M38 Carcano Carbine: Brilliant or Rubbish?

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Carcano vs K98k Match video: • Video
I would like to propose that the M38 Carcano short rifle was, despite the poor reputation of the Carcano series of rifles, one of the best thought out bolt action weapons of World War 2. Why, you ask? Well, let's consider...
Only a few nations actually recognized the short ranges at which combat actually took place. Germany was one, as seen with it's 8x33mm cartridge development, and Italy was another. The sights on the M38 series of carbines were made as simple fixed notches, with no adjustments to be knocked out of place unintentionally. With a 200 meter zero (or 150 meters, with the Finnish replacement front sight), the weapon needed no adjustment to make hits out to 300 meters, which is as far as anyone could realistically engage a target.
The M38 is a light and handy weapon compared to its contemporaries - 8.1 pounds and 40.2 inches (3.7kg and 1.02m) - and it fired a significantly lighter cartridge as well. The 7.35x51mm round used a 128gr (8.3g) bullet at 2400-2500 fps (735-755 m/s) depending on barrel length. This produced noticeably less recoil than rounds like the .30-06 or 8mm Mauser, which made it easier for troops to shoot effectively. The Carcano also had a 6-round capacity and fed with Mannlicher type clips, which are potentially faster to load than Mauser-type stripper clips.
Today we will discuss the M38 and these features (along with its predecessor, the M91 rifle) as they appear on paper. At the same time, over on InRangeTV, today we have the first stage of a 2-Gun Action Challenge Match in which I am shooting this M38 Carcano against Karl, who is using a Mauser K98k - so we will see how the theory works out in the field!
If you enjoy Forgotten Weapons, check out its sister channel, InRangeTV! / inrangetvshow

[@kainepeterson6638]

“The Kennedy thing” . That and the “Stalin was the kinda guy you listened to when he said something like that” has me convinced Ian is a master of understatement

[@mattarndt841]

I love the fact that in the last couple years old stereotype are being confronted. The sherman wasnt a shit tank the Italians were good soldiers just under equipped all this kind of stuff and it makes me glad to see an honest review of a decent rifle that's gotten such a bad reputation

[@robosoldier11]

Matt Arndt you can arguably still say what the Italians got was still pretty under par. From their LMG, tanks, field guns (lack of a field AT gun). Good shells for artillery pieces and so on. So it’s not only about accessibility it’s by design as well in some cases.

[@MotRi1986]

Robotsoldire11, isn't that the Italian way? They either make fantastic machinery like a Lamborghini or something beautiful like an Alfa Romeo that work as intended a couple of times every decade. Its either perfection or great looking garbage.

[@gs7828]

@@MotRi1986 Alfa Romeo* :)

[@MotRi1986]

@@gs7828 ups, sorry :)

[@dannyv8577]

@@MotRi1986 You need to get a different outlook in your life .... You obviously have been a loser all of your life .. Be aware that the Italians are not the same as you .... The rubbish that you think they make though it looks good still helped Italy rise to economic greatness because they don't think like losers ...

[@slashdotism]

This video has to warm an Italians heart.

[@lucignolo8333]

George North it fucking did

[@DeanmC261993]

I agree

[@floppy-disko2378]

+Dio Cane +Diomerda TESCUOIO You really like Dio, have you aver been in Via Brombeis?

[@TheBertucciassassina]

Floppy-Disko hi, may you can help me with my homework: how much does fifteen plus eighteen?

[@floppy-disko2378]

Giovanni gas easy, thirty si..... ohh, wait a moment! Pleas dont punch me I promise I will let you win the next briscola match

[@SgtKOnyx]

"And that's why I have -no money left- ammunition to shoot at the match"

[@kyleno4mk27]

Ding!

[@dan240393]

A fixed sight, set to have essentially the same aim angle across all common combat distances, is actually genius. Its simpler, cheaper, easier to mass produce and reliable, pretty much, regardless of situation or user skill. Exactly what you want for a standard weapon.

[@SierraBravo347]

Exactly.

[@MrCh0o]

You know what would be curious to learn if there was a way to gather data over all the standard rifles with adjustable iron sights in the second half of the XX century? How much was the sight elevation adjustment used? In combat of course, range shooting is a bit different

[@charliehansen6584]

Even modern M-4/M-16 series, the first thing you are taught when shooting those rifles is to zero at 300 m. Then you never change your zero. Might be easier and less maintenance to put a fixed sight on modern weapons. Even if its attached via rail, so it can still be swapped with optics.

[@aaronstorey9712]

@@charliehansen6584 at least with adjustable sights if it goes of zero you can fix it quickly and easily (if you know how

[@charliehansen6584]

@@aaronstorey9712 Not an issue with a fixed preset sight, its only going to go off zero if bad ammo is used or if the barrel gets damaged.

