Offered here is an exceptionally well-preserved 1940 Italian Royal Army (Regio Esercito) Carcano Modello 91/38 bolt-action service rifle, manufactured by the renowned R.E. Terni Arsenal and chambered in the historic 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge. Serial number Q6***.
The M91/38 was one of the most recognizable short-rifle variants of the Carcano family used by Italy during the Second World War. Compared with the earlier long-rifle Carcano designs, the M91/38 featured a more compact military configuration and a simple, rugged fixed rear sight, making it one of the most distinctive Italian service rifles of the WWII era.
Among Second World War military rifles, the Carcano M91/38 also occupies a unique place in modern history. According to publicly available historical records, the rifle associated with the 1963 assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy was a 1940 R.E. Terni-produced Carcano M91/38 in 6.5×52mm, serial number C2766.
This example, serial number Q6***, was likewise manufactured by R.E. Terni in 1940, sharing the same arsenal, year of production, model, and caliber as the famous C2766. This rifle has no direct provenance or connection to the Kennedy assassination; rather, its collector interest lies in belonging to the same highly recognizable 1940 Terni M91/38 production type. This historical association has made the 1940 Terni-produced 6.5mm M91/38 one of the most internationally recognizable configurations of the Carcano family.
The rifle itself is particularly notable for its excellent overall state of preservation. For an Italian military rifle more than eight decades old, the metal components remain exceptionally clean. The receiver, barrel, magazine and trigger guard assembly, barrel bands, and other metal components show only light handling and service wear consistent with age. The various factory and inspection markings remain clearly visible, with no significant corrosion or heavy pitting apparent, making the condition of the metalwork one of the strongest features of this example.
The bore is another particular highlight, remaining bright and clean with strong, well-defined rifling. The lands and grooves remain clearly pronounced, without the heavily worn or indistinct appearance often encountered on well-used surplus Carcano rifles. The excellent bore condition complements the unusually well-preserved exterior of the rifle.
The stock is also very well preserved and structurally solid, presenting exceptionally cleanly for a military rifle of this age. It retains normal handling and service marks consistent with its military history. Two localized impact marks are present toward the rear of the stock, one on each side, as clearly shown in the photographs. These areas are limited in size and do not significantly detract from the rifle's overall appearance or structural integrity. Aside from these marks, the stock remains remarkably attractive and complements the excellent condition of the metalwork.
Overall, this is an exceptionally attractive 1940 R.E. Terni Carcano M91/38, displaying a level of preservation notably above that of many surviving military examples. Its exceptionally clean metalwork, solid and well-preserved stock, and particularly strong, bright bore make it a highly appealing example of Italy's iconic WWII service rifle.
Adding further historical interest, Q6*** belongs to the same 1940 R.E. Terni 6.5×52mm M91/38 production type as the famous C2766 “Kennedy Carcano,” sharing its arsenal, production year, model, and caliber. For a collector seeking a Carcano that combines Second World War Italian military history, excellent physical condition, and one of the most recognizable historical associations of the 20th century, this is an outstanding example.
