Need info on possible Italian rifle

[BigMik1]

Hello,

The Museum I help has a possible Italian rifle. We think it's a Carcano. Markings on the receiver are "Gardone V.T. 1931", "Beretta" and the serial no. 16962. Pieces of the rifle are gone. Pictures below.

Thanks for your help,

BigMik1

 

[Jagermeister]

It is a Carcano and I have sent you a private message with some information.

JM

 

[BigMik1]

Jagermeister,

Thanks for your help and I sent you my email address for the info. So is this a WWII rifle or a sports gun?

BigMik1

 

[Jim Watson]

Rifle is indeed an Italian Mannlicher-Carcano, apparently a military surplus rifle cut down into a very cheap sporting rifle. Missing the bolt sleeve, firing pin, safety, etc.

 

[BigMik1]

Thanks Jim for the info, think it was used in WWII? And do those markings mean anything?

BigMik1

 

[BerettaNut92]

Oooh, a Beretta?

 

[Jim Watson]

Markings:

Beretta was one of several makers of rifles for the Italian army.
Gardone, Val Trompia, in Lombardy, Italy is the location of Beretta's headquarters and main factory.
I *assume* 1931 is the year of manufacture.
It was almost certainly used in WW II; the Mannlicher-Carcano came out in 1891 and was Italy's standard infantry rifle from then through WW II. There were a lot of variations over the years, though.

 

[BigMik1]

Thanks for the info Jim. I discovered there is still a round stuck in the barrel. Who can I go to with the serial # for more info, Beretta? But, I doubt records were still around after the war.

Thanks again,

BigMik1