The Carcano M1891 Mannlicher-Carcano was originally developed by the chief technician Salvatore Carcano at the Turin Army Arsenal in 1890 as a replacement to Vetterli-Vitali series of rifles. Officially adopted in 1891, the bolt action Carcano fired a 6.5x52mm cartridge from a 6-round en block clip. The rifle was an instant success and Italy would go on to produce more than 3,000,000 between 1891 and 1945, and the gun served as Italy's official service rifle through both World Wars.
After World War II, Italy replaced its Carcano rifles first with British Lee–Enfields and then with the U.S. M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, which the Italians labeled the 'Model 1952 (M52). As a result, a large number of Carcanos were sold to the US surplus market in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Surplus dealers, like Klein's in Chicago, marketed surplus Carcanos in magazine ads and even mounted cheap four power scopes on them in order to appeal to hunters. It was from a Klein's ad that Lee Harvey Oswald purchased a scope-mounted Carcano rifle which he would later use to assassinate President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
This particular M91 Carcano rifle is in excellent condition with a very interesting history. It is an extremely early rifle; bearing an 1897 date on the barrel, which classifies this gun as an "Antique", meaning it can be shipped directly to your door without having to be transferred through an FFL (in most States, check your local laws). Furthermore, the gun shows some modifications that were made for the First World War. The first, is the "AZF" date on the barrel. According to The Model 1891 Carcano Rifle : A Detailed Developmental and Production History by Giovanni Chegia and Alberto Simonelli and With Ralph Riccio, this stamp is the abbreviation for "ArtillerieZugFabriken" and indicates that it was captured and re-issued to Austro-Hungarian forces during the Great War. In addition to this AZF stamp, other indications of Austro-Hungarian ownership are evidenced by the gun's turned-down bolt handle. Which, according to Chegia and Simonelli, was a typical modification found on Carcanos that were re-worked while in Austro-Hungarian service.
This rifle remains in excellent condition. If features a beautiful stock with no damage and beautifully crisp edges; indicating that it has never been sanded or refinished.
The action of the bolt is smooth and crisp with no wear or damage to the lugs.
The magazine is intact and functional; with a crisp magazine spring.
The bluing is excellent with no rust and only a few light spots on the edges and corners.
The barrel is full length and the bore is was preserved with grease. As a result it appears to be in quite nice shape with good rifling and some visible darkness in the grooves.
Included with this rifle is a correct bayonet and scabbard in excellent condition.
