Carcano
I have an Italian Carcano that's in pretty nice shape, looks to have a refinished (varnished - ugh!) stock. Any markings anyone might know of that might point to it's worth?
I knew it couldn't be worth much, thanks guys!
I knew it couldn't be worth much, thanks guys!
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I have a Carcano in 6.5 with a Ordance Optics scope mounted with a side mount. Anybody know how to tell if this was a rifle that was orginally purchased from Klein's Sporting Goods. Looks like the same rifle that Oswald used to assassinate President Kennedy. What it worth 0 -
CARCANO rifles built before 1935 (pre-war), and retaining there original configurations and BBL length are keepers. the bulk of the guns you see on the market are shortened carbines, or shot out late arsenal rebuilds. with carcano rifles, the longer the BBL, the better the gun. assuming that its in good shape, and not shot out or altered, a 1896-1930 full length gun is a nice piece to have. best regards, mike.
What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.0 -
The Carcano is totally dependable and adequate for the purpose and cartridges it was designed. The term "junk" is not descriptive,and is used only in comparison to its contemporaries.It does not match the complex machineing,fit and finish of the Mausers,Springfields, Enfields and others of its day.It also does not lend itself to rechambering to higher pressure cartridges.Its action has been described as clunky by some.Its cost of production was probably 1/2 of a Mauser or Springfield, but it still went bang when you pulled the trigger.Please add one to your collection and enjoy its place in the Military Rifle Roundup!!
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob0 -
One of the things that has casued problems is getting ammo with the proper diameter bullet. They are not a true 6.5 mm(.264"). Some ammo has been sold that was loaded with .264" bullets and it was not very accurate. It uses a .268" bullet. Recently, new brass and bullets have come on the market that are the right size. 0 -
I think a lot of the "junk gun" label the carcano got was due to the fact so many of the poorly made carbines and pieced together surplus guns flooded the market. Probably due to the Kennedy Gun aura that goes with it. I have shot a nice well taken care of full length military rifle and it was a pretty nice shooter. Not the same power as the Mauser or Springfield, but it was fun. People that don't collect in a certain niche will often label a affordable gun junk. Don't listen. Look at each gun on its own individual merits.
James
Whats next? A ban on automatic transmissions?0 -
Thanks guys after all the info you have given me I think I will go ahead and get me one.
Ron0 -
quote:Originally posted by bluegoose11
Thanks guys after all the info you have given me I think I will go ahead and get me one.
Ron
These guns are NOT junk- just "acceptance challenged".
Most all of the "junk" nonsense comes from all the way back in the late '50s-early '60s when these guns were imported at prices a $10 bill would buy an leave change for lunch- that and then the the JFK "assassination gun" silliness got added into the mix.
Some of the variants are quite rare, and will command a good price. Condition is all important- if you find a nice one made by Beretta, grab it and run with it.
The very first center "rifle" (it was a carbine actually) was a Beretta made Carcano, which my late father paid less that $10 for (yes it is still around). It did indeed shoot...
John0 -
Definately NOT junk.
For 1891 it compares well with its contemporaries. It is a simple, rugged action, well able to handle the 6.5X52 and later 7.35X51 rounds. It should have been replaced before WW2 perhaps, but really, it wasn't any worse than any other bolt action. Not as smooth or well finished, but perfectly safe, serviceable, and accurate weapon. My 91 long rifle does as well as my swede mauser, with proper ammo. By all means get one and make sure you load with proper diameter bullets, you will be happy with it.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
Agreed. Not junk. Most are excellent shooters, and good for a little conversation with all their variables if nothing else. 0 -
Well you guys have really convinced me to buy the rifle is there anything to really look for other then the date and making sure its a rifle and not a carbine? I always look at the barrel to make sure of its condition. also as I dont reload yet is militaty ammo ok or should I look for reloads?
Thanks Ron0 -
IF you can find military ammo it will probably set you back $.50 to $1 per round as most surplus has long dried up and that that is left is often less than reliable, with many duds and hangfires. For the occasional shooting, www.grafs.com sells loaded ammo of the proper diamter. If you just want to blast, www.coles.com and www.empirearms.com have the ammo but it is loaded with the undersized bullet and not so accurate. So reloading is your best bet. If you don't you should. You could get started quite cheaply; $15 for a basic Lee press, $25 for the dies, $10 for a set of powder dippers, $5 for the shellholder (long story there, even though the lee set comes with one) $15 for the bullets, brass, powder each, $1.50 for a tray of primers, $2 for a tube of lube, $8 for a priming unit that fits your press. Let's see.... we're at like $125. There ares also very reasonable kits where if you buy the lot at once it is at a discount. That SEEMS like a lot but consider that loaded factory ammo is at LEAST $10 a box, and that's for the crummy stuff, PLUS shipping, after the first ten boxes or 200 rounds, it would have paid for itself. And the more calibers you reload for, the better.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
If you intend reload this cartridge, please remember that tis action, while perfectly safe with the cartridges for which it was designed, is not an overly strong action and lacks the third locking lug of the Model 1898 Mauser. So don't go and try to "hotrod" the cartridge. Many of the Carcano rifles have been around since before WWII. Also, please do not use the Lee powder dippers without a powder scale on which to check the weight of the powder. I have found that the dippers will throw widely varying charge weights. I think that the rule here is better safe then sorry. 0 -
If you are looking for a shooter w/ surplus ammo avail, you may want to check out the Mosin Nagants. Under 80 dollars and surplus ammo is available. Usually it includes all the accessories.
Just my experience.0
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