Carcano M91/38 Bolt is Rough - Normal?

SKS Bitten

SKS Bitten

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Alberta
I have a 1940 Carcano M91/38 bolt that is silver and looks rough. The one I have seen on the net are blued and smooth finished. It doesn't look like it has been refinished since the stamping is very sharp.

The bolt feeds smooth and functions properly unlike some on the youtube videos. I am hoping some Carcano collectors can provide insight on this strange looking bolt. Thanks

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That bolt is hard. Very hard when compared to other surplus types. It's also much stronger than many realize. So is the action it fits into.

I helped a fellow open up the bolt face on one of those Eaton's mannlicher rifles with the double trigger assembly. It was made up from Carcano surplus rifles and rechambered to 6.5x53MS.

He had read an article from PO Ackley about the strength of the action. Mr Ackley determined that the actions were far stronger than their cartridge warranted.

I have a M38 carbine that is originally chambered for the 7.92x57 and is so stamped with acceptance proofs. It's recoil is ferocious, the muzzle flash is very visible during broad daylight. It's actually quite accurate.

Seeing my rifle, he decided he wanted to convert his to a 308 Win, by putting on a new barrel. His barrel was ruined from shooting corrosive ammo.

We couldn't touch that bolt in the lathe, even with carbide tool bits. We eventually opened it up with a grinder bit of the type used for "dremel" tools.

In the end, it was barreled/chambered for a very nice little 257 Roberts.

OP, I don't mean to sidetrack your post. Just thought you might like a bit more info. Your bolt is fine.
 
Last edited:
bearhunter said:
That bolt is hard. Very hard when compared to other surplus types. It's also much stronger than many realize. So is the action it fits into.

I helped a fellow open up the bolt face on one of those Eaton's mannlicher rifles with the double trigger assembly. It was made up from Carcano surplus rifles and rechambered to 6.5x53MS.

He had read an article from PO Ackley about the strength of the action. Mr Ackley determined that the actions were far stronger than their cartridge warranted.

I have a M38 carbine that is originally chambered for the 7.92x57 and is so stamped with acceptance proofs. It's recoil is ferocious, the muzzle flash is very visible during broad daylight. It's actually quite accurate.

Seeing my rifle, he decided he wanted to convert his to a 308 Win, by putting on a new barrel. His barrel was ruined from shooting corrosive ammo.

We couldn't touch that bolt in the lathe, even with carbide tool bits. We eventually opened it up with a grinder bit of the type used for "dremel" tools.

In the end, it was barreled/chambered for a very nice little 257 Roberts.

OP, I don't mean to sidetrack your post. Just thought you might like a bit more info. Your bolt is fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. Being a milsurp collector, always interested in learning about the history and stuff about them. I make up booklets for each of my old rifles and will add this bit to its history.
 
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