1867 Carcano Needle Gun

[rescuerandy2]

Good Evening All. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of an 1867 Carcano Long Rifle. First, thanks to the bothers West for cartridge specifications. Second, I am seeking any experiences you may have had with this weapon. Till this Carcano, I have had the ability to secure documentation and text for the likes of my Dreyse, Chassepot, Greene, etc. Flying a bit blind but have become a bit more comfortable with these old paper cartridge weapons. Thanks, Randy.

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.

[rescuerandy2]

Photos from the Seller. Randy

Attachment 115601Attachment 115602Attachment 115603Attachment 115604Attachment 115605Attachment 115606

[Patrick Chadwick]

Wow! Colour me green! That is not only a rarity, it seems to be in good condition.
Let us know how it performs.

[rescuerandy2]

Will do. I am assembling cartridges next week and will be at the range in three Saturdays. Randy

[jon_norstog]

Yeah! Let's see some targets!

jn

[rescuerandy2]

Good Afternoon. NoGo at the range today. Looks like the cartridge was a bit too slim for the chamber and slid forward when the needle went forward effectively moving the percussion cap. I redid the cartridge at 20mm up from the original 18mm. The cartridge now fits the Carcano chamber as snuggly as my Dreyse cartridge fits its chamber and my Dreyse fires flawlessly. Will send a target picture tomorrow. Randy

[rescuerandy2]

Good Morning,

First pull and the Carcano, with the wider cartridge, got on target at 50 yards. Going to refine the cartridge and the fabrication with a test batch of 20 rounds. Then we can see how the Carcano can do.


Attachment 116213

Thanks,
Randy

[rescuerandy2]

Ready for the range this Saturday but it has been a challenge to get ready. Following the first range outing 30 March, I came home and while cleaning the Carcano dropped the secondary (flat) bolt spring. I broke into two pieces with much swearing!!! Off to John Taylor in Idaho to make a new one. All is well and will be making smoke and going for the black on Saturday. Randy