Item Description
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 uses a standard detachable blade bayonet like the example included with this rifle. Later versions would experiment with bayonets that had folding blades, with limited success. The barrel knoxform is marked on the side with serial number PQ 3564, and on the top it is marked TERNI, indicating that the rifle was produced at the Terni Arsenal in Central Italy. The other side of the knoxform is marked with the date of manufacture, 1894.
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 good bore clear lands and grooves, and just a bit of oxidation and wear overall.
The stocks are in good condition, with a great color and some minor wear. The Serial numbers on the stock does not match the receiver, so this is definitely a rifle that was in service and reconditioned at least once, probably when the barrel was sleeved. Left side buttstock has two faint arsenal cartouches. The metalwork has lots of the original blued finish, with just a bit of rust peppering and wear from service.
The included bayonet is in good condition, showing a lot of wear from service, but no evidence of being reconditioned at arsenal. It is also marked TERNI, though the serial number does not match, so it is not the bayonet that was originally fitted to the rifle, though it definitely does fit. It shows wear to the grip scales, and has been sharpened. The included steel fitted scabbard shows some leather deterioration, but still fits the bayonet nicely.
Made BEFORE 1899, so Federally considered an Antique. Complete with the correct bayonet and ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1893
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
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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 all US States.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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