MAT 49: Iconic SMG of Algeria and Indochina
Cool Forgotten Weapons merchandise The MAT49 was developed by France after World War Two to satisfy the need for a more modern submachine gun to replace the MAS38. The military had come around to standardizing on the 9x19mm cartridge for its pistols and subguns, and the 7. 65mm MAS38 was not feasible to convert. All three state arsenals and the Hotchkiss company submitted designs, and the Tulle arsenal won out with a gun that borrows substantially from the American M3 Grease Gun. About 700, 000 MAT49s were produced between 1949 and 1979, when it (along with the MAS 49, 56 rifle) was replaced by the FAMAS bullpup rifle. During that time it saw substantial combat in France s colonial wars, notable Algeria and Indochina. Despite being a relatively heavy weapon, it came to be well liked by all who used it for its durability and reliability. Many thanks to the anonymous collector who let me take a look at this piece
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