Type I Carcano on the way.

Recently won a Type I Carcano on an auction. For those unfamiliar with these, Japan, prior to the Second World War, turned to Italy for a contract of these rifles for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Apparently only 60,000 of these rifles were built. It was essentially an M91 Carcano action mated to a Japanese Type 38 rifle, which it greatly resembles. There seems to be some argument as to whether these saw any combat, as most are in excellent shape. However, the one that I bought seems to have seen considerable use. Just wondered if anyone else out there owned one and could shed some more light on these rather rare and pretty much unknown hybrids. Pics soon!

They were documented being used in a couple of engagements by marines if I remember correctly.

Japanese Type I

Just realized, this should be in the Japanese Rifles thread.

Japanese Carcano Type I Rifle : : CRsenal

www.exordinanza.net - Carcano-Arisaka Type 1

Yeah, I really didn't know where to post this!

hi, they seem to be common in the US, but not in Canada so I imported one. It was a contract for the Japanese marine because Japanese rifle industry had the priority to supply the army. Like you said, it is a type 38 mated to a carcano. I don't know about combat use, but I heard a lot of they were lost when sunk with Japanese ships. They are well made, but like Italian stuff, it is undervalued in my opinion.