Carcano M91 Cavalry Carbine
Italian State Arsenals (Terni / Brescia / Gardone) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1893
Also known as: Moschetto Modello 91 da Cavalleria, M91 Moschetto Cavalleria, 91/24 Cavalry Carbine
Overview
The Carcano M91 Cavalry Carbine (Moschetto Modello 1891 da Cavalleria) is a bolt-action carbine adopted by the Royal Italian Army in 1893 as a shortened, lighter companion to the M91 infantry rifle for mounted cavalry and special troops. Chambered in 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano and fed by a six-round en bloc clip, it features a permanently attached folding bayonet that hinges back along the forend, and the Carcano's distinctive gain-twist (progressive) rifling.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3110 g (109.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 922 mm (36.30") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 630 m/s (2067 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5 Carcano, 6.5x52mm, 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Integral Folding Bayonet, Gain Twist Rifling, En Bloc Clip Feed, Turned Down Bolt Handle
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1893 · as Moschetto Modello 91 da Cavalleria
Conflicts
- Italo-Turkish War (1911-1912)
- World War I (1915-1918)
- World War II (1940-1945)
Production
Production years: 1893-1945
Produced across Italian state arsenals at Terni, Brescia, Torino and Gardone alongside the broader Carcano family; cavalry carbines are a subset of the millions of M91-pattern arms made
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Salvatore Carcano
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The integral folding spike bayonet that swings down from beneath the muzzle is the defining feature of the cavalry carbine, distinguishing it from the M91 TS (Truppe Speciali) carbine. The Carcano's gain-twist barrel starts with a slow rifling pitch that progressively tightens toward the muzzle.
Background
The cavalry carbine's folding spike bayonet pivots back under the barrel when not in use, so a trooper could carry the weapon 'blade ready' without it snagging while mounted - a feature Italian arsenals kept on the design for over half a century.