Carcano M91/41
Italian State Arsenals (Terni / Brescia / Gardone) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: Fucile Modello 1891/41, Mannlicher-Carcano M1891/41, M41 Carcano
Overview
The Carcano M91/41 is an Italian bolt-action rifle, the last service-rifle pattern of the long-running Carcano family. Introduced in 1941, it marked a return to a full-length infantry rifle (only slightly shorter than the original Modello 1891) after the carbine-length M38, in order to properly exploit the velocity of the 6.5x52mm cartridge that underperformed in shorter barrels. It feeds from a six-round en bloc clip, uses conventional rifling in place of the original gain-twist barrel, and carries a graduated tangent rear sight. It saw service with the Royal Italian Army during the Second World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1168 mm (45.98") |
| Barrel Length | 692 mm (27.24") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5 Carcano, 6.5x52mm, 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Rotating Bolt Safety
- Features: En Bloc Clip Loading, Fixed Blade Bayonet Lug, Adjustable Tangent Rear Sight, Two Piece Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1941 · as Fucile Modello 1891/41
- Nazi Germany · adopted 1943
Conflicts
- World War II (1941-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 600,000 · Production years: 1941-1945
About 600,000 made before Italy's 1943 surrender; production continued under German supervision at Armaguerra Cremona to 1944 and at R.E. Terni to 1945.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Salvatore Carcano
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Conventional four-groove rifling replaced the progressive (gain-twist) rifling of earlier Carcanos. The adjustable rear sight is graduated to 1,000 m.
Background
The M91/41 was the final new-pattern Carcano. After the short M38 carbine left the 6.5x52mm round underpowered, the Italian army reverted to a long-barrelled infantry rifle in 1941 to recover ballistic performance, making it the last evolutionary step of a rifle line that began in 1891.