MAC 1950: Disassembly & History

Published on February 27, 2017
Duration: 13:32

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the French MAC 1950 pistol, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum on Forgotten Weapons. The process involves removing the slide, recoil spring assembly, barrel, and the unique unitized fire control group. Proper safety checks are paramount before commencing disassembly.

Quick Summary

The MAC 1950 (PA 1950) is a French semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, adopted by the French military post-WWII for logistical standardization. It features a 9-round single-stack magazine and a single-action, locked-breech mechanism. Field stripping involves removing the slide, recoil spring, barrel, and the unique unitized fire control group from the frame.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the MAC 1950
  2. 00:50Post-WWII Context
  3. 02:40Trials and Adoption
  4. 04:20Production History
  5. 05:50Service and Scarcity
  6. 07:25Technical Overview
  7. 08:32Markings and Controls
  8. 10:10Disassembly and Field Stripping

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MAC 1950 pistol?

The MAC 1950, also known as the PA 1950, is a French semi-automatic pistol manufactured by the Châtellerault (MAC) and Saint-Étienne (MAS) arsenals. It was adopted by the French military after WWII to standardize their sidearm inventory.

How do you field strip the MAC 1950?

Field stripping involves ensuring the pistol is unloaded, removing the magazine, pulling down the slide lock lever, sliding the slide off the frame, removing the recoil spring and guide rod, and then removing the barrel. The unitized fire control group is also removed from the frame.

What caliber is the MAC 1950?

The MAC 1950 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and features a 9-round, single-stack magazine. It operates as a single-action, locked-breech pistol.

Where did the MAC 1950 see service?

The MAC 1950 served all branches of the French military and was issued in colonial territories. Many examples found in the US are veteran bring-backs from conflicts like the Vietnam War.

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