6.5x52 Carcano 1891 Moschetto Carbine TS

Carcano per Truppe Speciali Modello 1891 Moschetto (carbine) 

Just arrived. Model 1891 carbines for special troops. These carbines are known to be uncommon. All carbines are in fair to good condition and are 100% serviceable. Stocks might have dents or dings. The finish varies on each gun. We do not guarantee any bore condition due to the age.

Some history of the Modello 1891

A series of Italian bolt-action, magazine-fed, repeating military rifles and carbines. Introduced in 1891, this rifle 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. 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.

The Type I Carcano rifle was produced by Italy for the Japanese Empire prior to World War II. After the invasion of China, all Arisaka production was required for use by the Imperial Army, so the Imperial Navy contracted with Italy for this firearm in 1937. The Type I is based on the Type 38 rifle and uses a Carcano action, but retains the Arisaka/Mauser type 5-round box magazine. The Type I was used primarily by the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces and was chambered for the Japanese 6.5×50mm Arisaka cartridge. Approximately 60,000 Type I rifles were produced by Italian arsenals for Japan.

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 are derived from the German Model 1888 Commission Rifle.

Until 1938, all M91 rifles and carbines were chambered for the rimless 6.5×52mm Modello 1895 cartridge, using a round-nose metal case bullet of 160 grains weight at approximately 2,000-2,400 ft/s muzzle velocity, depending upon barrel length.

Used by the Italian Army during the War, the Carcano Modello 1891 had two carbine versions. The Moschetto da Cavalleria Modello 1891, was issued to the cavalry. This had a folding integral bayonet and a shorter 450 mm (17.7 in) barrel.  Also, the Moschetto per Truppe Speciali Modello 1891, was issued to special troops. This included machine gun, mortar and motorcycle crews. This also had the shorter barrel but a standard bayonet fixing. Both models with considerably shorter barrels did not benefit from the gain-twist system.

Although the Carcano had no sniper variant, due to its accuracy it was used successfully in that role. Often telescopic sights would be fitted to the rifle. The successor of the Modello 1891, the Carcano Modello 1938, continued to be used throughout the Second World War until it was replaced by the American M1 Garand.

Purchase of this item requires a firearms licence, you will need to complete a Police Order Form and take it into your local police station to have it signed off. The form can be found from the link below.
Police Order Form

Gun City is NZ's largest firearms dealer. We have been selling, importing, exporting, manufacturing, customising and repairing firearms & accessories since 1978. We have the largest range of guns, ammo & accessories available now, online in New Zealand. 

Please call our shop for more information on +64 3 379-8888 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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