Scarce Carcano M1891 Torre Short Rifle — Dated 1897!

A scarce Carcano M1891 6.5mm Brescia arsenal short rifle (“Fucile Corto“). The receiver is quite clearly dated 1897!  This Italian military bolt action service rifle is chambered in 6.5x52mm. Features a blued finish, original 20″ barrel, blade front sight, adjustable V-notch sight with long-range flip-up blade, arsenal original straight bolt handle, rounded trigger, smooth wood straight grip shoulder stock with smooth steel buttplate. Has approximately 85% of its blued finish — possibly arsenal reblued. There is some pitting on the sides of the magazine well, receiver, and barrel.  The cleaning rod is missing. The original sling swivels are present. The bore has moderate wear, with good rifling. The wood may have been sanded, assuming that it was rearsenalized. The barrel shank is stamped “TORRE 5 ANNUNZIATA 1897 UX 80”, with the word Torre crossed out. (See photos.) Carcanos that are dated 1898 or earlier in any condition are very hard to find!   Note that 6.5×52 Carcano softnose ammo is now produced by Prvi Partisan (PPU) in Serbia, and it is widely available. This is a handy-length short rifle that should make a good shooter.  (PAS-651)