French MAS 36

[ukrifleman]

Good to know that all the wood is tight, they are often loose due to drying out and shrinkage over time.
Obviously try it out first, you might get lucky and find it's already set up for your loads
I don't think US gun dealers ship to the UK anymore, although Brownell's UK might be able to source a rear sight if needed.
French/EU gun dealers still ship to the UK as far as I know, so that is a good place to search.
Other than that, you could try any of the UK militaria sites that sell de-ac's, they might have a MAS with the sight you need and you could always do a swap.
Finally, if you find it shoots high/right, then I happen to have a spare -4G8 rear sight that will bring the POA 135mm down and 270mm left at 200m, this is of course with 7.5x54 military ball.
ukrifleman.

[Richo]

Thanks will bare that in mind, fortunately i have Dutch relatives (wifes Dutch) so i can get stuff posted to European address saves on any customs hassle.
I am going to reload some cast rounds this weekend for 100 yds, after slugging the barrel that is, have you found any preference for bullet weight, i was think 155/166 gr but i do have some heavier bullets ie 175/200 gr.
Will be using 2400 and 5744 to start with, i have some PPU factory 139gr i think, that came with it but thought i should keep that for longer ranges.

[ukrifleman]

I found the Lee 160gn .312-2R bullet, gas checked to .309 (mould No. 90361) worked well in my rifle.
I used Lovex DO60 (5744), Snia GM3 and Rel 7 powders with success, although I preferred Rel 7 as it burns much cleaner than DO60.
Having a back door into Europe for stuff means you have got it made!
The PPU 139gn .308 FMJ bullet worked well in my rifle, but I found pressure issues with the PPU 150gn .308 FMJ.
ukrifleman.

[Richo]

Thanks for the info i have that Lee 160vr mould plus the 155 gr one, i use them foor my AIA 7.62x39 carbine, shoots really well with them. Slugged my M36 today got a bore reading off.2975"/.298" and groove reading .3075"/,308" so things look good although the barrel needed a good clean out, i will size some at.309" and some at .310" and see how things go, i was wrong about the counterbored muzzle, it isn't on closer inspection the rifling runs right up to the crown
The woodwork must be dry as its eaten up the BLO i put on it Friday so gave it another coat today, i know the previous owner never really shot it, more of a collectors piece sat in the corner of one of many gun cupboards in his armoury room.