MAS 49/56 disassembly

[glockorama]

I just bought a French MAS 49/56 in .308, but it did not come with a manual. Can anyone tell me how to strip this thing?

[James K]

Easy. Remove the magazine. Retract the cocking handle and release it, making sure the rifle is unloaded and cocking the hammer. Push the little button on the back of the receiver down toward the stock (there is a little notch just to allow this). While holding the button down, push the receiver cover forward and pull up. The cover will come off, along with the recoil spring. Now lift the bolt carrier and bolt out of the receiver, taking care not to lose the firing pin. Reassemble in reverse order.

Jim