This rifle is an Italian Carcano Model 38 "S", built in 1941 at R.E. Terni. This is a fairly rare variant of the Carcano, chambered in 7.92x57mm. Not a lot is known about the 8mm Carcanos or their intended purpose, but it's definitely an interesting gun. Weighing a mere 6 pounds, 10 ounces, this gun is not fun to shoot with full-power 8mm Mauser ammunition, but with reduced loads, it's enjoyable. As with all Carcanos (except for the Type 1 made for Japan), this rifle requires an en-bloc clip to hold the rounds in the magazine. Unfortunately, the 8mm clip is so scarce that if one were located, it would be worth many times the price of the rifle. Despite this, the rifle can be made to operate by replacing the clip latch with one from a 6.5mm Carcano rifle and using slightly modified (read that as bent) 6.5mm clips. This rifle has the distinctive "S" marking on the receiver, the bolt, and the clip latch. The meaning of this mark is unknown, but it is only seen on the 8mm Carcanos. Below are some pictures of the various markings on this gun.

Large "S" on the top of the receiver	R.E. Terni stamping on the barrel shank
This stamp indicates the date the rifle was made. 1941 is the Gregorian year and XIX is the Fascist year.	The "S" stamp on the bolt handle
Caliber indication on the fixed rear sight

Specifications:

Surplus 8mm Mauser AP
 

Back to Rifle Index