American Rifleman TV: I Have This Old Gun—Italian Carcano Rifle

Published on December 7, 2015
Duration: 5:18

This video provides an expert overview of the Italian Carcano rifle, detailing its history, technical specifications, and notorious association with the JFK assassination. Mark A. Keefe IV and other firearm historians discuss its design, including the unique gain twist rifling and en-bloc clip system, its service life, and its place in the collector market. The segment highlights the rifle's practical, albeit unrefined, nature and its controversial historical significance.

Quick Summary

The Italian Carcano rifle, adopted in 1891, utilizes a 6.5x52mm cartridge and an en-bloc clip system. It features unique 'gain twist' rifling and is noted for its ruggedness, though often disparaged. The M38 variant is infamously linked to the JFK assassination.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: American Rifleman TV
  2. 00:10Carcano Rifle Overview
  3. 00:23Carcano Design & Adoption
  4. 00:44Carcano Cartridge and Service
  5. 00:52M38 Carcano Loading Mechanism
  6. 01:25Carcano Reputation and Construction
  7. 01:51Carcano Caliber and Rifling
  8. 02:30Origins and Designers
  9. 02:48Operational Speed
  10. 03:12Carcano Variations and Surplus
  11. 03:43Historical Infamy: JFK Assassination
  12. 04:04Oswald's Rifle and Limitations
  13. 04:44Collector's Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Italian Carcano rifle?

The Italian Carcano rifle primarily uses the 6.5mm cartridge, specifically the 6.5x52mm. This caliber was standard for the Italian military during its service life.

How is the Italian Carcano rifle loaded?

The Carcano rifle is loaded using a 6-round en-bloc clip. This clip is inserted with the cartridges and remains within the rifle's internal magazine until the last round is fired, at which point it automatically drops out.

What is unique about the Carcano rifle's rifling?

The Carcano rifle features a 'gain twist' rifling system. This means the rate of twist increases progressively along the barrel's length from the breech to the muzzle, a design intended to impart spin more gradually to the bullet.

What is the historical significance of the M38 Carcano Carbine?

The M38 Carcano Carbine is infamously known for being the rifle used by Lee Harvey Oswald in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from NRApubs

View all →