This rifle arrived with decades of grime, which honestly, I consider a plus because it means you're probably getting something that hasn't been touched since the last time it was in military service. Only about 10% to 20% of bluing remains. Wooden stock was pretty rough but cleaned up well, aside from a couple of gouges. A 7.35mm caliber indication is still visible, inscribed in the stock. The bore cleaned up easier than I expected and shows reasonably good rifling left. I have ordered 7.35mm ammo and am waiting for delivery to test fire the rifle. All in all this rifle is a nice piece of history and worth the reasonable price.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
M38 Carcano
July 31, 2020
Reviewer:
Chris from Alabama
It was dirty but cleaned up pretty well. The rifling is decent. The barrel on the rifle is loose. I can literally screw it out of the receiver with 2 fingers. I don't blame RTI for that because you wouldn't know unless you took it apart. I'm not thrilled with the one I received but buying an 81 yr old rifle online that has been there and back is always a gamble.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
M38 CARCANO SHORT RIFLE
July 7, 2020
Reviewer:
Jeff from Illinois
Fair condition for the price. Absolutely filthy and not much finish remaining. but the bore cleaned up nicely and shows decent rifling.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
M38 Carcano Short Rifle
July 4, 2020
Reviewer:
Thomas from Kentucky
Received the M38 Carcano Short Rifle a couple of weeks ago. Not expecting too much considering the price, but I was pleasantly surprised! The metal has only about 10% of the bluing left, the stock was very grimy, and the bore was filthy. But after about 2 hours of cleaning I am left with a good looking Mil-Surp rifle! A decent amount of rifling in the bore and the action works very smoothly. No cracks in the stock. The ammo will be pretty expensive, but can be found. A fine example of Italian WWII military weapons.