[@Vespa-Due]

4:31 "Cavalry's gone" *Poland and Italy charge in the scene* WELL, ALLOW US TO DISSENT, SIR

[@baneofbanes]

Vespa Due Ah yes, the mighty military powers of modern Italy and Poland!

[@Vespa-Due]

Me and him were talking about WWII, not modern days, and powerful or not we could be, we had cavalry and used it for the last charges, whatever your point was.

[@anthonyhayes1267]

The Soviets used a lot of cavalry, both conventional and dragoons

[@thesturm8686]

The Winged Hussars : **arrives**

[@digge2210]

The Last Cavalry charge of all time, and we won lmao

[@calebjohnson7592]

"The Carcano developed a reputation for [really poor accuracy]" Mr. Oswald would disagree.

[@bennyjoe1990]

I think Mr. Kennedy would as well

[@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_]

For those that think Oswald was a lone nut. Watch "A Rush to Judgment" by attorney Mark Lane. He presented some of the evidence and interviewed some of the witnesses that the Warren Commission chose to ignore. Also, look into who Oswald was trying to call on the phone while he was in police custody. 😉

[@edyslavico3761]

@@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_ yeah at this point it is pretty obvious he was not a loner

[@paulgus73]

Also, more than 25 years later, there was a actual court case which heard ALL the evidence and concluded that Oswald did not kill Kennedy. Finally a Chicago mobster stated during his death bed confession that he had participated in the assassination and stated in his opinion Oswald was set up to take the fall, which mean there were actually 2 assassinations in Dallas..

[@TheLexiconDevils]

you mean The Smoking Man ....

[@lucacali8423]

Ian talking well of an Italian ww 2 firearm. That's the most beautiful day of my life.

[@uethuegiegjtreriopjg]

He positively loved the WW2 Beretta SMG

[@miketaylor5212]

the italians built the rifle that their industrial capabilities could handle at the time the 6.5 came about because the italialians ran out of ammo in a battle in one of their colonies.

[@edyslavico3761]

@@uethuegiegjtreriopjg yeah he adored it lol

[@mitch9651]

Ha parlato bene anche del MAB 38

[@lucacali8423]

@@mitch9651 vero, ma un conto è circa il MAB che è abbastanza scontata come opzioni, un conto sul Carcano (benché il trentotto) che è dagli americani visto come sostanzialmente un Mosin glorificato

[@yavrielsechelle7431]

Glad to see someone who knows about these things sing the virtues of the Carcano. I used to go to gun shows with my carcano looking for ammo, bayonet, cleaning kit, etc., just stuff that would go with it, and all I ever got was grief from everyone who saw me with it. "Just put it on the wall. It's not worth shooting." "The ammo is difficult to find, but those guns aren't good guns anyway." "Looks like you have a nice looking Italian paperweight." It made me stop going to gun shows for a good while, and when I did, I would research what I was looking for, mostly the ammo, get it, and leave. The attitude I got from those hawkers was not unlike the crap comments littering the subsequent stage videos talking about Ian's lefthandedness. Seriously. What a lame thing to needle someone about.

[@jameslawrie3807]

I note that the M38 is actually five millimetres *shorter* than the SKS, which is (as everyone here knows) the autoloading rifle designed for the 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge. So it seems the Italians got the concepts right in '38 that the Soviets came to in '46 after 'extensive field trials' (The Great Patriotic War)

[@tehgreatvak]

hey, it's good enough for the president, it's good enough for me!

[@DarkWizard83]

I see what you did there.

[@tucopacifico]

Dude, wrong rifle and caliber.

[@Raymod_]

tehgreatvak too soon man, too soon

[@briandenison2325]

Bullshit Oswald didn’t kill Kennedy, the CIA had a second shooter on the grassy knoll.

[@c3pfett]

@@tucopacifico Right rifle. Caliber is wrong though

[@matthayward7889]

So many issues with rifles over history seen to come down to ammunition. Gorgeous looking rifle!

[@Giloup92]

Matt Hayward Same story for the Chauchat.

[@matthayward7889]

Giloup92 and M16, and seemingly half the trials rifles Ian looks at!

[@Giloup92]

Loner Watch Ian's video about the Chauchat.

[@TroopperFoFo]

Canadian Ross rifle .303 and British .303 being slightly different.

[@kameronjones7139]

Matt Hayward I guess a rifle is only as good as it's ammo and shooter ( not saying they were bad shooter)

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

Trust the Italians to always make things aesthetically pleasing. That’s a nice looking carbine.

[@5000rgb]

Even their ugly stuff is good looking. French got the cooking culture, Germans got the engineering culture, Italians got the style culture.

