M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine "A Dream To Shoot"

Carcano Cavalry Carbine Overview and En‑bloc Clip Basics

The video opens at the range with a surplus Italian M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine, a compact carbine variant that is not commonly seen. The host clarifies that these rifles were not refurbished in the United States, though some examples still show arsenal cartouches from earlier refinishing overseas. Attention turns quickly to the Carcano’s en‑bloc clip system, explaining how the 6.5 Carcano cartridges stack inside the metal clip and how the clip locks into the rifle. The retention of the Carcano clip is compared to the M1 Garand’s en‑bloc system, noting similarities and differences in how securely the ammunition is held. The long, folding spike bayonet mounted on the side of the carbine is introduced visually, emphasizing that this is a cavalry‑oriented design built from the original 1891 pattern but shortened for mounted use.

Range Shooting, Recoil, and Clip Ejection Options

On the firing line, the presenter loads multiple Carcano en‑bloc clips and demonstrates live fire with the M91 Cavalry Carbine. The 6.5 Carcano cartridge is shown and visually compared to modern 6.5 Creedmoor, highlighting the similar bullet diameter despite being a much older design. Shooting impressions emphasize how light and manageable the recoil feels, especially for a surplus carbine of this age and size, making it described as a very pleasant rifle to shoot. Viewers see the clip system in action as rounds feed smoothly from the clip, and after the last shot the empty clip drops free through the bottom of the receiver as intended. The built‑in clip release button and follower operation are mentioned, with a note that this particular surplus rifle could benefit from a thorough cleaning to ensure the smoothest possible function and most reliable clip ejection.

Surplus Condition, Bayonet Mechanisms, and Bolt Removal

The middle portion of the video focuses on how the M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine works as a surplus firearm. The host explains how the internal follower pushes rounds up from the en‑bloc clip and demonstrates using the floorplate button to eject the entire loaded clip, allowing the rifle to be safely unloaded without cycling each round through the chamber. These rifles are described as surplus pieces that may have been refinished overseas, so buyers should not expect pristine cosmetics, though the example shown reliably hits a target at 25 yards. The unique cavalry bayonet system is then highlighted, showing the long spike bayonet swinging out from the side. A push‑button locking mechanism lets the bayonet swing free and then lock back into place against the stock, a configuration designed for mounted troops on a shortened 1891 carbine. Finally, the bolt is removed by pulling the trigger with the bolt to the rear, revealing the internal follower and the open bottom of the receiver where the clip is designed to fall free after firing the last round.

Clip Drop, Safety Operation, and Surplus Collecting Appeal

Later in the video, the host again demonstrates the Carcano Cavalry Carbine’s clip system, emphasizing how the en‑bloc clip is supposed to drop straight out of the bottom of the receiver once empty. This visual reinforces the rifle’s distinctive loading and unloading method compared to box‑magazine designs. The discussion then shifts to the carbine’s safety, described as a paddle‑style safety mechanism mounted at the rear of the bolt that can be rotated to block firing. Operation is shown and explained so viewers understand how to place the rifle on safe or ready to fire. The presenter frames the M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine, and Italian surplus rifles in general, as an affordable and fun entry point into surplus collecting. Emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of shooting these older designs, the historical character they offer, and the relatively low cost of getting into a functional, historically significant military rifle.

Carcano Clip Details and Salient Arms Glock Tier 1 Giveaway

As the Carcano segment wraps up, there is additional focus on the en‑bloc clips themselves. The host notes how securely the Carcano clips can hold rounds, making them practical to carry loaded, and points out their distinctive shape and construction as part of the rifle’s historical charm. The conversation underscores the broader appeal of historic firearms, where unique loading systems like the Carcano’s add to collector interest. The video then transitions to a modern handgun promotion: a Salient Arms International Tier 1 Glock 19‑21 platform. This customized Glock is shown equipped with a Trijicon RMR red‑dot optic and a SureFire X300 weapon light, and a brief shooting demonstration highlights its performance. Viewers are invited to enter the giveaway through ClassicFirearms.com, with mention of referral links and entry instructions for a chance to win the featured Salient Arms Glock package.