Warranty Information for Firearms Distributed by Beretta USA Corp. Beretta firearms carry a One-Year Limited Warranty to the original purchaser for defects in materials or workmanship. If the original purchaser registers their firearm with Beretta, they automatically receive an additional two years.
[Last Edit: 11/15/2018 2:56:47 AM EDT by M4A1Carbine]
Original post - Beretta 92 variants
Post 1 - 92FS vs M9
Post 2 - Spring weights, technical specs and links
I thought I'd consolidate a lot of information and questions people typically have about the 92 series of pistols. Feel free to post any additional information or correct anything I've posted and I'll try to update the OP as necessary. I do not take credit for a lot of the info here, some of which has been taken from previous threads here.
Beretta designations for calibers:
92 - 9x19mm
96 - .40S&W
98 - 9x21 IMI
99 - 7.65mm Luger
*Please note Beretta included G and D slides in a variety of different variants, usually for police contracts. The Compact L, Compact M, Centurion, Full size, etc frames all had various combinations of -G and -D configured slides depending on what the customer requested.
92 (1976)
The original Beretta 92 with a step slide, frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip. Between 5000 - 7000 were made with the step slide design before it was dropped for the straight slide in 1977.
92 (1977)
An updated 92 with a smooth slide but still had the frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip.
92S (1978)
In order to meet requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in the 92S which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The later relocation of the magazine release button means these models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas.
93R (1979 - 1993)
A select fire version on the 92 capable of three round burst. The R stands for Raffica which is Italian for 'burst.'
92SB (1981-1991)
Designed for the USAF. Added a firing pin block, ambidextrous safety/decocker and moved the magazine release from the grip to the bottom of the trigger guard.
92SB Compact (1981 - 1991)
Compact version on the 92SB. Overall length was 197 mm, barrel length 103 mm, magazine capacity 13 rounds (also accepted standard 15-round magazines).
92SB Compact Type M (1983)
Compact version of the 92SB with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92F (1984)
Designed for US government testing and Later adopted by the US military as the M9. Changes included:
'Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
Modified the front of the trigger guard so that one could use finger support for easier aiming.
Recurved the forward base of the grip to aid aiming. Hard chromed the barrel bore to protect it from corrosion and to reduce wear.
New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which allegedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain blued finish.'
M9 (1985)
Designed for the US military to replace the 1911A1, originally modeled on the 92F and then later on the 92FS. The M9 features a strait dust cover, non radiused back strap and 'snowman' style half moon and dot sight. It does not have the standard 'read owner's manual' warnings. Military M9s will also have assembly numbers on the hammer. Beretta made a desert storm version with 'OFFICIAL SIDEARM U.S. ARMED FORCES' on the slide.
M9 General Officer (1985)
Designed to replace the RIA M15 1911. It is identical to the standard M9 sidearm, except it has a 'GO'-prefix to its serial number range, starting with GO-001. It comes with a metal belt buckle that comes in gold metal for Army generals and silver metal for Air Force generals. Air Force model shown with polished slide & barrel.
92G (1989)
In G configuration, the lever only decocks the hammer and rotates the rear part of the firing pin. The hammer decocking lever, after operation, automatically returns to the firing position. Created at the request of the Gendarmerie Nationale de France. Also manufactured under license in France by GIAT Industries as the PA MAS G1 (shown).
92FS (1989)
Made with an enlarged hammer pin to prevent the side from coming off the rear of the gun in the event the slide breaks. Earlier models had a strait dust cover, later models use a curved dust cover. The 92FS has a radiused back strap and three dot style sights different from the M9.
92FS INOX
Stainless 'INOX' pistols manufactured in Italy with a stainless steel slide, anodized frame, and all lightly bead blasted to make the slide / frame appear as one satin stainless steel finish. Came with three dot fixed sights and plastic guide rod.
92FS Compact Type L (1989)
Compact version on the 92FS with shortened barrel and slide, and shorter frame. Came with 13 rd magazines, but also accepts standard 15-round magazines.
92FS Compact Type M (1989)
Compact version of the 92fs with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92 DS (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and manual safety, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92D (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and no safety lever, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92CB (1992 - 1993)
Single action only with front barrel bushing.
92 Stock (1994)
Heavier Brigadier slide. It is also designed for sport shooting and includes a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy.
92 Combat (1994 - 2001)
Designed for sport shooting, the 92 Combat came with a heavy Brigadier slide and was single-action only with a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy. It also came with an additional longer barrel that was weighted.
