Is this the same as the Carcano but chambered for the Japanese 6.5mm cartridge?

I am not certin about its releation to a Carcano, but I would guess it is not. It does not share the Carcano style magazine. It has bottom metal with a release in the trigger guard like a hinged floor plate, but the floor plate comes off when opened.

The bolt has a head that does not rotate when look up, some what like a Savage. The bolt head has a large claw extractor(it is CRF by the look og all the parts) and a ejector that floats over the left side locking lug. It is a very odd set up.

Yes its a Carcano

Is it a Carcano design or Carcano make. Should Carcano disasembly aplly to this rifle aswell?

The "Type I" rifle is a modified Carcano with an Arisaka magazine & triggger guard, stock and furniture. About 120,000 were built. It is a very accurate rifle.

The bolt is disassembled in exactly the same way as a Carcano. And it does not have a separate bolt head.

Regards, C.

Thanks c'91. This raises more questions for me then it answers. This rilfe most definately does have a seperate bolt head, in addition to the Arisaka like marking on the front ring, including a 'mum. At this point I have even less of an idea of what I am dealing with here. I will take my camera to school tomorrow and get some shots of the action and bolt to post here.

Kristofer

What you have is a Model 9? copy made in either China or Germany for Japanese use. I've read of and seen both. Some Chinese rifles (of Chinese or German make were captured as well). Those should be marked. What markings are on this rifle?

I met an old fellow with a Vetterli-Vitali as I could not see the barrel or bore because of the position of the rifle,I ask him what caliber it was.His reply was 6.5 Jap.

He had brought it home from Japan in 1946 and it was indeed 6.5x50 Jap. caliber. I have never seen another like it,whether it had been issued or held in reserve I don't know.He was in the Merchant Marine and had traded for it when his ship docked in Japan so he knew no history on the rifle.

Can anyone supply any additional information on Japans use of the Vetterli-Vitali?

WC