From Ben's Private Collection - French MAS 36 Rifle .308 Win Caliber Conversion, 5 Rd, Bolt Action, Bayonet, G /VG Cond, Ser # L 89022, C& R Eligible

This Firearm Will Go Live on The Site for Sale at Noon E.S.T. on Monday Dec 8, 2025. Nice somewhat rare MAS 36 Rifle. Developed in 1936 the MAS-36 rifle was extensively used by French Army and Foreign Legion and Colonial Defense Forces during France's postwar counter-insurgency operations in the First Indochina War and the Algerian War, as well as in the Suez Crisis. During the Suez Crisis, French paratroop marksmen employed telescope-sighted MAS-36 rifles to eliminate enemy snipers. The MAS-36 remained in service into the Vietnam era of the early 1960s as an infantry rifle, often serving with indigenous colonial units. A very unique and collectible rifle. The Mas 36 is nothing fancy and in fact is one of the most basic rifles I have ever encountered. However, they are really unique and have a certain cool factor that you just won't find in other rifles. It is a 5 round bolt action rifle originally chambered in the 7.5x54 (commonly referred to as 7.5 French) round. However, back in the late 80's and early 90's Century Arms took a few select MAS 36 rifles and re-barreled them in .308 Winchester. This is one of the .308 Win caliber conversions, and the rifle has .308 Win prominently marked on the receiver. It also incorporates a spike type bayonet that can be turned around and carried within the body of the stock, or pulled out, turned around and mounted to the rifle through the use of a simple release button. These rifles are built like tanks. The rifle still has its original test fired spent shell casing in a baggie attached to the trigger guard and it will ship with its original surplus accessory package.  This rifle was in like new condition when I stored it away years ago however, I did not have this one in a climate controlled safe and it got exposed to some moisture somehow and as such has a little bit of light surface rust in certain areas. I could try to clean it, but I don't want it to appear as if I am hiding anything so I'm just listing it as is and letting you know that it is there. The bore is pristine. Bright with sharp lands and grooves. I believe it to be new. The rifle ships wrapped in bubble wrap for maximum protection. This was part of a very small lot of these rifles that we received chambered in .308 years ago and I remember keeping this one because it was so nice. It broke my heart when I pulled it our recently and saw some evidence of surface rust on it.... but it happens if you're not vigilant. Note - I have never fired this rifle and since it is a caliber converted rifle I would strongly suggest (as with all surplus) having it checked by a competent gunsmith before firing. Century Arms did these and did them well with no issues that I know of but having never fired it, I can't vouch for it.  Anyway.... This rifle has been represented here through images and description with 100% accuracy as I know it and if you are not comfortable buying it based on this information Do Not Make the Purchase. All sales are final on this rifle. This rifle is C&R Eligible. The back story. Over the last 30 plus years in the gun business I have acquired some really nice surplus firearms. These guns came from Gun Shows, private collections, and private individuals that I have met along the way, as well as, on occasion, what I would deem as the best of a particular lot when it came in here to Classic. Well, all good things must end and at this point in my life it is time to downsize a little and that includes letting go of some of these "Gun Safe Queens" that I have typically only pulled out to clean ever so often. Now don't get me wrong, there was a time when I would not have even considered giving up one of these firearms as they have been very special to me. However, my daughters show no interest in inheriting them, and I've decided that I would rather see them in the hands of folks that would relish them, than to have them to continue sit in a dark safe here at Classic. Each gun from my private collection is unique and they will sell individually by serial #, so when that gun is gone, it is gone and irreplaceable. At least from me. If you no longer see this rifle in inventory, you will know that it has sold. See more about the rifle below.