French MAT-49

Published on November 13, 2020
Duration: 5:02

This expert review of the French MAT-49 submachine gun, presented by Larry Vickers, details its history, specifications, and unique features. Vickers highlights its use in conflicts like the First Indochina War and discusses its 9mm Parabellum chambering, 32-round magazine, and innovative folding magazine well. The review also touches on its operation, sights, and grip safety mechanism, offering practical insights from a seasoned firearms expert.

Quick Summary

The French MAT-49 submachine gun, introduced in 1949, features a 9-inch barrel in 9mm Parabellum, a cyclic rate of 600 rpm, and weighs about 8 lbs empty. Its overall length with a collapsed stock is just over 18 inches. Key features include a grip safety, folding magazine well/foregrip, and a 32-round magazine.

Chapters

  1. 00:37Introduction and History
  2. 00:57Basic Specifications
  3. 01:14Magazine and Feeding
  4. 01:39Key Features
  5. 02:09Sights and Operation
  6. 02:42Ejection Port and Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the French MAT-49 submachine gun?

The MAT-49 features a 9-inch barrel, chambered in 9mm Parabellum, with a cyclic rate of about 600 rpm. Notable features include a grip safety, a spring-loaded ejection port cover, and a unique folding magazine well that doubles as a foregrip for compactness.

What is the history and combat use of the MAT-49?

The MAT-49 debuted in 1949 and saw extensive global use, particularly by French paratroopers during the First Indochina War, including significant involvement in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

What are the dimensions and weight of the MAT-49?

The MAT-49 has a barrel length of 9 inches. With its stock collapsed, it measures just over 18 inches long and weighs approximately 8 pounds when empty.

How is the magazine system on the MAT-49 designed?

The MAT-49 uses a 32-round magazine, influenced by the Sten and MP40. It features a single-position feed, which can make manual loading without a dedicated tool difficult.

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