[husk]

I just picked up a really nice, all-matching 1891 Argentine rifle complete with the crest. After buying it I noticed that the handguard is shorter, like the carbine version, than others I've seen. Is this correct, or did my gun end up with a carbine handguard?

TIA, Husk

 

[RP]

Take a look at these links...they are to recent posts on this forum re: 1891 Argies. If the handguard looks like any one of these you're ok.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=2006
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=7398

Post some pics. We'd love to see it.

Congrats,
RP

 

[Beanstrung]

The early 1891 long-rifles had the "short" handguard. The later ones had the longer handguard.

Other differences between "early" and "late" are the addition of the magazine locking tab, and beefing-up of the cocking-piece on the later models.

 

[husk]

RP & Beanstrung - Thanks guys! I'm pleased to know that it's a variation. Both rifles are matching down to the rod. The one below has the crest.
Husk

 

[JIMMY C]

Really nice, and all matching too WOW!

 

[JV Puleo]

The short handguard is correct for the first 50,000 rifles. They should have serial numbers with letter prefix A through E. These also had a slightly different bolt. Beginning around 1899 the bolts were supposedly altered in Argentina with machinery sent from Germany although both of the early M1891s I have examined closely had the unaltered bolt as well as the short handguard.

Joe Puleo

 

[Chloe]

I'm amazed you found one with the crest still intact! The Argentines
ground more crests than the Japanese.