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

Richard Burnsed yes, I think the Beretta is the finest looking semi-automatic pistol, just going by the lines.

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

Son of an artist, aesthetics are what matters. Engineering? Pfffhah, as long as it looks good.

[@notme1998]

@@5000rgb italian food is better imho

[@5000rgb]

@@notme1998 The French got a lot When King Henry married Catherine de Medici and she brought her cooks with her.

[@SharkFisher592]

I have a 6.5 Carcano. Really handy little rifle. Really enjoyed the video. They're definitely underrated.

[@montello2000]

The sights are easy, if your target is close keep the front sight low, if it's far away raise the front sight, cannot get any more simple. The stock on the M38 was also shortened which is great for taking a fast quick shot, and the 7.35mm cartridge has an alloy insert inside over the lead base, which makes it a very effective bullet. I bought 3,000 rounds in unopened boxes for 3 cents a round back in 1968 and got to be a really good shot with all that ammo. These rifles just murder the jacks and coyotes!

[@peterjamesvilla8565]

At last! An unbiased warts and all opinion of Italian firearms that is given free of 70 year old allied propaganda Thank you Ian, Keep up the good work it's all greatly appreciated!

[@pedromariovozza8570]

EStimated Ian : 7,35 mm. of caliber means 0,29 inches , not 0.300 (5,08 + 2.286 = 7,346 mm.) . 0.300 are 7,62 mm. Maybe for that , the munition weared are not adecuate to get de better performance of this ammo.

[@Flakfire]

"You had to aim at a guy's boots to hit him" - So true about most WWI rifles. Hahahaha.

[@WingMaster562]

And Counter Strike's AK-47.

[@johnsugar3241]

I like history alot i think I'm gonna upload a world of tanks blitz video and i wanted to know how accurate would the battle be

[@-oiiio-3993]

Recruits of the U.S. 'Civil War' who carried 1860 Colt revolvers were trained to aim at an opponents belt buckles in order to hit them in the chest.

[@Antramblings]

Hi Flakfire not surprised to see you watch forgotten weapons ha ha .

[@turtleterrorist6259]

@@johnsugar3241 not very accurate at all, try warthunder if you want realism, world of tanks is too much like arcade to be realistic, warthunder has much more realistic movements and such.

[@TheOsfania]

Coming to theaters near you: "That Kennedy Thing"

[@_Thoughtful_Aquarius_]

This clip should be the intro.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIvFkIh3pK2EeLc

[@CptMuttonchops]

Ian, that sweater with a long sleeve undershirt tells me you either have one hell of an AC or one hell of a backlog.

[@Brannington]

yessss pls more house videos lol, it's so cozy

[@gabrielstrong2186]

What does his Armor Class have to do with it?

[@DK-nv9zu]

Ian’s Sweater: +20 small guns, +1 intelligence

[@riverstyxarmory9782]

Unfortunately I know too many people who say "this rifle is shit" for the Carcano, Mosin, Berthier, and even the Enfield. And they NEVER have a valid reason against it. Just bullshit lore blown out of proportion.

[@twistedyogert]

@Schlomo Baconberg Right. I'm not going to ridicule this weapon. I've never used it.

[@aldolamberti3855]

Solitamente quelli che parlano non hanno mai fatto un solo giorno di servizio militare , provando varie armi e non solo quelle in dotazione . La denigrazione è una ''pratica '' idiota '' che nasce dall'ignoranza !

[@AgentTasmania]

Mosin-Nagant I would guess is from backlash against mythical praise

[@joeanspach539]

@@AgentTasmania partly that, partly truth. Basically, the mosin was a great rifle at what it was built to do. Throw bullets at that guy over there ish and don't cost anything to do it. It's when your try and compare it against high quality rifles of the time, or even modem rifles, it just doesn't stack up because it was never designed to.

[@eddyguizonde401]

"the kennedy thing"... how to trigger conspiracy theorists in 3 words.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Laughing here, Eddy :D

[@AdurianJ]

Terrible ballistics, the most tumbling bullet ever !

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@AdurianJ - quite good ballistics, actually, according to the Warren Commission; the one bullet accomplished as much as an entire commando team, hitting 2 or 3 times, and from different directions. It still amazes me that SO MANY Americans don't bother to question their government more. Fortune passes everywhere.

[@remko1238]

David Smith -- i would say: amazing zig-zack-bullet-line ballistics

[@HappyKatanaGaming]

Well the initial report about the weapon said, that it was a Mauser in 762x39 wich was would have been unique in that this variant of the rifle was only used by the Argentinian military 😉

[@iac4357]

Additional Carcano FYI- 1- The earliest fixed sight carbines had 300 meter Zeroes; later changed to 200 meters for a better trajectory. 2- The Carcano bullet has an open base (think very shallow minnie ball) designed to expand into the deep rifling. Closed base, and boat tailed bullets don't work so well. 3- The Carcano rear sight was designed to place the tip of the front sight in the BOTTOM of sight V; not the normal "flush with the top" method !