Beretta 92FS Brigadier (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a reinforced, thickened slide; dovetail front & rear sights, and hogue rubber wrap around grips. (shown in INOX)
Beretta 92FS Centurion (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a compact barrel and slide assembly mounted on the full sized frame.
92 Elite 1 (1999 - 2001)
Included the heavier Brigadier bruniton finished slide with front serrations, Inox finished stainless barrel, thin skeletonized hammer, bevel of the magazine well and flat hammer spring cap. Came with decock only (G-Model) feature and dovetailed front sight.
92 Billennium (2001)
A limited edition to celebrate the millennium, 2000 were made and 1000 imported into the US. Featured a brigadier slide and frame mounted safety.
92 Elite 1A (2001)
This option is essentially a black Vertec with a bruniton Brigadier G slide, blackened stainless barrel and thicker skeleton hammer.
92 Elite 2 (2001)
This option replaced the Elite I option in 2001 and includes the same features as the original Elite plus removable Novak type sights, extended magazine release catch, checkered front/rear grip strap, thicker (than Elite I) skeletonized hammer, and lighter D-spring. This option is available only with the stainless G-Model slide, also with front serrations. The stainless barrel for the Elite II has a target crown.
92G-SD (2002 - 2005, 2015)
The 'Special Duty' variant (aka Super Dave variant) was designed in conjunction with Dave Harrington as his ideal Beretta 92. Includes a heavy Brigadier slide, G-style decocker-only lever, replaceable night sights, extended mag-release, beveled mag-well, and Picatinny rail.
Beretta 92 Vertec (2003)
A version of the Model 92FS that addressed complaints about the grip width of Model 92 pistols. The backstrap of the grip on Vertec models is made more linear; another change is the addition of an integral Picatinny rail to the frame.
Steel 1 (2004)
A collectors edition with a steel frame version and nickle plating. Available in both SAO or DA/SA.
Beretta 90Two (2006)
A face-lift version of the basic Model 92 design. Key changes are modular one-piece grip panels (available in various shapes), integral Picatinny rail under the barrel (with cover), restyled slide and integral recoil buffer built into action.
M9A1 (2006) - A version of the M9 with an integrated Picatinny rail, aggressive checkering on front and rear grip, beveled mag well and sand resistant magazines (PVD coating). Issued to the United States Marine Corps.
92 Elite III (2008)
Limited production pistol featuring a flush crowned barrel, hogue rubber grips, stainless finish, Novak sights, skeletonized hammer, SD frame, and picatinny rail. Included a set of standard 92 grips, 3 magazines with mag bumpers and custom hard case
92A1 (2010)
The 92A1 was based on elements of 92FS and 90two. The overall shape and styling builds on the 92FS, with an accessory rail on the underside of the frame; internal design reflects the 90two. Included a removable front sight, captured guide rod, automatic locking take down lever, curved trigger guard and the 90-two style rail. Made in Italy and came with three 17 rd magazines.
92FS Compact L M9A1 (2011)
A compact version of the 92FS made in the US, now with a M9A1 style frame and available in INOX.
M9A3 (2015)
A Beretta Engineering Change Proposal for the M9, includes many new features such as dovetailed night sights, vertec grip, threaded barrel, interchangeable 'F' and 'G' decocking levers, over center safety levers, three slot 1913 rail, larger magazine release, M9A1 grip checkering and beveled mag well, 'D' hammer spring, and earth tone finish. Offered in black starting in 2018.
Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical (2015)
Some features of the limited production Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Tactical include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), enhanced Brigadier slide, a modified M9A1 style checkered frame with accessory rail and rounded trigger guard. This model also features enhanced accuracy with an 'Elite' style match grade stainless barrel with recessed target crown, the action features a 'D' hammer spring for lighter trigger pulls, and Trijicon dovetail tritium front sight and Wilson Combat rear sight. Wilson Combat G-10 grips, Wilson Combat steel guide rod and numerous other features to enhance performance. The 92G Tactical is finished in Beretta black Bruniton and marked with the Wilson Combat logo.
92FS Centennial (2015)
Celebrating 100 years since the company’s first semiauto pistol was adopted by the Italian Military, Beretta offered a limited edition 92 Centennial collector’s edition. Single-action-only steel 92 with a frame-mounted safety (no decocker) and has the years 1915 and 2015 engraved in Roman numerals on either side of the Brigadier-style slide. The same numerals are featured around the medallion logo in the center of the premium-wood grip panels.
92 FS Fusion (2015)
A very limited edition 92 with 60 pistols made in 9x19mm, 30 in 9x21 IMI, and later 40 addition pistols offered in black. Comes with a hand made Italian leather case.
