Carcano Moschetto con Tromboncino Mod. 28
Italian State Arsenals (Gardone / Terni / Brescia) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1928
Also known as: Model 91/28 Tromboncino, Moschetto Mod. 91/28 con Tromboncino, Carcano M91/28 Tromboncino
Overview
The Carcano Moschetto con Tromboncino Mod. 28 is an Italian bolt-action grenade-launcher carbine built on the Model 91 TS (Truppe Speciali) carbine chambered in 6.5x52mm Carcano. Its defining feature is an integral 'tromboncino' (little trombone) grenade discharger mounted on the right side of the barrel that launched a 38.5mm rifle grenade. Uniquely, the launcher was propelled by a standard ball cartridge rather than a blank: to fire a grenade the soldier removed the rifle's bolt and transferred it to the launcher's breech, which left him unable to fire the carbine itself. The design proved heavy and impractical and was withdrawn from service, replaced by the Brixia Model 35 light mortar.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 920 mm (36.22") |
| 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 | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5 Mannlicher-Carcano, 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, 6.5 Italian
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Bolt Safety
- Features: Integral Side Mounted Grenade Launcher, Tromboncino 38mm Grenade Discharger, Folding Bayonet, En Bloc Clip Feed, Bent Bolt Handle
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) · adopted 1928 · as Moschetto con Tromboncino Mod. 28
Production
Production years: 1928-1934
Limited production and brief service; replaced by the Brixia Model 35 mortar
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Salvatore Carcano
Discontinued: 1934
Notes
Also designated Model 91/28 Tromboncino. Because the single bolt had to be swapped between the rifle and the grenade launcher, the operator could not use the weapon as a rifle while it was configured to launch grenades, a major tactical drawback that limited its adoption and service life.
Background
The 'tromboncino' launcher fired live 6.5mm ball rounds rather than blanks, so a grenadier had to unbolt his carbine and reinstall the bolt on the launcher's breech to shoot a grenade, leaving him with a useless rifle in one hand and a grenade launcher in the other.