Kleins "Oswald" Carcano Replica

[sonofcoldwarkid96]

Here is my replica of C2766, Lee Harvey Oswald's Carcano. Oswald allegedly purchased the WWII surplus Carcano from Klein's Sporting Goods of Chicago in March, 1963, and, depending on whose history you believe, used it to assassinate JFK. The rifle is a M38 6.5 1940 Terni Carcano mounted with a 4x18 Ordnance Optics Inc. Scope made in Japan. The sling is a M13 USAF Air Crewman Holster Sling. Everything about my replica is the same as C2766, except the serial number, my rifle is a Q-block.

It took me a year to finish this project. I hope you all enjoy.Attachment 42456Attachment 42457

Information

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[RCS]

Klein's in Chicago sold alot of the surplus white twenty round boxes of 6,5mm Carcano.

Do not know if any of this ammo was found with Oswald's Carcano ?Attachment 42458

[sonofcoldwarkid96]

It is said that this is the ammo Oswald supposedly used. This ammo was bought by the US Army for the CIA in 1954, for the CIA operation to overthrow the Communist government of Albania. After the operation fell through the ammo was put in storage and was then used for training the Cuban Exiles of Assault Brigade 2506 for The Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. There is actually footage of the Cuban Exiles training with M38 Carcanos. After 1962, 2 million rounds of the Western Cartridge Company 6.5 Carcano ammo was released on the American surplus market, and that is when Oswald supposedly bought some.

[Aragorn243]

And the question is, can you accurately fire it the required number of rounds at the same distance in the allotted time?

Having fired Carcano's, I have a hard time cycling the bolt.

[jmoore]

With the replica that a friend built using the same components (minus the sling and WW ammo) accuracy has been in the 1 1/2 MOA range for six shot groups. Rapidly operated, not so good, but the time required is easily met on a stationary target. That said, action smoothness on Carcanos is a BIG variable. Some operate quite smoothly, others about have to be beat into submission. Mostly due to mismatches in the oddly designed primary exraction cam at the front of the bolt lugs.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing.

[sonofcoldwarkid96]

And the question is, can you accurately fire it the required number of rounds at the same distance in the allotted time?

Having fired Carcano's, I have a hard time cycling the bolt.

I don't know, I haven't shot it yet but plan on shooting it soon.

[Aragorn243]

I have a suspicion that the reason the bolts cycle badly is the well worn clips. Without any rounds in my rifles, both cycle just fine. Put rounds in them and it's a whole other story. I just fired my 7.35 a few weeks ago and half went fine, the other half hung. I think if the shell is loose and does not get in the bolt head just right, it won't chamber properly. I had one round that went in but the bolt wouldn't close. It dropped right out by turning the rifle up so that wasn't a problem but had I tried forcing a second round in thinking there wasn't one in there it could have become a big problem.

[jmoore]

I think if the shell is loose and does not get in the bolt head just right, it won't chamber properly.

Have only had that sort of drama with the Norma brass. Prvi and Hornady have been fine.

[Aragorn243]

I was using surplus brass so there shouldn't have been any problems. The shells were loose. I didn't do much experimenting with it, I was just getting rid of the shells more than anything else.