M1891 Carcano

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	Weapon: M1891 Carcano Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Italy Caliber: 6.5 Carcano Action: Bolt-Action

The M1891 Carcano rifle, developed by Salvatore Carcano in Italy, was adopted by the Italian military in 1891 and served as their standard-issue rifle through two world wars. It was designed as a bolt-action rifle using a 6.5x52mm cartridge, a relatively innovative caliber at the time due to its lighter weight compared to other military cartridges. The rifle was part of Italy's modernization efforts, reflecting the global shift towards smokeless powder and bolt-action systems seen in other countries such as Germany with the Mauser rifles. The Carcano used a Mannlicher-style clip system, which held six rounds and allowed for faster reloading.The action was based on a modified Mannlicher-style system, and it incorporated a rotating bolt that locked into place when the rifle was ready to fire. The rifle's safety mechanism consisted of a two-position lever located at the rear of the bolt, and its sights were originally graduated to be effective up to 2,000 meters, though in reality, its effective combat range was much shorter.

Disassembly of the M1891 Carcano is a straightforward process typical of bolt-action rifles from the period. To begin, the rifle is cleared by removing the clip and ensuring the chamber is empty. The bolt is then retracted and removed by pulling the trigger while drawing it fully rearward. The firing pin assembly can be unscrewed from the bolt body for cleaning and maintenance. The rifle's stock is held together by screws and bands, which, when loosened, allow the barrel and action to be separated from the wooden stock. This simple construction facilitated ease of field stripping and maintenance, which was a crucial feature for military rifles of the era.

Throughout its service life, the M1891 underwent several modifications to adapt to changing military needs. Variants like the M91/38 shortened the barrel to improve maneuverability for troops, particularly for the Italian Alpine forces and paratroopers. During World War I, the Carcano was praised for its reliability, but by World War II, it was considered somewhat outdated in comparison to the rifles of other major powers. The 6.5mm round, though lighter, was viewed as underpowered when compared to larger-caliber rounds used by adversaries. Despite this, the Carcano remained in service because of Italy's need to field a mass-produced, cost-effective weapon.

The Carcano rifle is also historically significant due to its association with major global events. Most notably, a variant of the Carcano, the M91/38, was used by Lee Harvey Oswald in the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This association has made the rifle infamous, though it was just one of millions produced. Post-WWII, the Carcano rifles were widely sold on the civilian surplus market, and they continue to be collected by military history enthusiasts. While it was not considered as advanced as contemporary rifles, the Carcano's widespread use and longevity make it an important piece of military firearms history.