WWII Italian Carcano Rifles
By Jeff Leser
Additional information on Carcano rifles can be found at this link
The Italian infantryman used a variety of rifles during WWII including the M1891 Fucile (caliber 6.5mm), M38 Fucile corto (short rifle), M91/41, and M91 cavalry carbine also known as the M91/38 (6.5 caliber/fixed sight).
1891 Carcano
The 6.5mm M1891 Fucile (rifle) pictured above was the most numerous Italian service rifle used during the war. It equipped the regular infantry, the Alpini at the start of the war, the Militzia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale Legioni (MVSN or 'Black Shirt' Legions) and almost any other organization that needed weapons. The M91 can be identified by the caliber (6.5mm) marked on the receiver; the long rear sight graduate from [00] to 20[00] meters, the sling swivels located under the rifle, and the long, one piece cleaning rod.
M38 Carcano
Pictured above is the M38 Fucile corto (short rifle). First issued in 1938, it introduced a new caliber (7.35mm) and was designed to replace the M91. An unusual feature was the folding bayonet, which could remain mounted on the rifle when not in use (the bayonet blade folding into the rifle stock) or removed from the rifle. In 1940 the rifle was rechambered for 6.5mm as industry was unable to fully reequip the army with the new weapon or replace the stockpiles of 6.5mm ammunition during the war. The 6.5mm version is referred to as the M91/38 by collectors. The M38 and M91/38 are identical, only the caliber stamp on the chamber indicating which is which. The M38 series can be identified by the finger goove on both sides of the stock, the fixed rear sight, the side mounted sling swivels, and the bayonet lug attached to the underside of the barrel.
M91/41 Carcano
Pictured above is the M91/41 Fucile. Why this rifle was introduced during the war is unclear, as the M91/38 continued in production. It is longer than the M91/38, but was approximately 4" shorter than the M91. The rifle was well liked, but it is uncertain how many of these rifles were issued during the war and which units received them. It can be identified by the short rear sight graduated from 3[00] to 10[00] meters, sling swivels both under the rifle and on the left side (sometimes the bottom swivels have been removed), the clean rod end screws into the stock to secure it into the rifle, and it is shorter than the M91.
M91/38 Carcano
Pictured above is the M91/38 Moschetto per Cavalleria (Cavalry carbine). Originally designated as the M91 Moschetto per Cavalleria, this carbine underwent a similar transition as the M38 Fucile corto. The M91 version had an adjustable rear sight and was chambered for 6.5mm. The M38 version was chamber for 7.35mm and had a fixed sight (the Brescia factory continued to build its carbine with the adjustable throughout production). The unusual feature was the long spike bayonet attached to the barrel. Unlike the M38, the bayonet could not be removed and was stored by folding it into the slot under the stock. The carbine was issued to mounted combat units (normally cavalry and bersaglieri). During the war, it became a favorite weapon for all elite units. Many Alpini in Russia and parachutists in North Africa and Italy are seen carry this carbine in photographs. After September 1943, the R.S.I. forces also adopted it. It can be identified by the long, spike bayonet, the short stock (leaving half the barrel uncovered), the trap in the butt plate for the cleaning rod, and the side-mounted sling swivels.
Living History Carcano Display
Below is the Display used by Jeff Leser for his WWII Italian displays.
