MAS Model 1949-56 Century Arms 7.62 NATO Conversion Semi-Automatic Rifle
This French MAS 49/56 was produced between 1961 and 1963, served in military inventory, and later underwent two arsenal refurbishments in 1972 and 1980. Century Arms imported the rifle and converted it to 7.62×51 NATO with a 19.2-inch replacement barrel, giving collectors a service-grade semi-auto that shares the robust MAS design while chambering the widely available NATO round.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good – intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The stock bears a P80 stamp that confirms its 1980 refurbishment, and light scratches, scuffs, and small blemishes are present from service handling.
What’s Included
- French military tan leather sling (installed)
- 1 × 10-round detachable steel magazine
The direct-impingement MAS action with tilting bolt remains unchanged, delivering the rifle’s well-known reliability. Century’s conversion pairs that mechanism with a 7.62 NATO-chambered 19.2-inch barrel, allowing the use of standard U.S. surplus ammunition and magazines built around the updated caliber.
An integral 22 mm muzzle brake doubles as a rifle-grenade launcher, while the protected post front sight incorporates a folding grenade-sight ladder. The rear sliding aperture is graduated from 200 to 1,200 meters, preserving the rifle’s original sighting system.
The matte gray phosphate finish covers all exposed steel, matching the arsenal standard and resisting corrosion. Shellac-sealed hardwood furniture, including a two-piece handguard, provides classic French military styling and pairs with a 12.75-inch length of pull for a compact feel at roughly 40 inches overall length.
A factory left-side optic rail remains intact for users who want to add a period-correct MAS APX or modern scope mount. Import marks from CAI St. Albans, Vermont, sit discreetly on the receiver, alongside P72 and P80 refurb stamps that document its service history.