[@boksininkas_ltukaras5005]

And it was one of the few riffles that used gain twist barrel

[@samrussell4065]

Always remember... Fat Freddy buys a rifle: " According to the Warrern Commission, this is one of the most accurate, rapidist-firing rifles ever made, and it's only $9.95. "

[@missano3856]

Aah, The Freak Brother's , the turkey came stuffed too...killed it with an overdose of reds.

[@trentgerein4907]

I love that Ian places relevant literature in view on his shelf. His attention to detail isn't unnoticed!

[@CaptainGrief66]

Thank you for talking so well about Italian firearms, It is much appreciated by us Also, again, it's an italian Fucile, not a spanish Fusil nor a French Fusìl The C is a CH not an S, the final E Is an Italian E, it's not decorative nor pronounced as an English EE sound

[@Giloup92]

TheOtakuComrade Fusil, in French.

[@CaptainGrief66]

DAM [20] Never heard of constructive critism, didn't you? As such a pitiful comment would do anything at all lol

[@d4mb20]

You watch too much flamer shit m8, git bck 2 burn cars in the street. That was constructive.

[@lookalterno3591]

Fusil in spanish.

[@d4mb20]

Yeah, I know man, I only said that his name is cancer, that's all.

[@hewhoadds]

"you dont wanna totally deafen your soldiers.....within the first weeks of training" that pause

[@costantinoandruzzi2219]

Finally I get to hear the correct pronunciation of Carcano by a native English speaker, that is, "Càrcano" instead of "Carcàno"... Thanks Ian, most of all for reviving the "myth" of this short rifle, which still has a very solid reputation here in Italy.

[@doraran5158]

We have Italians in our collectors' organization that pronounce it in your second form. Some older Italian WW2 vets speak highly of their experiences with rifle.

[@angeladelamorte9581]

I'm first generation, both my parents from Italy and they always accent the second not first syllable. So Ian, who you going to believe? (FYI, Grew up around Carcanos, my father and uncles liked anything Italian, including cars and motorcycles.)

[@costantinoandruzzi2219]

Hi Angela, I'm Italian and live in Italy, and can assure you the correct pronunciation (as per dictionary) is "Càrcano". www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/salvatore-carcano/

[@doraran5158]

I guess it's like toe-MAY-toe and toe-MAH-toe (for tomato). Wonder if common Italians pronouce with accent on 2nd syllable while Carcano's family pronunciation on first syllable. My father had an Alfa Romeo (roh-MAY-oh or roh-ME-oh ?).

[@costantinoandruzzi2219]

The "official" pronunciation is the one indicated in dictionaries, then of course everyone's entitled to (mis)pronounce which way they want... As for Alfa Romeo, your second pronunciation is the correct one.

[@SuperStarwarsfan101]

Thank you for making this video, Ian! I have been trying to find more info on the Carcano rifles and carbines since I was just informed yesterday that my great-great-grandfather was part of the Italian infantry in the 1890s.

[@cardcrash]

Your enthusiasm and the knowledge you impart is a pleasure to watch!

[@yazman4040]

Love the Egyptian hakim just casually sitting in the background.

[@worldtraveler930]

I know that I enjoy mine and you'll find a few videos that Ian does as well.

[@wild6048]

I just got one of these from my grandpa last week. good to see you guys putting out some great content on them. Thanks!

[@agent4754]

I just completed Sniper Elite 3 again and I came on You Tube looking for a video on the Carcano Rifle and as always, you never fail to deliver, Ian. Gun Jesus Rocks!

[@UnhorsedGoose]

2:25 Imagine being in the Italian army in World War 1, grabbing your snazzy M91 Carcano, adjusting your sights, popping off a shot, and actually killing an enemy soldier from 2 *kilometers* away

[@johnfisk811]

That would be a task for a whole company to put down a beaten zone on the target not a single soldier.

[@paoloodello3439]

Great video, you explained the evolution of this rifle very well. I really appreciate the Mod. 38. Thanks

[@MaximilienRobespierre1]

I have been watching some of your videos and I have to say that you are a freaking expert on guns, how did you manage to get all this knowledge, I am in awe of your knowledge about fine details about individual weapons. Well done!!

[@ThatLad685]

Ian I hope you know you have a great way of explaining the history of all these guns, the fact you can remember everything in one take blows my mind, truly the greatest gun channel in my opinion

[@ultor__]

Excellent video! Quite aside from the very commendable effort to pour your own thoughts into this rifle instead of just parroting the outright libel and misinformed banter, you even took great care to properly pronounce Càrcano. BRAVISSIMO!

