M1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine

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	Weapon: M1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine Type: Carbine Country of Origin: Italy Caliber: 6.5 Carcano Action: Bolt-Action

The M1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine was a shortened version of the Italian M1891 Carcano rifle, designed specifically for use by cavalry and mounted troops. Chambered in 6.5x52mm, the carbine featured a folding bayonet and a shorter barrel for ease of handling while on horseback. It was adopted by the Italian military in the late 19th century and saw extensive service in both World Wars.

The Carcano Cavalry Carbine gained notoriety during World War II, where it was used by Italian forces in various theaters of war, including North Africa and the Balkans. While it was criticized for its accuracy at longer ranges, its compact size and ease of use made it well-suited for the close-quarters combat often encountered by cavalry units.

Today, the M1891 Carcano Cavalry Carbine is perhaps most famous for being the rifle used in the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This association, along with its service history, has made it a weapon of particular interest to historians and collectors.