Most under appreciated c&r rifle

K31 said:

The 49/56 came this close to being a great rifle. Trigger pull sucked however. Front sight too tree-trunk like, although the mechanism for raising/lowering it like the AR15 is nice. Staked parts to prevent soldiers from doing more than field striping not-so great. If they had just made the receiver cover a bit lower in the rear you could clean it from the rear. Severe drop of the buttstock doesn't help barrel rise or scoping it.

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chooks9 said:

Commercial: Savage Model 1899/99.

Military: Portuguese Mauser-Vergueiro, P14, Arisaka, Yugo Mauser, FN-49.

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Jimbob2.0 said:

This is right on, its typical French (like there cars or frankly women) make a few improvements here and there, slap features on, forget small details.

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mawkie said:

Gentlemen I disagree. That big front post is fast to acquire in the field, it's a battle rifle not a target rifle. Ever try to find that narrow Springfield 03 blade quickly?
The fact that the receiver has scope rails as a std feature is very forward thinking. Ditto for the GL. I do agree that when a scope is mounted an accessory stock riser for better cheek weld would have been nice to see issued. External catch mag is stupid easy/fast to remove and replace.
I've NEVER had a FTF or other blockage in my MAS 49 or 49/56. A very stout and simple system. Yes, the French used that I'll call security screws to prevent disassembly in the field but I'll bet every armorer would prefer that un-trained GIs not be doing a detailed, full field strip. Just not normally necessary.
The 49/56 is probably the perfect length for all around service from infantry to mounted. Yes it's harder to clean, but who's complained recently about the same of the much adored M1 Garand and Carbines?
Remember that the French were issuing a MRB with an excellent 7.5 mm round, removable 10 rd magazine and integral GL when we were still fielding the rapidly aging M1 Garand. It's a much better rifle than it get props for.

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Jimbob2.0 said:

I think everyone's grandfather would disagree with the 1899/99. While they don't have the mystique of Winchesters etc. they certainly were the gun that put meat in the pot for everyone's grandfather. Hence why there are a gazillion in circulation, most drilled for scopes. Aside from the insanely complicated mechanicals they were what they were, great hunting rifles that made the 50s and 60s sportsman.

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