The video opens at Take Aim Training and Range with an Italian M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine, one of the surplus cavalry models currently available. The host notes that these rifles are not refurbished in the United States, though some stocks still show original arsenal cartouches and evidence of refinishing overseas before importation. The carbine uses true clips, not magazines, and the host has several loaded and ready to demonstrate. This particular example is a shorter cavalry configuration with a permanently attached, long spiked bayonet, a feature not often seen on modern rifles. The focus is on showing how this surplus Carcano actually runs on the range and what buyers can realistically expect from rifles in similar condition.
The host explains how the Carcano’s en‑bloc clips work, showing the 6.5 Carcano cartridges stacked directly on top of each other. The clips hold the rounds securely enough, though with less tension than an M1 Garand clip, which might have concerned soldiers in the early 1900s. After spraying some Ballistol into the action to smooth it out, the rifle is loaded by pressing the clip straight down into the receiver until it clicks into place. On the range, the carbine is described as light recoiling for its size, and the 6.5 Carcano cartridge is noted as visually similar to 6.5 Creedmoor. The rifle cycles reliably, throws brass energetically, and the bayonet remains locked in place during firing.
The Carcano’s clip system is demonstrated further. After the last round is fired, the empty clip is designed to fall free through the opening in the bottom of the receiver, which it successfully does despite the rifle being somewhat dirty. The host also points out a clip release button on the rifle; when pressed with a loaded clip in place, it ejects the clip and cartridges upward, allowing the user to unload without cycling each round through the chamber. Operation is a bit stiff due to fouling, but still functional. The rifle shown was pulled at random from inventory to represent typical surplus condition. Stocks may show wear or prior refinishing, and perfection should not be expected, but this example functions well and hits steel at 25 yards, confirming practical usability.
Attention turns to the bayonet and overall cavalry configuration. This M91 Carcano Cavalry Carbine features a long, integral spiked bayonet that folds along the side of the stock. On this example, a simple push‑button mechanism locks the bayonet in place; pressing the button and pulling forward unlocks it so it can swing free, then it is rotated back and locked again for carry. The host notes that other surplus examples may have slightly different bayonet locking mechanisms, such as lever‑type systems. Historically, the original 1891 Carcano rifle was longer, but the cavalry model, introduced a few years later around 1893, was shortened to be more manageable for mounted troops while retaining reach through the extended spike bayonet.
Basic disassembly and controls are shown using the same carbine. With the bolt drawn to the rear, pulling the trigger allows the bolt to slide out of the receiver, exposing the internal follower and the opening in the bottom where the clip drops free. The host demonstrates how the follower pushes rounds upward to be stripped into the chamber during cycling. Reinstalling the bolt is straightforward, and the rifle is quickly returned to firing condition. The safety is a paddle at the rear of the bolt; rotating it engages the safety so the rifle will not fire, and rotating it back returns the rifle to the fire position. The simplicity of the bolt removal, clip system, and safety is emphasized as part of the Carcano’s appeal for those interested in surplus rifles.
To contrast the historic Carcano, the video closes with a modern handgun: a Salient Arms International Glock 19‑based pistol, referred to as a Tier 1 19 platform. It is equipped with a Trijicon RMR red dot sight and a SureFire X300 weapon light. The host fires a few rounds on steel and notes the pistol’s satisfying performance. This handgun is presented as the current Classic Firearms giveaway, with instructions to visit ClassicFirearms.com, click the top banner, and use the listed methods to enter, including referral links. The segment underscores the range of firearms featured by the channel, from early 20th‑century Italian surplus carbines to contemporary, optics‑equipped defensive pistols.
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