French MAS 36

[bigduke6]

Anyone have or had any experience with the MAS 36, only ask as I was looking in a local gunshop ( I was looking at BSA Martini action .22, s as I,m after some barrels) looking at the gun racks a nice MAS 36 looked in excellent condition and as for the price well it was being given away.

I,ve handled one before but never shot one, just wonder about accuracy etc....

[Aragorn243]

Only issue I know about them is the ammo problem. They don't make it anymore and most of what is out there is machine gun ammo that does work. They have gotten pretty difficult to find in some areas and do seem to be somewhat desired, especially if they are an actual pre-war rifle. It it's in excellent condition it's probably a rebuild which is still OK. I have one, I have the ammo for it but I regret to say I have not taken it to the range yet. I don't like that they don't have a safety but for the range, that isn't really an issue. It handles nicely and I can get a good sight picture with it.

[read6737]

I have 2 MAS 36s
One prewar that is to look at very rough,
it had been smashed to prevent use, hidden and then rebuilt
with a new barrel and fore end wood. The mag box is still badly bent but it is straight, passed proof and all works well and smooth and shots very very straight.

The other is post war and in near new condition in 7.08.
That shoots just as well if not a little better with a greater choice of bullets.

New cases can be bought from here FAMAS

Of you read French then there is lots and lots of info on reloading and where to find the hard to find parts.

If finding cases becomes a real issue, re-chamber in 30-284.
Shoots just as well with all the original profile and barrel.

The MAS 36 is classed as a Mauser type action, is very strong,
one of the best bolt action rifles ever made, feels and looks compact,
and lighter in weight.
It does have a safety in the half cock position but it is not a great one.
I like the bayonet and the peep sight, the bolt form is good but too a little getting use to, a bit like the No 5 in a way same idea.

But it is like everything you like it or you do not, for example I do not like Springfields, M1 Garands or 1911s.
But I still own an M1 untouched since WWII found in a Paris attic
all dried out and grey, and with all original matching parts.
I have it for its historical interest only and it was very very cheap.

[arado]

I used the mas 36 as I do all of my military guns. for the experience. I found it very efficient, accurate and well made. I make my ammo from Swedish 6.5 gallery cartridges.

[browningautorifle]

But I still own an M1 untouched since WWII found in a Paris attic

By the way...that would go well on the other forum, if you could see clear to doing a photo spread.

[Aragorn243]

I'm curious about this half cock safety. I'll have to go experiment with that. Not exactly sure if I understand it correctly.

[read6737]

Re the half cock,
It does not block really much, if you pull the trigger then it drops the bolt and pin slowly, not tried it with a round in it though.
I could be completely wrong in calling this a safety feature.

Regarding the M1 Garand I did post a few pics a while ago

The Found M1

will do a better one and serial No post in the future.

[browningautorifle]

That's right, we saw that. Yes, it would be nice to see more.

[Aragorn243]

I did experiment. I wouldn't call that a safety at all.

If the bolt handle is fully lifted, it's OK, nothing happens. But the bolt will slide open all on it's own.

If the bolt handle is lifted partially or even halfway or more, when you pull the trigger, the bolt slams down and the rifle "fires". Now whether this is slow enough to prevent ignition I did not experiment with as I did not do it with a round in the chamber either.

[read6737]

I remember reading a long time ago that it was a sort of safety,
but then on reading around today it is said that no safety
was fitted to the rifle.
Safety is something I very rarely use as I have the habit of opening the bolt when I put an arm down and removing the mag and or rounds, and I tend to load one round at a time to slow down my rate of fire and to keep a rhythm and stay calm as I tend to shoot in fixed time competitions, and I do not hunt so to carry a loaded gun is not now a necessity for me
But as you said it is not really a safety.
I think I will read up a little before I post again.
I do like things that get my grey cells going.