I have experience with Frenchicon rifles. I was never issued one but would not have minded. The Mle 44/49/49-56 are IMO excellent rifles. Very well made and designed to launch grenades as part of the French infantry system. The optics provided for the 49 and 49-56 are very good. Ammunition is easily made from 6.5 Swede. I use gallery cases..works well and cheap. Using NATO surplus powder /bullets cost me about 20 cents per round..