Make: Italy (Fabbrica Nazionale d’Armi)

Model: Type I Carcano

Serial Number: D735

Year of Manufacture: 1938–1939

Caliber: 6.5x50mm

Action Type: Bolt Action, Fed by 5-Round Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 31”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a raised post. The rear sight is an adjustable ladder sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is in a 2 piece wood configuration featuring a straight comb, steel buttplate, semi pistol grip, and grooved forend. The LOP is 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light scratches and compression marks present. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some light scratches present. The bayonet lug, cleaning rod and bottom of the muzzle has some heavy surface oxidation. The markings are sharp, the screw heads are lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. This rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Italian Type I rifle is a fascinating and uncommon piece of WWII history. Built by Italy under contract for the Japanese Navy in the late 1930s, the Type I (for "I"taly) combined the Carcano-style stock and body with the Arisaka-style Mauser action to fulfill Japanese military needs during a time of increasing conflict in Asia. Roughly 60,000 were produced between 1938 and 1939 before wartime pressures ended the contract.

Chambered in 6.5x50mm Japanese, this rifle uses an internal magazine rather than the typical Carcano clip system, aligning more closely with the Japanese Arisaka in operation. Some Japanese Type I rifles were captured by US Marines on Kwajalein, Iwo Jima, and other islands in the Pacific during WW2.

For collectors of Axis military arms or those focused on rare contract rifles, the Type I represents a compelling blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese specification. Its unique configuration, limited production, and tie to WWII’s lesser-known logistics make it a standout in any military rifle collection.