Terni Arsenal 1939 Carcano Modello 1938 Fucile Corto 7.35x51 SA-Marked Bolt-Action Rifle
This 1939-dated Carcano Modello 1938 short rifle pairs Terni Arsenal production with Finnish Army “SA” property markings, creating a collectible blend of Italian design and Finnish service history. Chambered in the scarce 7.35x51 cartridge and built with progressive gain-twist rifling, it represents the brief Italian experiment with a higher-velocity caliber before wartime supply needs forced a return to 6.5 mm.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling – Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle remains mechanically solid. Metal surfaces display scattered scratches, handling marks, and areas of rust and pitting consistent with field use and long-term storage.
What's Included
- Leather service sling (installed)
Produced at Terni Arsenal in 1939, serial number prefix “U” ties this rifle to the final months of 7.35 mm production, a run of roughly 269,000 guns before Italy reverted to 6.5 mm. That limited output makes surviving examples notably harder to find.
The 21-inch barrel uses the Carcano’s signature progressive gain-twist rifling, starting slow at the chamber and tightening toward the muzzle for improved bullet stability. Few WWII service rifles employed this feature, adding technical interest for collectors.
Finnish boxed “SA” stamps confirm the rifle was shipped to Finland, where it served alongside domestic Mosin-Nagants during the Winter War and Continuation War. This dual-nation provenance adds historical depth and a clear chain of custody.
A 6-round Mannlicher en-bloc clip feeds the robust bolt action; the empty clip drops free through the floorplate once the last round is chambered. Fixed 300 m rear notch and protected front blade sights reflect the Italian emphasis on simplicity and cost control.