🎉 Congrats to David B. on winning this months safn giveaway! 🎉
New Shipment Just Arrived from Africa!
We now have original Carcano M.38 Short Rifles. These rifles are used and
show their history. These are military rifles which have served in Europe,
northern Africa and finally in Ethiopia. The Carcano rifles are complete and functional. The guns have seen extensive combat. The stocks have dents, dings, scratches, gouges, and show signs of handling and storage. Further concerning the stocks, most stocks are solid but some may have a very small crack or chip in the stock where the end of the receiver is, however most do not have a crack. The stocks will not have any major cracks. You can expect a piece of history which has a tremendous historical and collector value. You can expect some battle scars and
wear. Most do not include original cleaning rod. The rifles have varies degrees of finish. Some guns have excessive wear, some have up to 50% of original bluing. Some stocks may possibly have trench art (field carvings). Others may have some silver thumb tacks applied in the shape of a cross. Remember that Ethiopia’s population is 50% Christian and 50% Muslim. As a part of our pre shipment inspection we cycle the bolt and the trigger is pulled to check for dry fire function and an unobstructed bore.
C&R or FFL required, please send a copy of your C&R or FFL to ffl@rtifirearms.com along with your order number
Important Safety Warning – Please note, as with any surplus
firearm we advise that you have the rifle inspected by a competent gunsmith
before firing. In addition, all dirt and cosmoline needs to be thoroughly cleaned from
the rifle… especially from the bore, trigger group and the
bolt group and special care needs to be taken to ensure that the firing pin
moves freely within the lower bolt.
These are C & R Eligible
You will receive a true piece of history which has seen
extensive service on varies theaters.
They are historically significant and make a fine addition
to any collection…..
See items related to this product.
6 reviews for M38 Carcano Short Rifle, Cal. 7.35×51 w/ 1 Free Clip
Tom –
This rifle came with tons of Ethiopian grime, but cleaning is half the fun. After disassembling there was plenty of grease and surface rust, but with #0000 steel wool, Hoppe’s #9, and elbow grease it cleaned it up pretty good. No pitting. The finish is splotchy but looks natural on a gun of this age (call it patina). The bore was filthy, but after cleaning had a respectable amount of rifling left. I was able to disassemble without too much trouble. All screws came out relatively easily except for the butt plate. I could not get those wood screws to budge without damaging them or the wood. So, I had to clean the butt plate in place. The removed machine screws were in decent shape except for the rear screw on the trigger assembly which had too few threads remaining. At the price, I am happy with my purchase. It was fun to clean up, and seems functionally sound. I am going to try to shoot this thing. I ordered some clips on eBay and some ammo, which in 7.35 is not a bargain.
Thomas –
Received the M38 Carcano Short Rifle a couple of weeks ago. Not expecting too much considering the price, but I was pleasantly surprised! The metal has only about 10% of the bluing left, the stock was very grimy, and the bore was filthy. But after about 2 hours of cleaning I am left with a good looking Mil-Surp rifle! A decent amount of rifling in the bore and the action works very smoothly. No cracks in the stock. The ammo will be pretty expensive, but can be found. A fine example of Italian WWII military weapons.
Jeff –
Fair condition for the price. Absolutely filthy and not much finish remaining. but the bore cleaned up nicely and shows decent rifling.
Chris –
It was dirty but cleaned up pretty well. The rifling is decent. The barrel on the rifle is loose. I can literally screw it out of the receiver with 2 fingers. I don’t blame RTI for that because you wouldn’t know unless you took it apart. I’m not thrilled with the one I received but buying an 81 yr old rifle online that has been there and back is always a gamble.
Chris –
This rifle arrived with decades of grime, which honestly, I consider a plus because it means you’re probably getting something that hasn’t been touched since the last time it was in military service. Only about 10% to 20% of bluing remains. Wooden stock was pretty rough but cleaned up well, aside from a couple of gouges. A 7.35mm caliber indication is still visible, inscribed in the stock. The bore cleaned up easier than I expected and shows reasonably good rifling left. I have ordered 7.35mm ammo and am waiting for delivery to test fire the rifle. All in all this rifle is a nice piece of history and worth the reasonable price.
Jon –
Rifle was received in typical grimy condition. After disassembly and cleaning was pleasantly surprised to note no significant pitting of metal or cracks in the wood. Most surprising was that the stock is of the early production variety with a single bayonet lug screw and long upper handguard. Wellpleased with how the rifle was able to be cleaned up and represents a bit earlier version.