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Okay, I have had this one for awhile.
After WW2, the U.S. gave a whole bunch of Garand rifles to Italy. The Italians, being design masters, saw the flaws of the garand, namely the en-block stripper clip, and made new barrels in 7.62x51 (308 NATO) plus, they made some other design tweaks.
This gun was made entirely by Beretta. It is the culmination of design improvements including the heavy barrel, grenade launcher and integral bipod.
It feeds from a detachable 20 round magazine.
Rifles of this type were sold to African nations and used by the Italian military.
Most were issued with a standard walnut stock. I shopped around until I found the Italian Paratrooper stock, cuz I love folding stocks.
These guns are rare. The magazines, if you can find any, are usually $60.00 each or more.
I bought this one from a local dealer whose friend bought it new in the 1980's and put it away. IN THE BOX. Brand new with 2 mags. I have since bought another dozen or so mags, added an original Italian sling and even found a 5 round mag today.
After WW2, the U.S. gave a whole bunch of Garand rifles to Italy. The Italians, being design masters, saw the flaws of the garand, namely the en-block stripper clip, and made new barrels in 7.62x51 (308 NATO) plus, they made some other design tweaks.
This gun was made entirely by Beretta. It is the culmination of design improvements including the heavy barrel, grenade launcher and integral bipod.
It feeds from a detachable 20 round magazine.
Rifles of this type were sold to African nations and used by the Italian military.
Most were issued with a standard walnut stock. I shopped around until I found the Italian Paratrooper stock, cuz I love folding stocks.
These guns are rare. The magazines, if you can find any, are usually $60.00 each or more.
I bought this one from a local dealer whose friend bought it new in the 1980's and put it away. IN THE BOX. Brand new with 2 mags. I have since bought another dozen or so mags, added an original Italian sling and even found a 5 round mag today.
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1244 x 469px
File Size 383.9 kB
These are ridiculously reliable.
The M14/M1A series were based on this weapon. The M14 only served a short time in the U.S. Military, whereas the 7.62x51 (.308) battle rifle continued in use with many if not most Non-Warsaw pact nations for years to come.
We went to the M16, a step down in overall ballistic power and range to save weight so the average rifleman could carry far more cartridges, individually.
The replacement of 7.62 with 5.56x55 Nato (.223 Remington) allowed higher velocities with less overall weight.
This trade-off has caused a decades-long discussion as regards ballistic performance compared to high velocities. At the time of the introduction of 5.56, the light bullets often glanced off raindrops (!!) and were deflected off tree branches. Things that would not alter the path of, or even slow 7.62.
The modern development of 5.56 has resulted in bullets that punch holes in steel at 500 yards.
Modern cartridges in larger bullet diameters like 7.62 but loaded in smaller cartridge cases like 300 whisper (or other loadings) allow a heavier and therefore more efficient knock-down power without the larger cases and much larger powder charges of the past.
The M14/M1A series were based on this weapon. The M14 only served a short time in the U.S. Military, whereas the 7.62x51 (.308) battle rifle continued in use with many if not most Non-Warsaw pact nations for years to come.
We went to the M16, a step down in overall ballistic power and range to save weight so the average rifleman could carry far more cartridges, individually.
The replacement of 7.62 with 5.56x55 Nato (.223 Remington) allowed higher velocities with less overall weight.
This trade-off has caused a decades-long discussion as regards ballistic performance compared to high velocities. At the time of the introduction of 5.56, the light bullets often glanced off raindrops (!!) and were deflected off tree branches. Things that would not alter the path of, or even slow 7.62.
The modern development of 5.56 has resulted in bullets that punch holes in steel at 500 yards.
Modern cartridges in larger bullet diameters like 7.62 but loaded in smaller cartridge cases like 300 whisper (or other loadings) allow a heavier and therefore more efficient knock-down power without the larger cases and much larger powder charges of the past.
I am not a big fan of the .223 for arming our troops, while our enemies mostly use harder hitting rounds. My father told me of blades of grass deflecting the .223 from it's target. (Allbeit at a significant range.) Yes, it does significant damage when it finds flesh, but I would rather have a round that hits harder, like the .308.
Even the Russians decided to confuse dyslexic gun enthusiasts with the AK-74, their version of the .22 ultra mega magnum.
Yes, we traded heft and knock down power for Mattel-made (Think... Barbie) tight-toleranced rifles more suited for sport hunting medium game than being drug through the combat mud.
Argh. Personally I'd rather carry less rounds, that can do more, than more rounds, than can do less.
Sorry XD It's a sore subject. I want our troops to have the best!
How does it stack up to the FN FAL? Accuracy and reliability?
Even the Russians decided to confuse dyslexic gun enthusiasts with the AK-74, their version of the .22 ultra mega magnum.
Yes, we traded heft and knock down power for Mattel-made (Think... Barbie) tight-toleranced rifles more suited for sport hunting medium game than being drug through the combat mud.
Argh. Personally I'd rather carry less rounds, that can do more, than more rounds, than can do less.
Sorry XD It's a sore subject. I want our troops to have the best!
How does it stack up to the FN FAL? Accuracy and reliability?
I know what you mean. As designers, the Italians are hard to beat and they put out wonderful products. Beretta's logo is arrows and cannon balls because they made them back before they made guns. I love folders, and this one is my absolute favorite folding stock design.
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