Original Item: Only One Available. This M-1891 Carcano Rifle 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 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 this 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.

This is a fine example of the earliest version of the Carcano Rifle, the Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891 (infantry rifle Model 1891), which used a standard detachable blade bayonet. Later versions would experiment with bayonets that had folding blades, with limited success. The barrel nocks form is marked on the left side with serial number SF 5683 7533, and on the top it is marked TORINO, indicating that the rifle was produced at Turin Arsenal in the mountains of Northwest Italy. The other side of the knoxform is marked with the date of manufacture, 1895.

In an arc over the maker is TUBATA, Italian for "tubed", indicating that the barrel was reconditioned and sleeved at arsenal due to wear from the very hot and corrosive Ballistite Loaded ammunition used early on. The process was quite durable, and re-tubed barrels returned to front line service without issue. As it is now, the rifle has a very good bore with with a mostly bright finish and strong lands and grooves. There is just a bit of fouling and wear overall.

The rifle overall is in excellent condition, and it looks like it was fully reconditioned at arsenal, as indicated by the crisp FAT / 1943 cartouche on the left side of the butt stock. The metalwork is beautiful, with the bluing retained almost completely, showing just a bit of wear on the bolt. The stock is also wonderful, and was possibly replaced when the barrel was tubed. the color is lovely, and there are only small dents and nicks. The stock is currently serial number matched to the action, however it does look like it originally had a another serial number. The front sight is intact, and the rear sight is present and fully functional. Both sling swivels are present and movable, and the cleaning rod is present as well. The action functions well, with a crisp dry fire, and the thumb safety on the back of the bolt works as well.

A fantastic example made BEFORE 1899, so Federally considered an Antique, and then fully arsenal reconditioned during WWII. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: 6.5×52mm Carcano (Cartuccia Modello 1895)
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30.7 inches
Overall Length: 50.6 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 6 round internal magazine loaded by En-Bloc clip

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 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.