Any "SOG" MAS 49/56 owners??

[1911crazy]

Did anyone buy that MAS 49/56 7.5 French Commando Rifle from Southern Ohio Gun??? Did you have any cycle problems?? How do you like the 49/56???                                         BigBill

I think they are out of them now but they did have them at first for $199 with all the accessories in "new rearsenaled condition" then the price went to $229 but it was still a great buy at that price in this condition. When the 7.5 French ammo became more available I think the all 7.5 French MAS rifles(MAS 36 bolts as well as the 49/56 & 49 semi's) became more attractive to collect and shoot. I think SOG has the best prices on the new production 7.5 ammo.

[alpini]

I had one. Bought it for 199.00 when they first came out. I was still hurting because I didn't pick up a FN 49 when I had a chance, so I thought one of these would do.
 At first I had ammo problems, couldn't find any except old Algerian stuff that had a lot of hang fires. A year or two later I finally got some French ammo from Gibbs that was a lot better, came on links. The rifle functioned well but the accuracy was poor.
 I like the general layout pretty well. Sights are very good, safety was quick and positive. With the rubber boot attached, it would shoulder well with in shirt sleeves. Without the boot, it shoulders with a coat on. The rifle is short and flat. It has a lot of drop in the comb of the stock which I like for snap shooting. Recoil is mild, muzzle blast isn't bad. Bolt handle is easy to grab. I think the only thing wrong about it besides ammo availibility would be the 10 rd magazines, I heard about 18 rd mags but never seen any.
    Clayton

[1911crazy]

I had one. Bought it for 199.00 when they first came out. I was still hurting because I didn't pick up a FN 49 when I had a chance, so I thought one of these would do.
 At first I had ammo problems, couldn't find any except old Algerian stuff that had a lot of hang fires. A year or two later I finally got some French ammo from Gibbs that was a lot better, came on links. The rifle functioned well but the accuracy was poor.
 I like the general layout pretty well. Sights are very good, safety was quick and positive. With the rubber boot attached, it would shoulder well with in shirt sleeves. Without the boot, it shoulders with a coat on. The rifle is short and flat. It has a lot of drop in the comb of the stock which I like for snap shooting. Recoil is mild, muzzle blast isn't bad. Bolt handle is easy to grab. I think the only thing wrong about it besides ammo availibility would be the 10 rd magazines, I heard about 18 rd mags but never seen any.
    Clayton

Clayton;
There is new better made ammo made from Portugal now they made it hotter so the semi's will all function now. I didn't have any problems with mine but I did chamfer the slide that hits/resets the hammer, did feel a big bump when i ran the slide by hand. Plus I used moly as lube and the gun cycles fine and fast just like an sks. As far as accuracy I shot about a 5" group at 100yds not too bad for me shooting it, it did shoot high about 3" but its right over the bullseye dead center. It sure is a fun plinker and with better quality ammo from  SOG it should start a following and continue to grow popularity of the 7.5 french rifles. I think they were overlooked just like the 7.62x54 rifles were back in the 70's because of ammo availability now its different their popularity has grown and the rifles and the ammo is affordable. I'm sure we will see someone else manufacture 7.5 ammo maybe Igman, Sellier & Bellot or Wolf will do it too. Its still affordable from SOG but I wish we had one more supplier.  And for the price/condition of this gun from SOG you couldn't find a better buy. I'm going to order some newer Portugal ammo and see if it will cycle my MAS49 then we will know if the ammo is good or not for sure.
I think Empire arms still has some of these rearsenaled guns left at $350 still a good price for a new "French MAS 49/56 Commando Rifle".  I have seen them in 308 caliber too but it had problems you need to add a gas valve to make it function properly which is no biggie if it makes it shoot right. There is a place for french weapons in history I really don't see to many french guns at shows. I didn't go looking for french rifles they just happen to come home with me I had no intention of collecting them at first. First the SOG MAS 49/56, a '15 Berthier came in a package deal(3guns) for $20 then I was shooting the 49/56 at a local range and they had a MAS 49 in the rack for sale, then I bought a MAS36 ufix'n'up from century and it had a brandnew 308win barrel and it just needed bolt parts. Funny how the french stuff just happen to comeby.               BigBill

Some collectors collect one brand, some collect bolt actions, some collect semi's, some collcet everything,  no matter what you collect have fun enjoy these fine treasures/pieces of history!!!!!!