[@kimjanek646]

A friend with a K98? Who could that be? :D

[@kcimb]

Kim Janek KAAAAAAAAAAAARLLLLLLL

[@JanTuts]

Kar98k is just short for "Karl98karl"

[@44WarmocK77]

Can't help it, but this little guy has pretty awesome proportions. If the barrel was a bit shorter (18-20 inches) the overall design would look pretty aweseome! Maybe even something I'd use for a modern design for high-standard recreational purposes and hunting (if I was a gunsmith).

[@neutronalchemist3241]

You are talking about the 91/38 Carbine. 451mm (17.75 inches) barrel lenght.

[@44WarmocK77]

Ôo Yep, I'd take that one!

[@nicholasford4820]

Great video - I've had a 91/38 for years and I've always thought it's a wonderfully practical little rifle.

[@kenibnanak5554]

It is a shame we never came out with a carbine version of the US M1917. That said, I agree the Carcano carbine was one of the best WW2 bolt actions.

[@aker1993]

@Ted Hubert Pagnanawon Crusio no its not the m1917 is so damn heavy and big stock most Filipino soldiers during ww2 prefer the m1903 due to the slim stock.

[@aker1993]

@Ted Hubert Pagnanawon Crusio 0

[@moosemaimer]

You know how they say "when all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail?" When militaries were handed those first smokeless high-power rounds, it was like handing them a sledgehammer... they thought the only task they needed to perform was driving railroad spikes (at 2000m).

[@1ohtaf1]

You're vastly (and incorrectly) oversimplifying history...

[@cessatiolux6250]

1ohtaf1 No he is not.

[@blakekenley1000]

This is by far one of the most informative videos you've done.

[@charlesinglin]

You inspired me to pick up an ex-Finnish M38. Definitely underappreciated. Despite some quirks it's a very convenient length and weight, handles nicely and is pleasant to shoot. Hornaday makes a 128 grain .300 bullet, which is carried by Graf and Sons, who also carry loaded PCI ammo at a not unreasonable price.

[@iac4357]

@ 00:15 seconds, "Fucile" is pronounced "Foo-CHEE-leh". And kudos on the correct pronounciation of "CAR-cuh-no" !

[@giovanniclaudioantoniolomb5584]

IAC. Yes👍

[@mikeclare883]

I know this is long after the fact that this was done but would like to say a few things about the M38 Carcano I bought mine in 1964 at the age of 128 It was an old looking rifle but I only saw in it my next hunting gun. I bought that gun and about 450 rounds 7.35mm cartridges That along with a box of 128 gr bullets from Hornady would last me into the 2000's as a great shooter taking many deer over the years. I bought that rifle in a gun shop paying for it and walking out taking it home the same day Something you won't se often today As a young man I did not think to leave this rifle as is but did a Williams & Sons Sports converson using their book to guide me Today I am 73 years old and that was the best deer rifle I have owned I no longer own this rifle as I have pass it along to my youngest son who I hope will use it for many years to come(I gave him the reloading equipment also) Well thats my thoughts on he M38 Carcano , Great gun , Better than most would think , when cleaned up it was a smooth operating action and with a little work it shot better with reloads Mike Clare Olivehill Tn.

[@TheGearhead222]

BTW, great video as always, Ian! Reminds me ALOT of both of my Steyr M1895 carbines in 8 x 56R!-John in Texas

[@kugellehr]

Thanks for the videos Ian, keep kicking ass!

[@dan240393]

"By the end of World War 1, cavalry..." had tracks, machine guns and significant knife resistance.

[@Corppi22]

As a finn I've always heard about how these rifles were supposedly utter trash accuracy wise, but this vid definitely explains where that ancient meme came from.

[@lolloblue9646]

Yeah, a lot of Carcano rifles were sent to Finland for the Winter War and the War of Continuation, but unfortunately the Finns didn't have the right ammo for them, leading to the accuracy issues. A shame, really

[@lavrentivs9891]

I can imagine that the italians didn't sell their best rifles either as they were themselves gearing up for war.

[@-oiiio-3993]

At the same time, pre - WW2 Mannlicher Schoenauer sporting rifles and carbines of M1905, M1908, M1910 were often sold very cheaply in the U.S. and languished in dealers inventories as 'some funny foreign thing' for which "you can't find ammo".

[@k.c3091]

Thank you! all of your videos are great fun while being educational.

[@SadieBlue23]

Thanks for this video! I have one of these rifles and although I haven't been able to shoot it very much it is one of the easiest shooting milsurp rifles I own. I agree with you that it is under-appreciated, but not by me.

[@VRichardsn]

Love how the books in the background match the weapon being showcased.

