Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting variant of the Carcano Musketoon / Carbine, the Moschetto Modello 1891 / 1924 (Musketoon Model 1891 / 1924), the first example that we have ever had. It began its life as the earlier full-length Fucile Modello 1891 (Rifle Model 1891), however in 1925 Italy started conversion of the Modello 1891 to be shortened as per Circular No. 59 dated January 29, 1925. This order specifically says the nomenclature of this firearm shall be 'moschetto mod. 91/24'. The easiest way to tell this model is that it has the longer adjustable rear sight of the rifle on it, these did not have the smaller shorter adjustable rear sights.

This carbine has all the proper characteristics of a rifle converted to a carbine, and looks to have seen long service in the field. The barrel nocks form is marked on the left side with serial number UZ640, and on the top it is marked TORRE / ANNUNZIATA, indicating that the rifle was produced in Naples. The right facet is dated 1897, well into production, and there are no markings indicating that the bore was ever "Tubed" to refurbish it. It does however have a stamp on the date that reads FARE / 28 / TERNI, probably from when the gun was converted to a carbine. The bolt does not have a serial number we can see, and there are also no serial number markings on the stock.

The metalwork on the carbine still displays some of the original bluing on the receiver an end of the barrel, with the balance now displaying a worn gray patina from years of service and cleaning. These converted carbines, like those produced as carbines, went through numerous revisions regarding the number and type of sling swivels present. This example has standard carbine style attachment hardware, with a stock inlet and loop on the left side of the butt stock, as well as a loop on the right side of the barrel band. However it also still retains the rifle sling swivel on the bottom of the butt stock, as well as on the bottom of the barrel band. The long rifle rear sight is intact and fully functional, and the nose cap still retains the bayonet lug. There is a cleaning rod channel present, however the rod is missing.

The rifle cycles well and dry fires, though we have no way to test to see if the magazine still feeds. There action is still relatively tight and crisp, and the safety still seems to be functional. The bore is in very good condition, showings clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. It does however show light wear to the lands from service, and some past removed oxidation. 

The stocks are in good shape, but definitely show long service and past refinishing. There is some stress cracking on the right upper wrist area, and missing wood around the barrel band. There is additional stress cracking on the left side of the stock, so the wood may gotten wet at some point. The front handguard looks to be in good shape, and is the correct type.

Made BEFORE 1899, so Federally considered an Antique. A very nice example of a Carcano Rifle converted to a Carbine for further service. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897 - updated 1928
Caliber: 6.5×52mm Carcano (Cartuccia Modello 1895)
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 36 1/8 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 6 round internal magazine loaded by En-Bloc clip

The M-1891 Carcano Musketoon / Carbine was at the start of a massive manufacturing run of similar Models ordered by the Italian Government. The series of rifles is probably most well known for being used in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald, who used a Fucile di Fanteria Modello 91/38 (Model 1938 "infantry rifle"). However aside from that, the rifles and carbines were in service in front and rear line service for close to 90 years and Italy, and continue to be used to this day.

The design itself was introduced in 1891, and was chambered for the rimless 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge (Cartuccia Modello 1895). It was developed by the chief technician Salvatore Carcano at the Turin Army Arsenal in 1890 and called the Modello (model) 91 or simply M91. Successively replacing the previous Vetterli-Vitali rifles and carbines in 10.35×47mmR, it was produced from 1892 to 1945 in various configurations. The M91 was used in both rifle (fucile) and shorter-barreled carbine (moschetto) form by most Italian troops during the First World War and by Italian and some German forces during the Second World War. The rifle was also used during the Winter War by Finland, and again by regular and irregular forces in Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria during various postwar conflicts in those countries.

Although the rifle is often called "Mannlicher–Carcano", especially in American parlance, neither that designation nor the name "Mauser–Parravicino" is correct. Its official designation in Italian is simply Modello 1891, or M91 ("il novantuno"). The magazine system uses en bloc charger clips which were originally developed and patented by Ferdinand Mannlicher, but the actual shape and design of the Carcano clip is derived from the German Model 1888 Commission Rifle.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.