Wilson Combat 92G Centurion Tactical
The 92G Centurion Tactical features all-steel Beretta and Wilson Combat custom parts. Features include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), Centurion length slide, a modified M9A1-style checkered frame with accessory rail, and rounded trigger guard. The 92G Centurion Tactical ships with two 17 and one 20-round capacity magazines. This new model also features an Elite-style, match-grade stainless barrel with a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy and an Ameriglo “Hackathorn” high visibility dovetailed tritium front sight paired with a Wilson Combat black battlesight rear. The 92G Centurion Tactical also features gray/black Wilson Combat Ultra Thin G-10 grips, Wilson Combat Mag Guide and oversize mag release.
Langdon M9 (2017)
The Ernest Langdon M9. A limited run M9 with Ernest Langdon’s favorite upgrades and accessories but keeping the classic and proven M9 DNA. Includes a steel trigger, 'D' hammer spring, 'G' conversion kit, slim VZ grips, black rear sight, orange front dot sight, oversized mag release, and slotted grip screws.
92G ELITE LTT (2018)
The Elite LTT Features include a Vertec/M9A3 Slide with front cocking serrations, a dovetail fiber optic front sight with a square notch rear sight, a stainless 4.7 inch barrel with target crown, solid steel guide rod and a beveled rear slide. The frame is built on a M9A1 frame with checkering on front and back strap, a beveled magazine well with no lanyard loop. It includes the exclusive radiused trigger guard and rear slide rail, the ultra thin VZ/LTT G10 grips with stainless steel trigger and hex head grip screws. It comes equipped with an oversized magazine release, a 'D' hammer spring and skeletonized lightweight hammer. The gun ships with three magazines.
Post 1 - 92FS vs M9
Post 2 - Spring weights, technical specs and links
I thought I'd consolidate a lot of information and questions people typically have about the 92 series of pistols. Feel free to post any additional information or correct anything I've posted and I'll try to update the OP as necessary. I do not take credit for a lot of the info here, some of which has been taken from previous threads here.
Beretta designations for calibers:
92 - 9x19mm
96 - .40S&W
98 - 9x21 IMI
99 - 7.65mm Luger
*Please note Beretta included G and D slides in a variety of different variants, usually for police contracts. The Compact L, Compact M, Centurion, Full size, etc frames all had various combinations of -G and -D configured slides depending on what the customer requested.
92 (1976)
The original Beretta 92 with a step slide, frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip. Between 5000 - 7000 were made with the step slide design before it was dropped for the straight slide in 1977.
92 (1977)
An updated 92 with a smooth slide but still had the frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip.
92S (1978)
In order to meet requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in the 92S which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The later relocation of the magazine release button means these models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas.
93R (1979 - 1993)
A select fire version on the 92 capable of three round burst. The R stands for Raffica which is Italian for 'burst.'
92SB (1981-1991)
Designed for the USAF. Added a firing pin block, ambidextrous safety/decocker and moved the magazine release from the grip to the bottom of the trigger guard.
92SB Compact (1981 - 1991)
Compact version on the 92SB. Overall length was 197 mm, barrel length 103 mm, magazine capacity 13 rounds (also accepted standard 15-round magazines).
92SB Compact Type M (1983)
Compact version of the 92SB with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92F (1984)
Designed for US government testing and Later adopted by the US military as the M9. Changes included:
'Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
Modified the front of the trigger guard so that one could use finger support for easier aiming.
Recurved the forward base of the grip to aid aiming. Hard chromed the barrel bore to protect it from corrosion and to reduce wear.
New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which allegedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain blued finish.'
M9 (1985)
Designed for the US military to replace the 1911A1, originally modeled on the 92F and then later on the 92FS. The M9 features a strait dust cover, non radiused back strap and 'snowman' style half moon and dot sight. It does not have the standard 'read owner's manual' warnings. Military M9s will also have assembly numbers on the hammer. Beretta made a desert storm version with 'OFFICIAL SIDEARM U.S. ARMED FORCES' on the slide.
M9 General Officer (1985)
Designed to replace the RIA M15 1911. It is identical to the standard M9 sidearm, except it has a 'GO'-prefix to its serial number range, starting with GO-001. It comes with a metal belt buckle that comes in gold metal for Army generals and silver metal for Air Force generals. Air Force model shown with polished slide & barrel.
92G (1989)
In G configuration, the lever only decocks the hammer and rotates the rear part of the firing pin. The hammer decocking lever, after operation, automatically returns to the firing position. Created at the request of the Gendarmerie Nationale de France. