This video showcases a rare prototype French MAS-49 SMG chambered in .45 ACP. The description details the historical context of the MAS-49 program as a replacement for the MAS-38, noting that the MAT-49 was the eventual winner. The St Etienne arsenal's lever-delayed design is highlighted, along with the unusual existence of .45 ACP variants. The content acknowledges the IRCGN (Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale) for granting access to film this unique firearm.
This video provides an in-depth look at the Gevarm D3 and D4 submachine guns, highlighting their history as an economical alternative to the MAT-49. It details their simple blowback action, stamped construction, and the two available versions (D3 with a wooden stock and D4 with a wire stock). The video covers their testing by the French Army, limited adoption by security organizations like the French CRS and Paris Police, and export sales. The analysis also includes a detailed examination of gun features, disassembly, reassembly, fire control group, and receiver, with thanks extended to the IRCGN for access.
This video explores the lever-delayed prototype SMG series from the French MAS (Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne) developed in 1948. While the Tulle MAT-49 eventually won the adoption competition, the MAS design showcased an interesting lever-delayed system, reminiscent of later FAMAS rifles. The content covers various prototypes, highlighting differences in stock design and barrel length, and discusses their performance in trials, noting the complexity and cost of the lever-delayed action compared to simpler blowback systems. Access to these prototypes was granted by the IRCGN.
This video delves into the experimental French submachine gun designs from the Chatellerault Arsenal, specifically the MAC48 and its lighter variant, the MAC48LS. These designs, developed in 1948 as part of a program that would eventually lead to the MAT-49, were influenced by the Sten and M3 Grease Gun. The MAC48 features a wooden stock and pistol grip, chambered in 9x19mm and utilizing MP40 magazines. The MAC48LS, a simplified and lighter version, incorporates a telescoping wire stock and a folding magazine well, drawing it closer to the final adopted design. The video thanks the French IRCGN for providing access to these unique firearms.
This is Part 1 of a multi-part series focused on restoring a MAT-49 parts kit into a functional submachine gun. The creator, identifying as a gun designer/builder/manufacturer, emphasizes the importance of learning through reassembling chopped-up parts kits. This video will document the process, with the ultimate goal of having a fully operational firearm.
This video features a range test of the Hotchkiss Universal SMG, an original automatic variant. The presenter, from Forgotten Weapons, contrasts it with the later MAT-49, noting the Hotchkiss's poor ergonomics and handling during firing, deeming it outperformed by most SMGs except early Sten models. Despite its functional drawbacks, the video highlights the unique folding features of the Hotchkiss Universal.
This video delves into the Hotchkiss Universal, a compact 9mm submachine gun designed in the late 1940s for French military trials. Despite its innovative folding design, including a folding stock, grip, magazine well, and telescoping barrel, it was ultimately rejected for being too expensive and complex, losing out to the MAT-49. The video details its design, manufacturing variations (CMH and CMH2), and limited sales to countries like Venezuela and Morocco, as well as its testing by the French Foreign Legion in Indochina. It's presented as a fascinating example of prioritizing extreme compactness, perhaps at the expense of practicality.
This video delves into the North Vietnamese K-50M submachine gun, a fascinating modification of the PPSh-41. It details how Chinese Type 50 guns were altered in small workshops to resemble the French MAT-49 in handling. Key modifications included a new lower receiver with an AK pistol grip, a MAT-49-style collapsing wire stock, a shortened barrel shroud, removal of the muzzle brake, and an AK/SKS-style front sight block. Mechanically, the firearm retains its open-bolt operation, firing the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge and featuring the original Shpagin's semi-automatic selector. While compatible with PPSh-41 drums, it was typically issued with 35-round box magazines.
This video provides an in-depth look at the MAT 49-54, a special variant of the French MAT 49 submachine gun adopted by the Paris Police. The description highlights key differences from the standard military model, including a fixed wooden stock, a longer barrel (365mm/14.4 inches), and a unique dual-trigger mechanism for semiautomatic and full-automatic fire with an anti-unintentional-use block. It also notes that the MAT 49-54 was produced from scratch by the Tulle arsenal, with only a few hundred units made, distinguishing it from rebuilt police MAS 38 SMGs. The creator thanks the French Ministry of the Interior for granting access to the example for the presentation.
This video examines a post-WWII variation of the French MAS 38 submachine gun modified for the Paris Police. These modifications, implemented on a few hundred units, included a barrel shroud, a collapsing wire stock, and a folding magazine well. Notably, a selector lever was added to enable semi-automatic fire, a feature absent in the original full-auto-only MAS 38. The video highlights how these changes foreshadowed the characteristics of the later MAT 49, which replaced the MAS 38 in military service. The content is made possible by access granted by the French Ministry of the Interior.
This YouTube video from the VSO Gun Channel features a historical comparison between two machine guns from the Vietnam War: the S&W-76 and the MAT-49. The description highlights the channel's role as an educational resource for responsible gun ownership and safety, emphasizing objective content and testing. VSO Media LLC and VSOrdnance LLC are involved in media production and contract testing, respectively, with a focus on providing unbiased reviews and evaluations. The video aims to educate viewers on these historical firearms.
This video delves into the history and characteristics of the MAT-49, a French submachine gun developed after World War II to replace the MAS-38. It highlights the MAT-49's adoption of the 9x19mm cartridge and its design influences from the American M3 "Grease Gun". The video notes its substantial production run and its significant combat use in French colonial wars in Algeria and Indochina, earning it a reputation for durability and reliability despite its weight. The FAMAS bullpup rifle eventually replaced it. The description also promotes the host's Patreon and merchandise.