[@linusbol]

Arma semplice, poco costosa ma accurata. La possibilità di rilasciare la tensione della molla dell'otturatore serviva per non stressare la molla stessa e come sicura. Il grande problema, in Italia, è che ti veniva consegnata un arma senza alcuna effettiva istruzione e senza poter sparare un sufficiente numero di colpi per addestramento.

[@mrlucky5025]

Hai ragione, amico mio.

[@djangokek4520]

Esattamente. Per non parlare dell'avversione di alcuni ufficiali dell'esercito ai fucili automatici e semiautomatici.

[@MrRiccardo1965]

difatti per questo motivo la seconda guerra mondiale è stata un disastro , un esercito raffazzonato ed improvvisato ( escluso pochissimi reparti ) comandato da molti alti ufficiali con preparazione da dilettanti

[@Takero-Sc]

@@MrRiccardo1965 per non parlare del fatto che la gran maggior parte erano ancora infognati con le dottrine da prima guerra mondiale, infatti solo i più giovani generali e ufficiali (purtroppo erano anche pochi) sapevano veramente come combattere una seconda guerra mondiale. Ovviamente tutti venivano ostacolati dai generali e ufficiali più anziani.

[@Cicalonion]

Parole sante.

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

I have a hypothesis as well. That's the best thought out Ian outfit I have seen. Nice sweater. I don't drink but I'm not sure about my sobriety when I wrote this cause it seems unintelligible now.

[@OldManMontgomery]

To be fair, most of the rifles of WWI era had sights for 1800-2400 yards, meters, arshins or schritte for the purpose of 'volley fire'. That is all the troops in a unit would be directed by the Officer or non-com in charge to set sights for "X" number of units aim at 'that little hill over there and when I give command, fire [a stated number] of rounds. The effect was to bombard a certain area not directly seen but thought to have enemy troops. The Brits did it most famously, but the concept wasn't exclusive. It was a hold over from the black powder days. By the time WWII started, machine guns were reliable and plentiful enough - in most armies - to make the practice obsolete. I do WWI rifles and have a Carcano model 91. It shoots better than I was told as a youth. (I'm no longer a youth even to trees.) Interestingly, the 6.5x52mm cartridge was a physical ringer for the 6.5x54mm M-S, the 6.5x53mmR Dutch, and the 6.5x50 Arasaka. Ballistically similar to 6.5x55mm Swede and the 6.5x53.5mm Daudeteau. All fired a 150 to 160 grain (10.1 or 10.2 gram) bullet at around 2200 to 2400 fps (640 to 730 meters per second). The Carcano was as advanced as most any of them. The U. S. didn't have the Krag until the next year.

[@b.griffin317]

This is fascinating. I love discussions of ballistics and cartridge design.

[@notme1998]

same they're so interesting, imho this would be a good school subject

[@drmaudio]

Having handled that very rifle (thanks Ian), I found it to be quite handy, well balanced, smooth, and generally good ergonomics for the time. I rather liked it.

[@plitterusmaximus]

This channel is history buff heaven. Really cant enough of these videos.

[@grahamy3400]

Interesting video...thanks. As you point out with flat ballistics a fixed sight makes sense as long as there is some ability to tap either it or the foresight left or right to get initial zero.

[@sylum3]

Finally an appropriate Carcano video. Thanks Ian

[@NeuKrofta]

amen

[@SemperFi92]

I understand the ammo problem, I've been using 1939 stamped surplus, so much cleaning involved, sometimes the primers or powder are less then optimal for accuracy. I would love to score a find on ammo like you did, I also scored a original folding bayonet for mine.

[@dennischannells5683]

Thank you for this very informative video. You really know your stuff.

[@nikolasmaes99]

Terminal ballistics... Like the sound of that. Learning so much from you Ian :D

[@sigmundfreud7903]

I'm interested on wether you're up for making a video on the rare and obscure Soviet-era Bull-pup experimental rifles? More specifically, those of the TKB series.

[@JerresYouTubular]

Just picked up a 1938 for $150. Went through it and it is definitely still in good workable condition. Came with 4 stripper clips. my only concern is ammo availability. 7.35 is not a commonly stocked ammunition. Might have to purchase a die set and load my own.

[@Dammiunnomevalido]

Among the best things in this already good video there is the right accent on the word "Carcano".

[@mikesadlier7961]

Great video as always. I have one of these in very good shape but only have two stripper clips of ammo so I have never shot. It seems like a very high quality gun,

[@GigaDanMan]

These older videos make me really appreciate Ian's lav mic in the newer videos. 😂

[@phatheet8191]

I didn't know JFK had 12 accounts.

[@bigayysfromspace2804]

He's multiplying! Now it's 65 accounts!

