Carcano rifle

[Pandemonium]

Since I didn't get an answer on the 'Lets see the firearm collection.....'‏ thread, I'll try here, I've been offered a Carcano model 1891, from the year 1918 in good condition for € 300 ( 418,98 $), should I go for it, Because I got no idea what it is worth, the m38 and 41 carabine versions are rather cheap in the USA and in Europe, but I didn't find any prices of the original rifles, so I'm asking you guys, any experience knowledge on this?
thanks,

[winslonia]

if you buy it and mount it in your collection,you could note that a similar one was used to shoot the president of the us. ( it was 1940) bought from sears

[Pandemonium]

if you buy it and mount it in your collection,you could note that a similar one was used to shoot the president of the us. ( it was 1940) bought from sears
that was the cheaper m38 version from 1938 that can easily be picked up for $100

[winslonia]

is that a common price to pay for a wall mount firearm in your country?

[Pandemonium]

a working enfield is worth aprox €450 ( 628.47 $), a working mauser k98 aprox €500 (698.30 $), a working Mosin Nagant €200-400 (558.64 $), a Carcano M91/1938 €200 (279.32 $)

[LineDoggie]

I'd pass unless it's a Very Fine specimen. 418$ US is a bit much when you can get K98K's for less in the States.

[PhillyMobster]

a working enfield is worth aprox €450 ( 628.47 $), a working mauser k98 aprox €500 (698.30 $), a working Mosin Nagant €200-400 (558.64 $), a Carcano M91/1938 €200 (279.32 $)

That sucks. I bought two Nagants for less than you'd pay for one. But I guess if you're looking to start a collection I'd just save the bucks and try to get something better. When I was 16 I saved my pennies big time to pay my Dad back for my 1916 Lee Enfield and it's still one of my favorite pieces, just because of the history behind it. I could have had him get me a Nagant or an SKS at any time before that, but I held out, and I'm glad I did. I don't know what that Carcano saw, but there's a reason they aren't as valuable as other rifles. But then, I don't know how often firearms come along in Belgium, so I'm really not your best source.

[G-AWZT]

Man I sold my 1916 Lee Enfield, all matching numbers and all correct makers marks. But it was in such need of TLC that I couldn't afford to give at that time so I had to sell because I was making a big move across the country.
But I made up for it's loss with Yugoslav Mauser built from the factory I happened to visit back in June 1985.

[ferguson]

Carcanos have never enjoyed a lot of popularity in the US.
Prices have never got very high.
Gunboards.com is about the best gunsite on the net.

The US experienced a veritable flood of K98s from E Europe in the last 10 or more years.

All are assembled from rebuilt parts a the Rooshins tossed into buckets.

A genuine common code, all matching, unsanded stock K98 with original finish is nearing the $2000 mark today.

Imports still available for a few hundred.

[Pandemonium]

But then, I don't know how often firearms come along in Belgium, so I'm really not your best source.
The Carcano, Mauser, Enfield, Nagant,... are classiefied as HDF (Historical, decorative, Folkloristic) weapons in Belgium, wich means they are free for sale, without a licence, But you'll need a licence to buy ammo.
There is not really a market for them in Belgium, and many people believe they are actually forbidden, the law isn't really clear on this matter. they are mostly privately owned rifles sold over the internet or on Militaria events. You won't find them in official gunshops.
So when there is one for sale, prices are likely to rise fast. Yesterday I saw a Lebel for sale for € 150 as a start price at an online auction, Three hours later it was sold for € 950.
So people here are pretty desperated to get there hands on a "not mutilated/ not disabled" rifle.

[Ricky112]

And I thought prices were high here in Canada! I got a sporter No 4 Mk 1* for $150!

[Lt.Chuck]

i would take one i havent seen one except in video games