Carcano finish?

[Nora]

I've got what I believe to be a 91/38 Cav. Carbine that was produced in 1940. The finish is beginning to get a little worn from use (mine). It belonged to my grandpa, and was my first "real rifle". I'd like to redo the finish on the stock. This rifle has never been touched by Buba and I want to keep it correct in all respects. Does any one know for certain what was used on them at the time of manufacture as a finish?

I do have the bayonet. But the forces that be, have made it for some reason, illegal to have it mounted and carry it in the field. So it has been removed for functional reasons only. Never could understand that law.

Nora

[Gtek]

In the early seventies my cousin gave me one almost twin to yours. I was thirteen then and dad told me not to mess with it. Several years later I #000 wooled and Tung Oiled and It turned out great. Sealed and looks the same. I was told Vet bring back, no import marks. Still have not shot it, just sits in rack with other Carcano's. Gtek

[pietro]

IIRC, the correct finish for a Caracano is to drop it - just like it was when surrendered. .

.

[DCM]

I do have the bayonet. But the forces that be, have made it for some reason, illegal to have it mounted and carry it in the field. So it has been removed for functional reasons only. Never could understand that law.

Nora

It's all those blasted drive by bayonetings! (Sometimes they get stuck and people really don't like seeing them get dragged down the street.)

6.5mm or 7.35mm?

[Nora]

It's a 6.5mm

[darkroommike]

We all know that a pointed stick is MUCH more dangerous than a loaded rifle.

[Ragnarok]

I own a 91/38 cavalry carbine...Brescia 1941...it's blue/black bayonet and all. The wood just looks like an oil finish.

[leadman]

I did one in Tung oil and it appeared to be similar to what was on it. If you just shoot it on the range it should hold up fine and can be touched up if needed.
A couple of my mil-surp rifles that I shot in matches or took hunting I did a (gasp!) satin spray urethane on them. It looks similar to oil but is much more durable and far more waterproof.
I see no harm in doing this as it can be removed later and an oil finish put back on.
It is your rifle so it is entirely your call.

[TommyT]

I'm pretty sure the correct finish for that Carcano is boiled linseed oil.

[Buckshot]

..............I have 2 Carcanii



This is a 'Post Capitulation' M91/38 Moshetto TS carbine in 6.5x52. I don't believe it was ever issued.



This is a M38 in 7.35x51. In the photo it has the wrong bolt, and has since gotten the correct bent bolt. As regards the finish, I think they only got a stain, which was most likely oil based. I do not think anything else was applied over it. I don't think a wipe down with BLO would be incorrect for it.



Of course, in their 50+ years of production by several arsenals it's possible there were changes made, and both of mine were made in the last 5-6 years of thier production. As can be seen in the closeup shot (above) of the carbine's buttstock, it certainly appears to be nothing more then a simple stain.

..............Buckshot

[sledgehammer001]

Anyone know where to get a cheap used stock for one? My 1918 Brescia 6.5 has a "customized" one. Should be called a franken-ized stock!

[Buckshot]

Anyone know where to get a cheap used stock for one? My 1918 Brescia 6.5 has a "customized" one. Should be called a franken-ized stock!

..............All I can suggest are the usual suspects, eg: GPC or Springfield Sporters. Both carry quite a few Carcano parts, but I haven't looked for wood.

............Buckshot

[Nora]

If you just shoot it on the range it should hold up fine and can be touched up if needed.

I've drug that rifle thew every piece of cr*p land that MN has to offer. It's my go to close quarters rifle when the brush gets real thick. My grandpa was the type of man that when he gave you a rifle he expected it to get used, not hang on the wall. So in his honor that's exactly what I do with it. I just want to keep it correct to the way it was when it was given to me.