We just received a small quantity of original Italian Vetterli Model 1870/87/15 rifles. All rifles are converted for the Carcano 6.5 ammunition. These rifles include the rear sight base. These rifles may or may not come with a front sight blade.
The condition is poor to fair overall condition. These rifles have been in storage in Ethiopia for a century. They will have some surface corrosion, surface rust, wear on the metal and dings, dents, scratches, etc. in the wood. These rifles may have cracks in the stock and pitting. Stocks may be completely cracked through near the receiver and/or wrist. May have large chunks of wood missing. May be missing some parts such as a front sight, sling swivel, barrel band, buttplate, etc. The rifles may or may not come with a cleaning rod. Bores range from poor to good. The rifle bolt may be difficult to open and require further cleaning to be 100% functional. Please note that the sear spring may be broken and the bolt may not stay cocked.
Items are surplus firearms. Firearms are sold as is. No exchange nor refund!
These rifles are considered Antique and therefore do not require any Licenses. A government Photo ID like Drivers License or passport will be required to purchase these rifles, please upload at the checkout. Thanks for your business!
ANTIQUE – NO FFL OR C&R REQUIRED, Only Photo ID.
Visit our friends at Milsurp Munitions, they make correct new production ammunition for C&R and Antique Firearms.
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9 reviews for C Grade Italian Vetterli Model 1870/87/15 Caliber 6.5 Carcano
treypetering28 (verified owner) –
Got a great rifle for a C grade. All parts were present minus cleaning rod. The rifle even works flawlessly with bolt and trigger functioning. Rifle was very dirty as expected and the stock had a couple sizable cracks, but that was completely fair for the price tag. I was planning on just using this thing for parts, so I’m glad to just be cleaning this one up.
Bubblesk (verified owner) –
Just received my 2nd order , beautiful rifle underneath some dirt , came apart easy crack in stock mended , rifeling in barrel still present , no one can come close to the inventory and prices of RTI, thank again on another diamond in the rough, thanks to all involved, came in better than advertised
Bubblesk (verified owner) –
Just received my 2nd order , beautiful rifle underneath some dirt , came apart easy crack in stock mended , rifeling in barrel still present , no one can come close to the inventory and prices of RTI, thank again on another diamond in the rough, thanks to all involved, came in better than advertised
Paul Troiani (verified owner) –
I received this rifle in about 10 days after ordering. I was expecting a rough weapon that would need a great deal of mechanical work. This rifle was complete with no missing parts. The bore is fair and every movable part was free to move as it should. The front sight is perfect. The rear sight is complete and adjustable as it should be. There is extreme rust and mild pitting, which is expected for a 150 year old rifle that has been stored for at least 70 years. Bluing is missing but the markings are all legible after wiping down. The internals were soaked in turpentine. They were like new, but cosmoline was caked on them. When removed, the internals were ìn very good condition. The barrel sleeve is soldered firm and the barrel retains a good crown with no chips. The stock has many cracks and some trench art with decorative nails. No rot, just places that repairs must be done. Headspace is good with no adjustments needed. Polishing of the chamber reveals almost pristine condition. No throat erosion or damage. I intend to complete this over the winter with my son as a gift for him. We will be reloading ammunition using new Norma brass that will bear a red stripe laterally to signify that thw ammunition is not factory. I have proper moulds for lead projectiles which will be gas checked and loaded with Swiss black powder to keep pressures low. This rifle is easily a B grade. Your mileage may vary, but this is a good piece to refurbish. I want to reiterate that firing factory ammo is risky. The original cartridges for this action were black powder. Smokeless powder has a different pressure gradient and can cause the locking mechanism to disengage or the sleeved barrel to loose cohesion between the barrel sleeve and the main barrel. This is a fun rifle and a relatively safe one if loaded with black powder ( NOT PYRPDEX) and lead projectiles. Thanks for taking the time to read this review.
Owen Treffry (verified owner) –
All parts present except for cleaning rod. One of the sling swivels was broken and improvised with steel wire which I find very interesting. The stock was mended with wire and staples as well. The bore is tight at the muzzle and rifling looks all present. It appears to be just dirty or corroded. The finish was about 30 percent and rifle was fully operational. I expect it to shoot with okay accuracy once it cleans up but it will be more of a wall hanger. For the price it will be a fun rifle to clean up and a beautiful piece of history. My only complaint is the month it took to ship and the way it was packaged could have caused it to be damaged easily in shipping. Other than that I am very satisfied with my purchase.
ncordua (verified owner) –
I received an amazing rifle. Barrel is shiny solid grooves, Bore I would grade Very Good. Bolt is in excellent shape. Stock had two cracks on both sides just below the upper receiver which did not go through the stock, very easy fix, came out reaaly nice. Stock has a very nice AOI stamp along with the serial number which matches the rifle. Stock was very dirty from storage and scratches but nothing to cry over. Rifle was missing the cleaning rod, and the front sight blade. Original finishing is 15% to 20% with lots of patina but no rust. I was expecting much worse, and was surprised to receive this one. Rear sight is very nice too. Its all cleaned up and on display with my other antiques. I ordered a Model 1870/87 with the rear sight grade C, and I looking forward to seeing what they ship to me next! I will post that one when I get it. Very happy!
kharris446 (verified owner) –
My Vetterli shipped in 3 weeks. There was a large crack on right side by receiver all the way through but I was able to repair it! Metal finish was in decent shape considering its dared 1885! It didnt have much rust. Only thing it was missing was a cleaning rod but listing stated it may not come with one. Bore had fairly strong rifling and the action did function. All in all, im very happy with it. This was my 13th rifle from RTI and ive been pleased with all of them. Just understand you may have to work on them. For $150 you cant beat it!!
EdgarSewall (verified owner) –
Very nice rifle for a C grade, mine was complete including full rear sight. Stock was cracked (as description said it might be) through by the trigger guard but was an easy fix with epoxy and clamps and it’s barely noticable. Was very dirty and had some rust which cleaned off well with some 0000 steel wool but no pitting. Cleaned up very nice, met my expectations and filled a hole in my collection for not a lot of $.
walterarnett7 (verified owner) –
I bought my Vetterli a few months back and it was cracked around the receiver. Luckily my dad is a self taught wood worker. And after cleaning it up I put a round through it and I’m still here lol.