Carcano Calvary Carbine

[TGR]

Picked up one of the Carcano Calvary Carbines from Classic a couple of weeks ago looking for a project. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I did NOT do the best of 10 selection. Of course it was filthy, and dinged up, but it cleaned up nice with about a weeks worth of work.

Results….

-1917 dated Carbine.
-Receiver, barrel, and stock all matching numbers.
-Most of the metal in good condition
-Overall average condition, but happy with the matching numbers and good condition.

Nice little project for $200

 

[Melnic]

I am curious cause I almost pulled the trigger on one. How is the bore?

 

[TGR]

Sorry, I should have mentioned. The bore cleaned up nice and bright. Rifling, chamber, and muzzle look good.

I haven’t shot it yet.

 

[Ptreece]

I pick up one from a different site last year. Same thing, the bore cleaned up real nice with strong rifling and numbers matched. It is dated 1917 as well. The only issue was the front barrel band was broken but that's was an easy fix.

 

[The Saint]

I love how handy these guns are; and affordable to boot...just cute little milsurps that'll rock you off a rest. =P

 

[Ngrovcam]

Is ammo for them readily available?
Seems I saw some on SGammo a while ago.

 

[Melnic]

Is ammo for them readily available?
Seems I saw some on SGammo a while ago.

AmmoSeek is showing almost $2 a round. I saw a box at the HoCo gun show for $44/box of 20. Masada in baltimore had some when I was there months ago.

 

[JKM525]

I'm guessing it's not in a safe to fire condition at the moment. Hopefully it tunes up nicely, good luck!

 

[Atlasarmory]

I think nowadays the bayonet alone is worth what you paid for the rifle. I have a bubba'ed carcano and when I was shopping to replace the bayonet (when I was able to find one for sale) they were crazy money.
Apparently a lot of people in the past have removed the folding bayonet and tossed it as there are a lot of rifles out there missing it.

 

[Ptreece]

AmmoSeek is showing almost $2 a round. I saw a box at the HoCo gun show for $44/box of 20. Masada in baltimore had some when I was there months ago.

I bought like 4 boxes from Masada when they had it. It was PPU. I wish they would have had Norma.

 

[Melnic]

Everyone, keep your fired brass if its Boxer primed as they have value in trade.

 

[Ptreece]

Everyone, keep your fired brass if its Boxer primed as they have value in trade.

I always keep my brass. I just gave to track down dies and components.

 

[j8064]

Carcano relics are fun and interesting rifles and many varieties. OP, you have a nice looking cavalry carbine worth restoring to shooting condition.

6.5X52 ammo isn’t easy to find or inexpensive. Reloading is definitely a better option IMHO. Original rounds were loaded with .268 RN bullets. Modern 6.5 bullets are .264 so 1) keep that in mind looking for components and 2) slug your barrel. Here’s a link to an easy way to verify your rifle’s bore:
https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?116866&p=2369775#post2369775

If you plan on full length sizing your cases get the appropriate RCBS shell holder. The case rims are slight and will easily rip out of other brands. Even with a tight fit, lube the bejesus out of the cases. Trust me on that. An excellent alternative is to only neck size your cases and dedicate them to one rifle.

There’s load data out there. Remember these are old relics. Give them TLC. Load your test rounds very light and work them up.

Good luck and let us know your range experiences!