French MAS 36 Bolt Action Service Rifle(s)………SOLD

I have Two MAS 36 French Bolt Action Rifles to offer.

Serial numbers, 35941 (f 181) and 47839 (f 186)  They are identical in condition.  Both are mixed numbers, both have “been there” and are not rebuilds in revolting new timber – they are both in the Old revolting timber.  These rifles were both in a state of suspended animation – stuffed with a thick black gooey grease.  ( I am wondering where they have been and I am drawn towards French India-China, as one possible explanation? Or the Native Camel Corps of North Africa) This has kept the barrels nicely but it soaked the woodwork.  It took three weeks to dry them out in the heat of the summer sun on a hot tin roof!  There is no heavy refinishing, apart from the non- matching bolts which do appear to be parkerised.  Bayonets A/F.

The rifles measure 40.1/2″ in overall length or as the French would like it 1028mm. The round, back bored barrels are 22.3/4″ in length and the trigger pull is 12.3/4″  This is the model with the integral hooded front sight and stacking hook. There is a forward sling mounting ring on the mid band, the rear mount being a bar set into the LHS of the stock over a recess.  Behind this the matching number to the action is stamped in to the stock.  There is also a matching number on the trigger guard.

The MAS 36 is unusual in it that although, basically, a Mauser design type bolt, the French took it upon themselves to move the locking lugs to the rear of the action.  By doing this they also lost a third lug for locking , which it can be debated effects accuracy.  This resulted in a shorter stroke to reload- therefore quicker, but, required a radical redesign of the bolt hand, thus the bolt handle ended up bent forward giving the MAS 36 its quirky look.  Also the French designers did not include to design in a safety catch.

Steel butt-plate.  Internal five shot, stripper clip loaded magazine with “dump” facility  by two simple spring loaded buttons beneath the action.  The Flat sided action is marked on the LHS  “M A S. Mil 1936  /  # 35941”  The rear sight is an appature sight mounted on the rear of the action and graduated to 1200 meters.  It has a for groove left hand twist bore in good condition, although a good clean through by shooting would do them a world of good.  British proofed.  Personally, I like them.  They are short, functional and apparently rumored to shoot quite well.  They just do the job.  Having said that I wouldn’t feel happy up against a K98 or a Panzer! with one.  They remind me of the AK series of weapons – very functional, a bit rough, but wouldn’t win any beauty contests.

Stock numbers  f 181 and f 186

£ 345.00 ….SOLD

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