MAS 36?

[amadeus76]

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?

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[rcathey]

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.

[RCS]

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

[browningautorifle]

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.

[Lee Enfield]

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...

[Anaxes]

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 think what puts most people off is ammunition availability. It's seldom as readily stocked as many more popular service cartridges.

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.

[mrclark303]

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...

[Sunray]

"...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.

[mrclark303]

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.

[Aragorn243]

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.