Offered here is an original 1940 Italian Royal Army (Regio Esercito) Carcano Modello 91/38 bolt-action service rifle, manufactured by the R.E. Terni Arsenal and chambered in the historic 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge. The M91/38 was the standard short rifle adopted by Italy during the Second World War and remains one of the most historically significant variants of the Carcano family.
Among all Second World War military rifles, the Carcano M91/38 holds a unique place in history. Its international recognition extends beyond its wartime service, as it is closely associated with the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. According to publicly available historical records, the rifle recovered in that investigation was a 1940 R.E. Terni-produced Carcano M91/38, serial number C2766. This example, serial number D87*, was likewise manufactured by R.E. Terni in 1940, sharing the same model, arsenal, year of production, caliber, and original production configuration. While this rifle is not the firearm involved in that historical event, rifles of this exact production configuration have long been regarded as the most historically recognizable and sought-after Carcano variant among collectors worldwide.
For collectors interested in recreating the iconic historical appearance, this rifle also offers excellent display potential. By installing an Ordnance Optics 4×18 scope and the correct mount, collectors can recreate the classic configuration associated with the Kennedy rifle while preserving the rifle's historical integrity.
The metal surfaces remain in very good overall condition, retaining a substantial amount of their original factory blue finish, with only honest edge wear and handling marks consistent with age. Receiver markings, arsenal markings, and inspection stamps remain sharp and well defined, with no obvious evidence of later aggressive polishing, allowing the rifle to retain an attractive and original appearance.
The bore is a particular highlight of this example, remaining bright with strong, well-defined rifling, reflecting the rifle's excellent state of preservation and making it one of the rifle's most desirable features.
The stock has been refinished at some point in its service life, including a new surface finish. A professionally executed repair is present behind the receiver tang (see photographs). The repaired area remains structurally sound, and the stock presents cleanly overall with an attractive appearance.
Overall, this is a highly desirable 1940 R.E. Terni Carcano M91/38, representing the most historically recognized production configuration of the Carcano series. Combined with its excellent bore, substantial original finish, and direct historical connection through its identical production configuration to the JFK rifle, it offers outstanding appeal for collectors of Second World War military firearms and historically significant military arms.