[@giano427]

Now it's 125!

[@Tarik360]

Birthday today, I was wondering about that rifle. Thanks, Ian.

[@ray1965ify]

a friend gave me one made 1940 did not know a lot about this rifle.your video was verry helpful. sgammo has 6.5 carcano for 1295 20 rounds

[@WurledPeas]

Agree, These are undeservedly under appreciated rifles. I was eyeballing one at a gun show a few months ago. It would have come home with me but I wouldn't discern if it was a TS or one of the older long rifles that had undergone arsenal reining as a carbine. Unfortunately those simply, in some cases had the barrels cut down eliminating the gain portion of the gain twist rifling. They are very hard to stabilize.

[@barneyr1294]

When I was a kid, you could go to the local army surplus store, buy a case of ammo and pick any three rifles out of a barrel for $15. And Carcanos were considered junk pre-JFK.

[@prussianpotato6894]

Barney R why couldnt i have been around then...

[@powerdog242]

When there isn’t properly-dimensioned ammo for them, they ARE junk. Hence their reputation. But times have changed drastically in that regard. And when (if) you DO find properly-dimensioned ammunition, the guns are a joy to shoot.

[@beauzxcvb]

Sure worked on his head though.

[@joeleek9976]

@@beauzxcvb eventually

[@kenhelmers2603]

Very cool info! Thanks Ian (going to watch the 2g match now)

[@requiemaeternam3406]

Shooted with original cartridge 5 yrs ago and it was the most accurate italian rifle i've ever tried. Good Job Ian love ur videos!!

[@Drunkenvalley]

Mic is a little bad this vid. Something different with the setup? Lots of echo.

[@carlomarini4255]

A great rifle!! One of the best ww2 rifles!! Congratulations for the video!!!

[@billy4072]

all done without autocue . just knowledge and enthusiasm. love it.

[@douglasabp]

Thanks to Ian, and his not crazy or full of accents way to talk to the camera, I'm learning english and learning a little about firearms

[@snsm6730]

The Mannlicher type clips may LOOK odd but on my Carcano long rifle they worked just fine in my shooting experience.

[@JonatasAdoM]

11:26 "It's 1940 all the sudden we're ****"

[@JoeyP322]

Very well said.... very informative video... always loved the carcano... thanks

[@Solsys2007]

In the excellent book "Desperate Measures" by W. Darrin Weaver, you can find among other things the genesis of the Volkssturm rifle program. It was originally designed around the 7,92 Kurz cartridge, for the reasons Ian exposed very clearly here. Since there were no barrel manufacturing capacities left whatsoever, the program ended up using spare machinegun barrels from the Luftwaffe in 7,92x57, but due to its lightness the VG1 hence had heavy recoil. As a coincidence, the Carcano (both in 6,5 and 7,35) was by far the most prevalent rifle used by the Volkssturm. 7,35 Carcano has a muzzle energy of 1900 foot lbs, which is closer to the 7,92 Kurz (1400 foot lbs) than to 7,92x57 (2900 foot lbs). I love your reasoning here Ian, this was a great episode.

[@luisparga5707]

Solsys2007

[@TucoTheKiller]

hes talking about the Carcano but all im looking at it the AG42 in the backround

[@dak4465]

I found the m38 to be a very visually pleasing rifle

[@barrygeistwhite3474]

One of the main things I've learned from watching this channel is that when a gun has a bad reputation it's often due to some variety of misuse.

[@mencken8]

Great explanation of this rifle’s virtues and vices.

[@SamuraiPie8111]

Ian when are we getting a sweater collection video

[@futuresonex]

I agree. I've always thought that the Carcano got a really bad rap that it didn't really deserve.

[@francocorrezzola4993]

Nice review... I totally agree with the ammo issue... Really difficult to find also in Italy (fiocchi has old-timer line...). I lost if you told anything about the progressive bore... One of the reason responsible for overpressure in case of non correct ammo. Col. Carcano didn't think to much about increasing the safety device in case of trouble... But, you know, was just 1891... Last but not least, barrel steel is a mild one, very good for the use but a quite sensible to heat... It change the point of impact... This is just my opinion... Compared to Mosin, it has a good trigger but a weaker bolt... The best one remains the 6.5 cartridge.. Nice job. Have fun and luck.

[@sealove79able]

A great interesting video and rifle GJ.Have a good one.

[@kennethdahl4791]

The biggest objection to the Carcano is the poor gas venting when something goes wrong . It has none of the gas safety provisions of the Model "98" Mauser. I owed a Carcano carbine at one time and almost put out my right eye out because of a ruptured case. The gas, along with molten brass came right back into my face and lodged brass in my right eyebrow. Yes this was partly my fault as the ammo I was shooting was WWII Italian service ammo of questionable quality. However If the same rupture had happened in a Model "98" I believe nothing would have happened to me. All rifle designs are not equal.

