MAS 49/56 Century Arms 7.62 NATO Semi-Automatic Rifle with 20" Barrel, Integral Bayonet & Picatinny Rail
This early- to mid-1960s French MAS 49/56 was professionally converted by Century Arms to fire the readily available 7.62×51 NATO (.308 Win) cartridge. Built on a forged-steel receiver and barrel, it retains the rifle’s signature direct-impingement action, integral folding bayonet, and Century-installed short, ported post-ban muzzle brake, while adding a clamped-on Picatinny rail for modern optics. A white polymer charging-handle knob and phosphate finish round out a collectible military rifle that bridges Cold War history with current ammunition compatibility.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
There are minor superficial scratches and blemishes on the exterior surfaces. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Cheek riser
- Leather service sling (tan)
- Black nylon accessory pouch with elastic cartridge loops
- 1× 10-round steel MAS 49/56 detachable box magazine
The Century conversion re-chambers the rifle to 7.62 NATO, expanding ammunition options while preserving the robust MAS operating system. A CAL. 7.62 .308 stamp on the receiver clearly marks the new caliber, and the 1:12 RH four-groove rifling is appropriate for standard 147-grain service loads.
Direct impingement operation keeps the action slim and balanced; its design predates and influenced later systems such as the AR-15. The right-side reciprocating charging handle now wears a white polymer knob for enhanced grip and easy visual identification of the aftermarket part.
The rifle retains classic French military features such as an integral folding bayonet and a flip-up grenade leaf sight, and it is fitted with Century’s short, ported post-ban muzzle brake. Hardwood stock and handguards display the characteristic orange-brown beech finish and include a sling slot for field carry.
A clamp-on Picatinny rail sits atop the receiver, giving today’s shooter or collector a straightforward way to mount red dots or scopes without permanent modification. Mixed serial numbers are typical of Century builds and do not affect function.