The MAS 49/56 was the final evolution of a French direct gas impingement rifle design that nearly entered mass production in 1940, but was interrupted by the German invasion. It uses a tilting bolt to lock (similar to the FAL) and a direct gas impingement system to operate (very similar to the AG-42B Ljungman). It is chambered in 7.5x54mm, and is a highly under-rated rifle in the US.