The French Mas 1936 rifle is the last military bolt action rifle designed and put into service by a major power. It is far advanced over other military bolt actions, as it eliminated their faults and incorporated their strengths, plus several new innovations. Being of French origin, the Mas 1936 like other French military small arms, never got no respect here in the US. When WW2 started France did not have sufficient numbers of the rifle for front line troops. Consequently the rifle saw little action in the war, but it soldiered on around the world in France’s colonial wars, giving a good account for itself, it was also the battle rifle for the French Foreign Legion. A variant of the Mas 1936 chambered in 7.62x51 NATO is still the primary sniper rifle for French military and police.
It is chambered in 7.5x54mm which is a very modern rimless cartridge with velocities about on par with the 7.62x51 NATO (.308) round. A 17” cruciform bayonet is reverse stored in the lower forestock, push a button, pull out, reverse, and snap into socket. Rear aperture sight graduated 200-1200 meters, front sight is a rather thick fixed blade, which makes for a good battle sight system, but not for precise target shooting. (best I have ever done with the as is iron, was 1.5” at 100 yards) Weight of the small rifle with 22.5” barrel is a hefty 8.5 pounds. The rather odd looking bolt handle is a put off to many, but the ergonomics of it are sound. With the short 60 degree bolt throw, it is capable of extremely rapid fire for a bolt action. I have searched for, but unable to find video of a guy in French Legionnaire's uniform I once saw. With the rifle remaining mounted to his shoulder, he was able to fire five rounds so fast, it was just a blur. He did not grasp the bolt handle with his fingers, but due to the design, he was slapping the action open and closed with open palm only. Unfortunately I shoot LH, so rapid fire with it is no go for me.
Guys in these videos are very slow compared to another video I saw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbXRpV09-ew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acwSWHte9Eo
I recently got my like new refurbed Mas 1936 rifle from a private party for $200.00, which for around here I consider a good deal (other's mileage may vary) with them often going much higher on gun auction sites & etc.. I really like it, an extremely well made sturdy and sound battle rifle.
