[Poot]

I have a chance to get a gorgeous, matching Model 1938 Carcano rifle that is 'SA' marked. It's in fantastic shape, with full bluing throughout, and an almost perfect stock. It is chambered in 7.35mm, and the bore is nearly pristine.

What are these worth now? Are they worthy targets for Finn collectors?
Thanks,
Pat

 

[rocker98]

Most of these I find are beat to crap. Interesting one you have found there. Pics would help, but, it's not in your hands yet.

Anything Finn is of interest to me. The last one in good shape was missing a bayo. Stock was beat, bluing was good. Bolt matched, but nothing else. Still, I didn't get it. Odd caliber for me, and expensive unless you reload. I have only shot one. It was a matching Italian in the condition you stated. Impressive to say the least.

 

[Hlavinka]

Go for it. Condition sounds great. Every [SA] collector needs one. $250 would be a good deal, $300 if it speaks to you. Does it have the correct fold up bayonet? They are worth more than the rifle.

 

[martin08]

To buy as a shooter, you may be disappointed in ammo cost - when and if you can find it.

As a collectible, the [SA] is actually a detriment. If you can find one that is not Finn marked, it can be a $400-plus gun. As they are, and I have two, they seem like a novelty. Fun to look at. I paid $150 for one, and $75 for the other (crack in bolt safety housing), both within the last year.

 

[rocker98]

To buy as a shooter, you may be disappointed in ammo cost - when and if you can find it.

As a collectible, the [SA] is actually a detriment. If you can find one that is not Finn marked, it can be a $400-plus gun. As they are, and I have two, they seem like a novelty. Fun to look at. I paid $150 for one, and $75 for the other (crack in bolt safety housing), both within the last year.

Most definitely collectible. Finn, or otherwise. But, I would want one all Italian as Martin08 stated. Finn Mosin Nagant are a rifle all their own. They modified these all the time. Made them into their own rifle. Lots of parts available. Made their own barrels and stocks.

The Carcano's. Not many parts, and not many anything. Collectible in that respect, but...I would definitely want an original. However, the one you describe, may be something I would jump on. I would have to see it.

 

[zeebill]

Well I paid quite a bit for one with a folding SA marked bayonet $350, but it pristine and complete with SA marked sling, bayonet and scabbard too. The other one is marked on the rifle with a number 2 complete with SA marked sling, folding bayonet without SA marking and no scabbard. The second one looks like the stock was carved with a pen knife and is rough otherwise too. I have about $175 in it and it came with some boxes of 1939 7.35 marked ammo on brass clips. This ammo is the worst I have ever seen for a Carcano and maybe three out five actually fires but it is good for display purposes. I think these rifles are worth having for the overall Finnish collector but for a general collector I wonder why one would want one frankly. Value with accouterments maybe $300, especially the SA marked folding bayonet. I have seen the SA marked bayonet sell for much more than the rifle itself.

I had the luck several years ago to talk to a veteran of the Italian Army who carried one of these and he told me the soldiers made the bayonet scarce in the Italian Army because they broke in half easily and most soldiers threw them away the first chance they got to get a one piece solid bayonet. That really was a neat comment to hear from a Veteran and explained quite simply what we see today in scarcity of something we are looking for! Bill

 

[Poot]

Thanks guys, I'm leaning towards 'No' on this one.

Pat