Italian Carcano M1891 Rifles & Carbines Captured by Austro-Hungary During WW2 1915-18

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 Infantry Rifle
Fucile di Fanteria Italiano Modello 1891 Mannlicher-Carcano
6.5mm M.91 Italienisches Repetier-Gewehr
Also called M1891 Paraviccini-Carcano Rifle

3 million Manufactured by Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi, Terni, Italy, 1892-1918
A small amount was also made by Brescia, Torre Anunziata, Roma and Turin, 1892-1912
Caliber: 6.5x52mm, M1891, Muzzle Velocity: 700m/s [213f/s] with ball ammo
Turning bolt action with 2 locking lugs
Length: 1285mm [50.6"] overall, Barrel: 780mm [30.7"], 4-groove rifling, rh
Unloaded Weight: 3.78kg [8.3 lbs]
Integral 6-round Mannlicher-type clip loaded magazine

After the Russian Mosin-Nagant M91, the Carcanos were the most captured weapons by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. About 49,500 captured Carcanos were converted to use the easily available 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These were designated '6.5mm M.91 Adaptiertes Italienisches Repetier-Gewehr'. These weapons were stamped with the 'AZF' marking on the barrel and 'Jt.u.GR.' chamber reaming mark on the buttstock. During 1916 the Austro-Hungarian Army captured so much Italian material, including ammunition, that further M-S conversions became unnecessary. Repaired, but unconverted Carcanos may carry the 'AZF' stamp.

'Riparazione' Italian repair facility stamp.
After WW1, returned A/H altered Carcanos were restored to their original configuration by Italy.
Detail pictures by Prez1981 of Gunboards.

M1891 Italian Carcano bayonet and scabbard. 412mm overall, 298mm blade length, 13mm dia muzzle ring. All metal surfaces of the bayonet and scabbard was originally blued. The wood grip is smooth with no checkering.

M1891 Carcano Bayonet and Mannarese (cleaver) in a special Frog. The Italians used a number of different combination of tools with this bayonet in a common frog, including either a pick, shovel, axe or a mannarese.

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 Cavalry Carbine
Moschetto da Cavalleria Italiano Modello 1891 Mannlicher-Carcano

400 thousand Manufactured by Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi, Brescia, Italy, 1893-1918
Caliber: 6.5x52mm, M1891, Muzzle Velocity: 700m/s [213f/s] with ball ammo
Turning bolt action with 2 locking lugs
Length: 913mm [36"] overall, Barrel: 450mm [17.7"], 4-groove rifling, rh
Unloaded Weight: 3.16kg [6.95 lbs]
Integral 6-round Mannlicher-type clip loaded magazine

A small number of M91 Cavalry Carbines were captured along with the long rifles by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. There are no records that any Cavalry Carbines were converted to use the 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These carbines did not receive a separate Austro-Hunagrian designation. No Carbines with Austro-Hungarian markings were reported.

Carcano M91 Cavalry Carbine Assembly Drawing and Parts List

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 TS Special Troops Carbine
Moschetto per Truppe Speciali (TS) Italiano Modello 1891 Mannlicher-Carcano

400 thousand Manufactured by Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi, Brescia, Italy, 1897-1918
Caliber: 6.5x52mm, M1891, Muzzle Velocity: 700m/s [213f/s] with ball ammo
Turning bolt action with 2 locking lugs
Length: 922mm [36.3"] overall, Barrel: 450mm [17.7"], 4-groove rifling, rh
Unloaded Weight: 3.22kg [7.1 lbs]
Integral 6-round Mannlicher-type clip loaded magazine

A small number of M91 TS Carcanos were captured along with the long rifles by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. There are no records that any TS carbines were converted to use the 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These carbines did not receive a separate Austro-Hunagrian designation. No Carbines with Austro-Hungarian markings were reported.