What do I have here???

[Bigcatpt]

Hi all!
New guy here. I have been searching the internet for a couple hours trying to get some info about this old rifle. Seems like I stumbled across the right place to get some answers.

The rifle says Beretta Gardone 1940 XVIII
Serial number 05776 and Cal 6.5

I have not been able to find any pictures in the forum of rifles that look like this one. I don't know if it is something unique or if bubba has already got to it. The most interesting part is that it is only 36" long total.

The stock is stamped with the same numbers as the action.

I have taken lots of pictures that I will try to include in this post.

I guess what I am looking for is....

What model is this?

Is this a collector or a shooter?

Approximate value?

Where can I buy clips for it?

Where can i buy ammo for it?

Any other info you could provide would be helpful!

Thanks in advance!



Steve (Bigcatpt)Attachment 34058Attachment 34071Attachment 34070Attachment 34069Attachment 34068Attachment 34067Attachment 34066Attachment 34065Attachment 34064Attachment 34063Attachment 34062Attachment 34061Attachment 34060Attachment 34059Attachment 34072

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.

[Aragorn243]

Looks like an M38 that Bubba got his hands on. Since Bubba got it, strictly a shooter. Not a lot of collector value to these anyway, good ones in original configuration can be had for less than $150.00. With the butchered stock, value is less than $100, probably in the $60-$75 range. Clips can be found on ebay and various internet sites. They are running between $8-$15 each. Privi-partisan makes ammo for them that is useless except for the brass and reloading. Hornaday should make it too but it more expensive and uses the Privi brass.

The stock has been cut, it's missing the handguard and barrel bands including the bayonet lug.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Your rifle has unfortunately been sporterized!
It seems to be a "Fucile corto" - i.e. short rifle - M38. But the handguard is missing and the shaft has been shortened. It was made in 1940 by Beretta, and the XVIII is the Roman number for 18, i.e. year 18 of the Fascist state. The usual numbering series for the Beretta production in this period was UBnnnn - UDnnnn, so this is probably a rebuild of an old full-length M91 rifle with a new barrel etc.


Patrick

[Patrick Chadwick]

so this is probably a rebuild of an old full-length M91 rifle with a new barrel etc.

A number of the form Cnnnn indicates a Beretta barrel, supporting my theory (until something better turns up!) that it was a Beretta rebuild.

[Bigcatpt]

Thank you both for your quick replies!

So what I have here is a shooter. That is good.

So now I need to get some clips and ammo.

Can you help me out with what to search for for both clips and ammo?

Do I look for clips for a Gardone model 38? Or a model 91? What do they look like so I know I am getting the correct thing?

As for the ammo... do I search for Gardone 6.5 cal ammo?

Sorry in advance for the basic questions... . I know nothing about this stuff.

If you have any links for Ammo or clips that would be REALLY helpful!

Thanks

Bigcatpt

[Patrick Chadwick]

There is only one design of clip for all the M91 series Carcanos (M91, M38, M91/41 etc). And they come in brass or lacquered steel. It doesn't matter which you use, and there are no model-specific clips. In fact, if you find some 7.35 ammo, the clips are also the same. Likewise the ammo is the same for all 6.5mm models. The trouble comes from the bullets used by modern manufacturers. Search around the forum for the topics "Carcano ammo" and "Carcano reloading".

[Bigcatpt]

So I am assuming I want the 6.5X52mm ammo? I see there 123 grain soft point and 139 grain FMJ. Which one would be better or more accurate???

Thanks!

[Patrick Chadwick]

So I am assuming I want the 6.5X52mm ammo?

Yes

see there 123 grain soft point and 139 grain FMJ. Which one would be better or more accurate???

Probably the one that has a flat base. If both have, then the longer one, which should have a longer near-cylindrical bearing surface to hold the bullet straight in the throat and will get the nose closer to the lands before the base has cleared the neck of the cartridge case.

[Bigcatpt]

Ok thanks for the info. I don't have any way to examine the ammo to determine the info you suggested. I will be ordering the ammo online so I won't be able to physically handle it.

I am looking at the prvi partizan ammo.

139 grain Full Metal jacket Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano Ammo 139 Grain FMJ Box of 20


123 grain soft point Prvi Partizan 6.5x52mm Carcano Ammo 123 Grain SP Box of 20


The stock picture makes them look the same but I doubt the pictures are accurate.

I basically just want the ammo for target plinking, not hunting.

Any suggestions on which I should order?

Thanks!

[vintage hunter]

The PRVI 139gr load most definitely has BT bullets, says so right on the box. The 123gr load I don't know for sure, just says soft points and I never pulled one to see. At the time I got the 123's they were the only load available from PRVI for the 6.5 Carcano and I got them just for the brass. They won't shoot worth a flip in any of my Carcano's but then neither do the 139gr loads. The only way I can get them to shoot straight is with handloads and Hornady's .268'' 160gr bullets. FWIW, the 139gr PRVI BT's give excellent accuracy out of my 6.5mm Arisaka's and Swedish Mausers.