This book is a complete history of the Italian Model 1891 Carcano rifle and variants that served as Italy's standard service rifle in World War I and World War II. It describes each major component of the weapon, as well as addressing the development of each variant in detail. One section of the book is devoted to all markings that have been identified, including those on the receiver, barrel, sights, magazine, and stock. Profusely illustrated, extensive appendices list serial numbers, production totals, inspection procedures, ammunition types, ammunition clips, ammunition boxes and packaging, ballistics data, accoutrements, and the Model 1891 as used by Italy's national marksmanship association. AUTHOR: Giovanni Chegia was born in Cagliari (Sardinia) in 1951 and now lives in Genoa with his family. Alberto Simonelli was born in La Spezia in 1961; he owns a company that specialises in repairs and restoration of all-wheel drive vehicles. Ralph Riccio is a retired U.S. Army officer who has authored, co-authored, and translated a number of books dealing with Italian military subjects, as well as authoring books on Irish military subjects. H 1727 colour and b/w photos