My 1st Carcano

[hcso617]

Thanks for the info, I have some clips and ammo that I've had for about 5 years. I'll keep you posted. Matt

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[hcso617]

Ok it's here and I have more information. This is what is stamped on the barrel (hex portion)
Left side: GARDONE V.I. 1931
Center: Beretta
Right: 14811 with a circle and FF or FB in the middle

The bolt tang top side is stamped: AD 8813
bottom side: 2 (over) F1 or FI
an O or 0 is also stamped on underside of bolt on rail

When you remove the bolt there is a star stamped

The rifle is 36" in total length, fixed front, adjustable rear sights with bayonet lug. Has a cleaning rod screwed in below the barrel, 16.5" long. I removed the butt plate I couldn't see anything. There are no import markings, or ammo type markings anywhere on this rifle. Rifling and bore look very good. There are a few other proofs on the barrel and stock but I can't really make them out, and I don't want to guess.

I've had a few folks tell me I had a few different types, does this help. I can't take any other pictures at the moment.

Thanks,

Matt

[chuckchili]

Don't have much to add but that's a good looking rifle, that stock's woodgrain is awesome!

[Patrick Chadwick]

Left side: GARDONE V.I. 1931
Worn or misread stamp, I think.
That ought to be Gardone V.T. for Gardone, Val Trompia (Trompia Valley).

Of course, 1931 does not match up with the date of build as an M91/38. Regardless of the theory (see below) one might reasonably suspect that, with the wartime emergency switch back from 7,35 to 6,5 a certain amount of "mix'n match" took place to use up what was in stock in the factory.

Center: Beretta

Right: 14811 with a circle and FF or FB in the middle
Again, could be a worn stamp for PB = Pietro Beretta
And the number could be (letter not number) I 4811. It's all very tricky without having the rifle in one's hands!

The bolt tang top side is stamped: AD 8813
That is the format for an Italian army registry number a.k.a matrix number. This is the number that was stamped on the completed rifle when it was accepted. The number is usally to be found on the left side of the barrel and on the butt. The series started new for each type of rifle, want from A0000 to Z9999 (25 letters - no J) then AA....AB... etc. At least, that was the theory. In practice there appear to have been considerable deviations and inconsistencies.

bottom side: 2 (over) F1 or FI
an O or 0 is also stamped on underside of bolt on rail

Those are probably acceptance stamps

Of course, I may have got it all wrong. Think of it as a first approximation!

Patrick