Product Description
ITALIAN TORINO Model 1870/87/15 VETTERLI 6.5mm INFANTRY Rifle C&R WW1/WWII
Made in 1881 & Served as Late as WORLD WAR II
Here we present a C&R Italian Vetterli Model 1870/87/15 Infantry Rifle, made in 1881 at the Torino Arsenal in Torino, Italy. As this rifle was made in 1881, it was originally manufactured in the Model 1887 magazine configuration. Like several other European countries in the late 19th Century, Italy hardly seemed able to keep up with the latest and greatest firearms technology in the fierce arms race led by France and Germany. This rifle itself underwent three significant changes, hence the three different Model dates of Model 1870, Model 1870/87, and Model 1870/87/15, in its very long service life.
The Model 1870 Vetterli was the Italian service rifle from 1870-1887. The M1870 was a single-shot bolt action rifle chambered for the 10.4mm Vetterli centerfire cartridge, at first loaded with black powder and later with smokeless powder. The M1870 was based upon the M1869 Swiss Vetterli but simplified for economy. Starting in 1887, all model 1870s were updated to the M1870/87 Italian Vetterli-Vitali variant, which made it into a repeater with a 4-round magazine. During World War I, many of the Model 1870/87 rifles were converted to share the same 6.5mm smokeless powder round as the primary service rifle, the Carcano, by adding a 6.5mm barrel lining and a modified M91 Carcano magazine. These are known as the Model 1870/87/15 Models. The barrel sleeving was called the “Salerno Method”. The bolt face was also machined to accept the smaller diameter 6.5 mm cartridge head, and the firing pin shortened. These conversions were used for troops away from the front line and were rarely, if at all, fired with standard 6.5mm military ball ammunition. After World War I, many of these rifles were assigned to the colonies of Tripolitania, Fezzan and Cyrenaica (Libya) and also to Eritrea and Somalia, again, as rarely-fired training rifles. These rifles were used again in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, mostly by native African soldiers.
The overall condition is good. Dark patina throughout. The action is strong. The bore is bright with strong rifling. The stock shows much use and remains solid. There are some issue and inspection markings on the stock that are partially legible.
This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Barrel is 33-3/4 inches.
Caliber: 6.5mm Carcano
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
www.ancestryguns.com
$1100
#233351