MAS Type 62: France Does the FAL, With a Twist

Published on February 21, 2022
Duration: 20:30

The MAS Type 62 was France's domestic contender for a NATO-standard rifle in the early 1960s, heavily influenced by the FN FAL but with unique French design elements. It featured a striker-fired mechanism, a novel compound spring system, and retained rifle grenade launching capabilities. Despite its advanced design, France ultimately did not adopt it, prioritizing other military programs.

Quick Summary

The MAS Type 62 was France's domestic prototype battle rifle for NATO standardization, influenced by the FN FAL but featuring a unique striker-fired mechanism and a combined spring assembly. Despite its advanced design, France did not adopt it, prioritizing other military funding.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the MAS Type 62
  2. 01:46NATO Standardization & French Options
  3. 03:46Prototype Overview & FAL Influence
  4. 04:48External Features & Controls
  5. 06:23Sights & Grenade System
  6. 08:27Gas System & Furniture
  7. 10:11Disassembly & Internal Mechanics
  8. 14:55Unique Striker & Spring Design
  9. 17:38Adoption Decision & Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the MAS Type 62 rifle?

The MAS Type 62 was France's domestic prototype battle rifle developed in the early 1960s as a candidate for NATO standardization. It drew heavily from the FN FAL design but incorporated unique French features, including a striker-fired mechanism.

Why wasn't the MAS Type 62 adopted by France?

France decided against adopting any new 7.62 NATO rifle in 1963, prioritizing funding for tanks and nuclear programs. They considered their existing MAS 49/56 sufficient until the eventual move to 5.56mm with the FAMAS.

What were the key design influences on the MAS Type 62?

The MAS Type 62 was heavily influenced by the FN FAL, adopting its general layout, controls like the bolt release and magazine catch, and locking mechanism. It also retained traditional French features from the MAS 49 series, such as the charging handle and rifle grenade launching system.

What made the MAS Type 62's internal mechanics unique?

Unlike the FAL, the MAS Type 62 featured a striker-fired mechanism instead of a hammer-fired one. It also employed a novel compound spring assembly that integrated both the striker spring and recoil spring into a single captive unit.

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