Mas 38

[C. Roelens]

Is the MAS 38 a collectable military weapon? Does anybody know if the Germans used these in WWII? It is my understanding the French never fielded these weapons because the Germans captured their factory before they could get them out.

I have the opportunity to buy one and really don't know much about them. The seller says it was brought back from Service in WWII by one of his Uncles, and has been in the Family since.

I don't have a clue what to offer him. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Chuck

[kanister]

About 1000-1500 units were produced before the war and were used by French army.
The Germans continued the production with the name MP722(f) and perhaps 20000 units wese adopted.

[BrunoH]

Hi,
You'll have to check has been build after the war or not (it was used in Indochina for instance). The date is stamped under the barrel.
Hope it helps. Anyway, a MAS38 is a collectable weapon (I'm not only writing that because I'm French )
Regards

[scotty1418]

Youd want to be certain its papered etc as well.

Ammo will be tough if you're wanting to shoot.

[Alan Smith]

Also, don't forget that in order to lawfully possess a machinegun in CA, you need a permit from the CA Department of Justice. My understanding is that such permits are not regularly issued to "common" citizens, i.e. you need to be in the movie industry and utilize MG's as props for your "shoot 'em up films" and/or be among those politically well-connected to the CA Attorney General. Without such permit the gun is unlawful under CA state law (even though it may be federally registered - and, thus legal - under federal law).

Assuming the gun is federally registered, BATFE will (with no questions asked re: CA DOJ permit status) approve its transfer out-of-state, so you can get it out and into more gun-friendly jurisdictions.

IMO the MAS 38 SMG's don't bring much money ($5,000 or so max for a super nice example) because there is no source of inexpensive ammo for shooting. Plus, here in the U.S., demand for French military firearms is pretty low; nothing like what we see in the demand for the German or Japanese war-trophy MG's.

[Airforce1]

Ammo is a royal pain in the ass. Pretty much identical to the .30 cal Pederson. The gun is most notable for being the one "Il Duce" was hosed with when he was captured.

[C. Roelens]

Many thanks to all of you who took the time to respond.

The left side receiver is marked - CAL. 7.65L MAS MLE 1938 F25XXX. The stock is stamped with same Serial number.

I've decided to pass on this one...

Chuck

[scotty1418]

Chuck,

Did you find out if it was papered?

[C. Roelens]

Chuck,

Did you find out if it was papered?

There are no papers on it. The seller inherited from his Father or Uncle (don't remember). It was brought home after the War. Also, he's not sure if it's operable and is going to have a local gunsmith check it out.

I have several similar U.S. weapons systems located in another State. I cannot deal with the BS involved in the State I currently reside and work in.

Chuck