Carcano M91/38
Italian State Arsenals (Terni / Brescia / Gardone) · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1938
Also known as: Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891/38, Carcano Carbine, Mannlicher-Carcano, Italian Carbine
Overview
The Carcano M91/38 is a short-barreled Italian bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5x52mm Carcano, derived from the venerable Modello 1891 system designed by Salvatore Carcano. The M91/38 designation indicates it was a Model 1891 action fitted with a shorter 450mm barrel as standardized in 1938, originally intended for the new 7.35x51mm cartridge before wartime exigencies forced a return to the 6.5mm chambering in 1940. At just 3.4 kg, it was one of the lightest military rifles of World War II, though the short barrel reduced muzzle velocity compared to the full-length M91. The rifle used a distinctive Mannlicher-type en-bloc clip holding 6 rounds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1015 mm (39.96") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2572 J (1897 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5 Carcano, 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, 6.5mm Italian
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Safety
- Features: Mannlicher Style En Bloc Clip, Gain Twist Rifling, Folding Bayonet Lug, Carbine Length
Variants
- Carcano M91 — Original Full Length
- Carcano M38 (7.35x51mm) — Recalibered Variant
- Carcano M91/41 — Long Barrel Variant
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1938 · as Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891/38
- Italian Co-Belligerent Army · adopted 1943
- Finnish Defence Forces
Conflicts
- World War II (North Africa) (1940-1943)
- World War II (Eastern Front) (1941-1943)
- World War II (Italian Campaign) (1943-1945)
Production
Production years: 1938-1945
Exact production numbers for the M91/38 variant specifically are not well documented. Total Carcano M91 system production across all variants exceeded 3.5 million rifles from 1891 to 1945.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Salvatore Carcano
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Despite its notoriety, the Carcano M91/38 was never a dedicated sniper rifle. While some M91 full-length variants were fitted with telescopic sights during WWI, the M91/38 short rifle was a standard infantry carbine. The rifle's gain-twist rifling (progressively increasing twist rate from breech to muzzle) was an advanced feature for its era. Wartime Italian ammunition quality was inconsistent, which contributed to the rifle's mixed reputation for accuracy. The 6.5mm Carcano round was actually quite effective ballistically, with low recoil and a relatively flat trajectory.
Background
The Carcano M91/38 became one of the most infamous firearms in history when Lee Harvey Oswald used a Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891/38 (serial number C2766) to assassinate President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Oswald had purchased the rifle by mail order from Klein's Sporting Goods in Chicago for $19.95 (plus $1.50 postage) under the alias 'A. Hidell.' The rifle, fitted with a cheap 4x Japanese-made scope, was found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository after the assassination.