Found this Carcano...to buy or not to buy?

[BadMitten]

I found this Carcano at the local gun store. It was listed for 180 with some stripper clips and 110 rounds of ammo. Worth it or not?

I've been looking for a Carcano. My grandpa fought with the Folgore Airborne Division in the battle of Alamein...so I want some Italian hardware! Anyways, I would want it in its original condition. Is an original stock easy to find? Would it be cheaper to just buy one in original condition?

Has this one been cut up at all? Or just a new stock? Is that hole in the magazine normal?

Any help would be great! I did notice its SA marked so I don't know if that adds to the value since the Finns had it...Thanks!

 

[Sergei Mosin]

That one has been sporterized. Far cheaper and easier to buy one in original condition than to restore this one. There are plenty of inexpensive examples available. You might prefer one chambered in 6.5 Carcano rather than 7.35 Carcano, both for the availability of modern ammunition and because the Italians gave most of the 7.35mm rifles to Finland and returned to the 6.5mm cartridge. If your grandfather carried a rifle in North Africa, it was probably in 6.5mm.

The hole in the magazine is normal; the Carcano fires from an en bloc clip.

 

[BadMitten]

Thanks for the answer!

He just passed a few months ago, and I wish I could have asked him more questions about the rifles and such.

I'll have to find out what the Folgore used in North Africa primarily. I'll try to look at his pics as well. Thanks!

 

[56hawk]

I got an original one about 10 years ago for $150. Sure the price has gone up since then. I'd pass though since you would need the stock, upper hand guard, barrel bands and bayonet lug to bring it back to original. Way easier to find a complete rifle.

 

[BadMitten]

That seems to be the consensus. I appreciate it. I have a gun show here in Spokane on the 23rd that I will scour.

Thanks!

 

[murdoc rose]

The price has not gone up much if at all with the exception of the few rare variants/makers. I'd pass on that one for sure. What your looking for is a m91 be it the long or short version that is up to you.

 

[madcratebuilder]

That's a Fucile Corto Model 38 7.35mm with SA marking, made by
RE Terni around 1939. These run $120-150 in my AO, in either 7.35 or 6.5. The ammo may be worth up to 40-50 bucks depending.

Your looking for something like this.