Anyone own and use one of these? How reliable are they and is there a particular version which is most desireable?

They are all accurate and reliable.

Most sought after by collectors

Pre 1940 version, up to cursive prefix K serial number
1940 MF Manufrance manufactured with milled in the mass front sight and MF in oval stamp.

Black enameled finish (not phosphated), front sight with protection ears (not tunnel) square handguard band ( not a ring)

picture above is a pre 1940.


MAS 36 CR 39, aluminium folding stock, Alpine troops, Airborne



MAS 36 FLG 48, grenade launcher prior to NATO standard 22mm grenades ( MAS 36/51)

Merci beaucoup Edmond! Vous êtes une excellente ressource pour toutes choses "Frog"!

Mine came unfired and un issued for $60 at BIG5.

I am keeping that way for historical symbolism.

The sling is still in a tight little unissued coil like a rattle snake.

Have you seen Roger Barche's MAS 36?
His wife helped him paint it.
It has a Pepe La Pew and grape leaves theme.


"Ooo La La!"

They have all been rearsenaled at least twice. Check for a square stamp with letter P and a date on the receiver. Mine is P 72. One made in 1939 sold $750 on GunBroker 3 days ago, a real gem. http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90902205

Sunday at 10 pm est time on Weaponology on the Military Channel is doing the French Foreign Legion (I think it is, some elite French force) and also doing a segment on the French Mas M36

Joe

up

I have almost bought one of them many times.

Only in 308 of course, as for me I just do not want to have rifles in obscure calibres, as the 308/7.62 is my go to calibre.

They are slim, trim handy rifles, I always thought they would make a good low cost utility/truck rifle.

Instead I got a Brazillian 7x57 Mauser that was converted to 308/7.62. The 308 barrel has the same contours/steps as the original 7x57 barrel.

I wish I would have bought a dozen of them...

They are accurate, reliable and with the bolt lever ball moved forward at an angle, you can repeat faster than any Mauser based action.

Look at You Tube, many good videos, MAS 36, MAS 49-56, LMG 24/29 and SMG MAS 38.