Syrian MAS-49/56

Here is a historic battle rifle spotted in Syria, the French MAS-49/56 in 7.5x54.
It is fascinating to see this still in use well into the 21st century, playing along side with all the Kalashnikovs.

I suspect this rifle to be Lebanese origin due to it being a MAS-49/56. Historically, the Syrian contract rifles are the earlier MAS-49, which lacks rifle grenade launching capability (NATO 22mm) but comes with a under folding spike bayonet. This is quite a nice collectible rifle in this current configuration, as it comes with the factory issued APX L806 optic (missing rubber eye piece).

More info on the MAS-49/56 can be found here http://50ae.net/collection/mas4956/

Image taken in Al Qusiar, 19 Aug  2012.
Free Syrian Army - the protection of the demonstration
Picture courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/LensYoungHomsi