Cacarno Model 1938 Short Rifle… (F 1255)
Created on March 14th 2026
Good example of the Mannlicer-Cacarno Model 38
A good example of the incongrous Carcarno in the slightly more rare 7.35 x 51 mm chambering, rather than the standard 6.5 Italian cartridge. Bolt action requiring a 6-round clip to feed the fixed magazine from above. In full military specification with a handsome birch stock and hand guard over the barrel. Blued action with bolt finished in the white. Basically a “Mannlicher-Carcarno” with a turn bolt action, which had a safety at the rear of the bolt. Produced from 1938 onwards after the realisation that the 6.5 cartridge was not effective enough.
The rifle is 40″ long (with bayonet and scabbard fitted becomes 47.1/2″ in total length) The round barrel is approximately 21.1/2″ long and the trigger Pull is 13″ to centre. The fore end has finger grooves and a slot on the underside at the muzzle end to allow for storage of the folded bayonet blade (if present). Steel butt-plate with small trap. Stored within is the very rare three piece cleaning rod set. Side mountings for sling. Brown leather sling attached (recent manufacture).
Fixed rear sight with calibre marking “CAL 7.35.” upward facing. The barrel knox form is marked with the serial number “O 7201″ The crest of the receiver is marked ” Crown / R E / TERNI.” and the obverse being marked “1939XVII”. Terni was one of four Italian State owned armouries. Crude safety device to the rear of the bolt – operationally effective. Bent bolt handle with stamped markings. RHS of the butt with matching serial number, horizontally across the rear of the butt. Caliber also marked prominently to avoid explosive errors! As the weapons were almost indistinguishable from each other.
The classic trigger guard merging into the magazine housing makes the weapon immediately recognisible. Mixture of blued finishes remaining. Some high edge wear. Stock and hand guard in very good condition. Four grove rifled bore with RH twist in very good condition. No pitting, bright with uninterrupted rifling. The carbines’ non-folding bayonet is available if required. It has wooden grips, straight cross guard and steel scabbard. When sheathed it is 12.1/4″ in overall length. Single sided knife blade with single fuller each side, 6.5/8″ long. Rear edge of the tang is marked with a makers stamp and the number “B84175.” The bayonet attaches extremely well to the carbine. A good and highly usable example of an Axis weapon from the Second World War, which actually shows little sign of use.
FAC Required – Stock Number F 1255
£ 600. Bayonet available at £ 125.
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