[@c3pfett]

Sounds like a bigger problem is lack of shooting glasses

[@DanielWW2]

Well, it clearly is better than the Krag, or the Lebel and I would argue that it also beats the "garbage rod" so it is not that bad. What few people realise is just how many different rifles where around during WW1 and WW2. Not everybody was running around with a Mauser 98 variant or a Lee-Enfield. More towards WW2, yes. The Germans where very thankful for this when they crushed yet another county and reissued the rifles. This is a perfectly fine middle ground rifle. Nothing special, but not terrible either. Same deal with the Berthier, older pattern Mausers like the Belgium M1889 Mauser or the Dutch Mannlicher M.95, and the many, many different types of carbines of that rifle. :P In the end it is not about the rifle, but about the complete package of combined arms. The Italian army failed in this regard, badly so. Not because of the soldiers, but of severe deficiencies in there industry, incompetent and corrupt leadership from Mussolini and his cronies, and the absolutely useless standard set by a lot of Italian officers, especially senior and staff officers.

[@PROkiller16]

Honestly if a rifle fires, can hit the target and can take being dragged through a battlefield then its a good rifle.

[@EATSFALCONPUNCH]

don't you insult the lebel in Gun Jesus's presence

[@stupidburp]

Norwegian Krags in 6.5x55 were excellent rifles.

[@mikec8086]

@@stupidburp both krags were good. It was just the more powerful ammo with spitzers that it couldn't handle. 1 locking lug makes it a very smooth action but the single load magazine was a detractor. Better than a carcano overall imo

[@104thDIVTimberwolf]

This makes a lot of sense. I owned a 91/38 back in the late 1980's and even bench rested, it wouldn't fit a group on a 12 inch target past 75 yards. I never knew about the ammunition issue while I owned it.

[@Momo_Kawashima]

I love how Ian pronounces "fucile" (rifle) as "fusilli" (a type of pasta)

[@jonasgrumby3378]

The problems of the Carcano boils down to standardization of ammo. The US had the standard 30-06 Springfield and the Brits had the 303 Lee Enfield. When you have obscure and silly types of ammo to fit your rifles you get the problems outlined by Ian in this video. The Japanese in WW2 had the same problems. They had TWO main infantry rifles with different ammo. Standardization during wartime is the key folks.

[@pauldavidson6321]

Japan had two different 7.7 mm as well as 6.5mm a real logistics nightmare.

[@pissyourselfandshitncoom2172]

The standards were perfectly fine for Italians, free of any issues! Americans today just buy the incorrect ammunition then say, _"gee, those Italians didn't conform to my American cartridges, terrible engineers!"_ I think you didn't understand what Ian was saying. He was saying that Americans shoot smaller diameter ammunition they found at a store, not intended for the Carcano. Americans throw the same shade at the Mosin, yet it was an excellent service rifle for Russia. Once again, Americans try to fire American ammunition through a foreign rifle, then act so shocked that Italians, Russians, etc didn't engineer their rifles to conform to the preferences of Americans a century later.

[@pauldavidson6321]

@@pissyourselfandshitncoom2172 a lot of people assume the mosin takes .308 projectiles when in fact the correct size is .312 .you'll never get great accuracy with undersize bullets rattling down the barrel .the 7.62 mm X 54 R nomenclature is probably responsible for the misunderstanding. Certainly nothing in the rifles service record says it's an inferior weapon.

[@trooperdgb9722]

@@pauldavidson6321 Easy for Aussies and those in the Commmonwealth...lol..just load 7.62 x 54R with the same projectiles as you load for 303... Done!

[@trooperdgb9722]

Really? So the US didn't have 30 carbine as well?

[@mrb692]

You mention the turned down bolt handle being a superior design. What is the advantage of the turned down bolt as opposed to a simple straight handled bolt?

[@stockingsstuffer6302]

I would assume they reduce the guns profile, and give your hand more leverage to engage the action with.

[@ryanburns3921]

It allows for optics to be mounted on top of the reciever. A much appreciated improvement for lefties like myself. Lol

[@jugantic4021]

Excellent, as always. Can you review a Moschetto da Cavalleria Mod.91. My grandfather was in Yugoslav Partisans during WWII, and I remember his stories that they were using Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891 only when they had to, but with moschetto was a different story and they loved them. Tnx!

[@bstrachan8527]

Many many years ago I ordered by mail a single-shot .22 bolt action carbine that looked just like a shrunken Carcano. $14.95 was the price. Of course I knew nothing about Carcanos back then, but I thought it was a cool looking little gun (my first .22) and still do. Wish I still had it. Has anyone else ever seen one of these???