M38 Carcano: Best Bolt Rifle of World War Two?

Published on May 26, 2020
Duration: 15:00

This video provides an expert-level review of the M38 Carcano short rifle, exploring its design, historical context, and effectiveness as a World War Two bolt-action firearm. Ian McCollum, a recognized expert, details its transition to the 7.35x51mm caliber, simplified sights, and unique folding bayonet, while also discussing its logistical shortcomings.

Quick Summary

The M38 Carcano 'Fucile Corto' is considered by some experts, like Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, as a conceptually advanced bolt-action rifle of WWII. It featured a unique folding bayonet, simplified fixed 200-meter sights, and was chambered in 7.35x51mm, intended to improve terminal effectiveness, though logistical issues ultimately limited its widespread adoption.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: M38 Carcano 'Fucile Corto'
  2. 00:30Caliber Development: 6.5mm to 7.35mm
  3. 01:41Design & Conversion: Re-boring Barrels
  4. 03:38Simplified Sights: Fixed 200m Notch
  5. 05:20Technical Features & Markings
  6. 06:50Finnish & Ethiopian History
  7. 08:26Folding Bayonet Design
  8. 10:30Ammunition & Clips
  9. 11:29Logistical Failure: 7.35mm Abandonment

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the M38 Carcano 'Fucile Corto' notable among WWII bolt-action rifles?

The M38 Carcano, or 'Fucile Corto' (short rifle), is notable for its conceptual design as a superior bolt-action rifle of WWII, featuring a unique folding bayonet and a simplified fixed sight system, alongside its transition to the 7.35x51mm caliber.

Why did Italy transition from the 6.5x52mm to the 7.35x51mm cartridge for the Carcano rifle?

The transition to the 7.35x51mm cartridge was intended to enhance terminal effectiveness. A key design aspect was the ability to re-bore existing 6.5mm barrels to the new caliber, aiming to reduce manufacturing costs and logistical burdens.

What were the main drawbacks of the 7.35x51mm Carcano?

The primary drawback was logistical. By 1940, Italy abandoned the 7.35mm transition due to the immense difficulty of supplying two similar-looking calibers during wartime, leading to the continued reliance on the established 6.5x52mm ammunition.

What historical markings might be found on an M38 Carcano?

M38 Carcanos can bear markings indicating their caliber (e.g., 'CAL 7.35'), manufacturer ('RE TERNI'), production year within the Fascist era (e.g., '1939 XVII'), and potentially foreign property marks like the Finnish 'SA' (Suomen Armeija).

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