I originally though these were part of the Balilla fascist youth program, but no. These were made for civilian shooting clubs. Lack of a serial number letter prefix points to that. But the colonial war was heating up as well as il Duce's expansion plans, so these were discontinued.
Rough isn't the word for this one. NRA "Spider Condo" condition. Bore? Didn't even look. But there's hope.
It came w/o a bolt or handguard. Since they were made from Vetterlis, I tried a spare 6,5 bolt & it lacks only about 1/4" from closing. I'll trim it. A friend who is a woodworker might be persuaded to make me a handguard. It will make a decent display & might be included in a future book!
A number of small parts are numbered to the gun including the Vitali magazine. Since it's a single shot, I've no idea why it was retained. I like the look, though an am glad it's there.
Civilian 007 (1024x684).jpg [ 412.01 KiB | Viewed 4695 times ]
Another oddity is the metal plate making it a single shot. It's welded in place.
Civilian 005 (1024x404).jpg [ 191.1 KiB | Viewed 4695 times ]
Incidental to the magazine is evidence the floorplate was formerly in place. I've contacted the usual suspects to see if it should still be there.
Civilian 009 (1024x371).jpg [ 209.63 KiB | Viewed 4695 times ]
Shown here is a mock up with bolt and handguard partially in place.
Civilian 015 (1024x256).jpg [ 190.52 KiB | Viewed 4695 times ]
I'll use brass wool and light oil on the metal - a plastic dish scrubbing brush & either BLO or mineral spirits on the stock.
I live for obscure stuff like this!
SW
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