8mm HK Carcano Rarity?

PBking51

I was recently contemplating selling a carcano that was handed down to me by a family member. Its in my name and when i started reading on them I figured I better take up an offer for $100 while I had the chance. I notciced some markings on it, so I decided to do some research. I found about 3 articles that have me really excited!! The inside of the barrel is very clean an no pitting, there a crack on the rear of the stock but it seems to be clean and is not loose(repair?). Also, there is very little rust on it. Can someone tell me what model Carcano I have and info about it and its history? Any Idea on Value?

Whats stamped on the gun (had to use phone to take the picture and the close ups didnt show anything):

"Cal 6,5" (stamped on rear sight)
"R.E. Terni" and a crown behind the rear sight top of rear barrel
"7,9" on very rear of barrel on top
(serial number) "H 6763" on left side of rear barrel
"1941 XIX" and "FC" on rear of barrel right side
Nazi Eagle stamped underneath the year
"HK" in a circle stamped on top of the reciever close to barrel
(serial number) "H 6763" stamped on left of reciever (H is a tad higher than numbers)
The RE Terni Crown is on the knob of the bolt

There is a wooden block that seems to match the stock in the chamber making it single shot

Note:

*There is some sort of symbol partailly covered by the stock underneath the first set of serial numbers on left of barrel

*There is a set of funky symbols mixed with the numbers 3 and 2 (???)

*There is a little symbol above the serial number on the reciever, it is clear but I have no idea what it is

*There are numbers on the rear of the stock, but it is hard to make them out


Pictures: (Again, i can not get clear close ups of markings at this time using my phone)

rufe-snow

It looks like it's been sporterized, i.e. reworked into a hunting rifle to me. I would take the $100 and run like the wind.

PBking51

The butt of the stock has markings like other mil surps and there is hole in the front of the fore stock as though a bayonet goes into it. Ive read that the HK 8mm single shots are really rare (under 3k made) and that the last one on GB sold for $745

1KYDSTR

Agree with that. It is a cut down Carcano military rifle and as soon as that is done ALL interest from military collectors dries up. Not too many people looking for a parts gun of this type as they are a pretty suspect conversion. It was originally a 6.5mm Terni arsenal produced Trupo Especial carbine that was taken into service by the Germans after the Italians began to fold and Mussolini went into hiding and was no help to them. The wood block renders it a single shot as the 8mm Mauser cartridge is much longer and bigger in circumference than the original 6.5 that was no doubt unsuppliable by that late date in the war. Also, the 8 Mauser works at higher pressures than the 6.5, so one shoots these at their peril. Take the hundo and don't look back.

EDIT :I have only cursory knowledge of the Italian military guns but I am not sure Heckler and Koch existed at that time. The hole you speak of in the end of the stock should be the cleaning rod hole where the stock was cut part way down the channel. Looks like the metal is unscrewed with so that's a plus? Did you have an auction number where one of these went for $750? I would be interested in seeing that and would happily stand corrected.

PBking51

see those? those are rain drops falling on my parade . Whats the chances of upping the value if I get a military issued stock and put it on there?

EDIT: heres the link I found with auction number

http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/topic/23530/t/Need-info-on-Carcano-Carbine-in-8mm-Mauser.html

PBking51

http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/topic/23530/t/Need-info-on-Carcano-Carbine-in-8mm-Mauser.html

heres the link I got some info from

HK as in Heirich Kreigoff (spelling)

sandwarrior

PBKing51,

I would hang on to it and get a true evaluation of what it was. I read the links you posted and it indeed sounds like you have a Heinrich Krieghoff. The question then is, "Was it further sporterized?" You would have to see an example of one that did go for the several hundred dollars mentioned in that post.

Also of note regarding that link. Back in '07 when it was posted, prices for a lot of 'potentially collectable' firearms were on the rise. Stuff that had languished for years all of a sudden had doubled in price. Since, '08 and the economy collapsing, the artificially high prices of a lot of these firearms dropped considerably. When I compare this rifle to the 'last ditch' '98's that were produced in early 1945, I think you may have a whole rifle there. For the longest time, you could buy whole, good quality Mausers for $29.95-$79.95 at local firearms shops or hardware stores. Once the supply dried up, the prices went up. And the 'last ditch' rifles that couldn't be given away now had a value on them. Your rifle appears to be in that category. My first impulse was to dismiss it. Then I read your link and thought about the 'last ditch' rifles and I say at this point, slow down and see what it really is. It might well be worth something.

1KYDSTR

PBKing...Hard to argue against Todds' logic on this one. Failing any concrete evidence to the contrary, I would proceed slowly and check all available photo sources for HK (sorry about the Heckler and Koch comment earlier...did not consider Krieghoff to be a possible affiliation there)altered Carcano's befor proceding...sage advice from the Sandwarrior. I took a pass on a VG 1 about 10 years ago...told the guy the $50 he wanted was entirely too much for a sporterized Mauser...yeah, I know, really smart! Sometimes even the blind Hog finds the acorn; more often, as is the case with yours truely, he just roots around in the poop!!

PBking51

Im going to have it appraised (in person) this Sunday. From my phone call It appeers tolook like im selling it for $100, but with mention of that article, the wooden block, and Deutsche Wappen he thinks if its the real deal, its worth buying a 40$ stock to ramp up the value, but then again...hes got to physically see it

badlandsbutch

Good luck on a $40.00 stock, hand guard and hardware. Not going to turn into a diamond without the correct parts for a 8mm Carcano. Fun shooter with reduced loads.

cbyerly

Springfield sporters sold those about 25 years ago. Buyers had to sign a non-shooting statement.

Manyguns

I have one from Springfield Sporters. It's in pretty good shape, but I would never shoot it. I heard they were used by Rommel's troops in Africa, but who knows.
Tom