MODEL 38 SHORT RIFLE (CARCANO)

BRIEF OVERALL HISTORY

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MANUFACTURER

The

CALIBER

The Model 38 was originally chambered for the 7.35mm cartridge. With Italy's entry into WWII, the need for more rifles and the abundant supply of the older 6.5mm cartridge, it was decided to produce the Model 38 in 6.5mm. The chambering is marked on top of the rear sight block and this rifle is chambered in 6.5mm.

PRODUCTION YEAR

Showing until February 11, 2017

SERIAL NUMBER

Located on the left side of the chamber is the serial number.  With Terni production serial numbers in 1941 ranging from approximately BA5426 through CB4726, this rifles serial number of BE75XX puts its production in likely early to mid year.

SIGHTS

Outside the norm, the Model 38 has fixed sights. This simplifies both production and also use for the minimally trained soldier. The 6.5mm rifles were factory zeroed for 300 meters.

STOCK REPAIR

There is a repair to the heal of the stock on this rifle. Based on the apparent age and manner of this repair, this would have likely been done while the rifle was still in service.

SLING

The sling on this rifle I find of intrigue. It is made of canvas and sewn on to the sling loops. It has no adjustment and is not of a military standard type. Was this a field expedient sling attached during its service life or one attached by a subsequent owner? If it was affixed during the rifle's service life, would it have been surplused with the sling or is this an indication of the rifle being capture rifle? These are question that will likely never be answered but it's fascinating to contemplate.

PROOF MARKS

There are 3 proof marks on the Model 1917. One is on the left side of the receiver, another on the top of the bolt handle, and the last is on the barrel under the hand guard. All are US Ordinance Bomb stamps and they differ slightly from the bomb stamp on the barrel.

ACCEPTANCE MARKS

There is no final acceptance mark on the 1917's, but many of the parts have acceptance marks. At the time this was a small eagle's head facing left with typically numbers, but sometimes letters were included. These individual marks were assigned to specific inspectors. The acceptance mark on the receiver is locate on the top of the left receiver rail. There are two acceptance marks on this receiver.