired and only dropped once.” It’s a joke, obviously, but I think that sort of opinion is reflected in the price.
I’m with you, it’s an aesthetically intriguing design and quite solid.
Thanks to the above opinion, you can find some good deals.
The "rare" example to find is the CR39 with the folding aluminum butt stock, shorter barrel and shorter bayonet, very expensive in the collector market
We do have a couple of members here that have them and shoot them regularly, we had a whole thread about the ammo availability not long ago. The cartridge had potential I think...like a 7.62, or a .30 cal.
the case head is larger than 8mm/30-06 size, closer to the 6.5x55mm diameter.
the actions are "mid" locking.
many were imported to Canada sporterized, some were converted to pistol caliber carbines...
I think what puts most people off is ammunition availability. It's seldom as readily stocked as many more popular service cartridges.Quote:
Originally Posted by amadeus76
The rifle itself is, in my opinion, very good. I've had two and never experienced any serious issues with either.
It's an excellent cartridge if you reload. Similar to 7.62X51mm. It takes a .308" bullet and works well with many popular rifle powders. FL and neck-sizing dies are available from Lee and RCBS.
Privi supplied new cases. It took awhile, but they were orderable in bulk from their stockists.
There was a lot of information about them here and also Gunboards, I think.
Interesting Rifles, I have fired them on a number of occasions.
A typically French affair, "doing things their own way" rear locking, probably based on WW1 experience, rear locking being more resistant to mud etc...
"...It’s a joke..." No. It's an insult to the thousands of Maquis, the French 2nd Armoured Div. and other French troopies killed during several wars.
"...curious why?..." Not may rifles around and little ammo. Rifle are kind of odd looking. Virtually no milsurp ammo at any time and only Prvi loads ammo. $16.99 per 20 at Midway. 139 grain FMJ at 2723 FPS. Lee makes dies. I think RCBS dies will be on their "$pecial Order" list. There's load data listed under .308 here. No idea where it's from. Steve's Reloading Data Pages
Prvi brass is currently on sale at Graf's for $55.79 per 100.
They were available and cheap here a few years ago, all the examples I have handled and fired have been in excellent (look unused) condition. Guessing someone located a batch of unissued examples and imported them into the UK.
An interesting Milsurp and one that generates interest at the range.
I have one but have never fired it. Nice solid little rifle. Interesting bayonet. Typical French design with no safety which is a drawback in my opinion.
I have six and have fired them all a lot . The CR-39 is more accurate than you would think . The FR-1 with the scope also shoots very well . The standard Mas-36's are very good combat rifles and would always win or place well in our speed matches . The cases can also be made from 6.5 Swede . The are not a true .308 "cal " bore , a little tighter .306 -.307 . They do gain some in accuracy if you use lighter low drag .308 bullets . The 135 SMK has been really good .
Was possibly you that came forward with testimony towards that...in a past thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by bob q
They're intriguing little guns, I've been looking around for a while, have yet to find one.
Curious, what's a fair price to pay for a sporterized example?
Sam
I just saw a sporterized one on Sunday for $350 I don't know if that is a fair price or not these days. I don't think I'd pay it.
They are generally in very good shape here. Running at 400-500 € they are on the cheap side of the milsurp world.
I’ve been thinking about one for a while, but the fact that the sights are not windage-adjustable (you need to change the rear sight if you want to shift the poa sideways) has always put me off.
The action is solid, the bolt is the easiest to disassemble and the rifle itself is sturdy like few others.
It’s just awful, like most French rifles (just my opinion, no offense or bias on my side, just plain aesthetics).
The day I’ll find a source of rear sights, I might very well buy one.
Ammo is no issue if you reload. Very easy.
I have had many MAS 36 rifles in my day..every one of them were fine rifles in my opinion. Built like tanks, good balance, love that forward swept bolt handle.
I have a 1954 in nearly un-issued condition and I absolutely love shooting it. Despite the fat front post and rear aperture sight, I find it surprisingly easy to shoot with respectable accuracy. And the simplicity and economy of the design make it one of the most intriguing bolt-action milsurps out there.