The Mannlicher-Carcano found on the sixth-floor of the Depository was not a standard military issue 91/38 short rifle as reported by the FBI, but a rare rifle used by Mussolini's body guards. Although these rifles (Moschettieri del Duce) were essentially the same as the 6.5mm short rifles, there are several distinguishing features:

• The stocks were sometimes narrower than the standard rifles in order to reduce their weight.
• There were no serial numbers or cartouche on the stock.
• The stocks were stained black to match the guard's uniforms.

Color photos of the rifle in question prove the point:

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