I had a MAS 49 Syrian contract rifle that went into a trade with something else for another more desireable rifle. I think it was a good deal. Later on I found a MAS 44 here on the Exchange. Around the same time I bought a book from that important but little appreciated publisher, Collector Grade Publications in Toronto. The book and my MAS 44 reinforced my appreciation for the fabrication skills of the French arms industry.
This was a rifle developed from the MAS 40, which was never produced beyond now-looted prototypes, and perfected throughout the Occupation. Smart and extremely simple engineering! For instance, these rifles have a two-piece stock. Why? Economical use of carefully dried high-quality hardwood. (One piece stocks have too many angles and hollows that waste wood.) The aperature sights are as good as any No.4, and unlike the Germans, put the eyepiece inches from the shooter's eyeball. What stunned me most, was the utter simplicity of the trigger mechanism. So few moving parts, and yet a delightful trigger pull. My rifle's barrel is stamped 1945. VE Day was May 1945, so this rifle was made during the war or shortly afterwards. Give them credit for getting their arms industry back on its feet so soon after liberation.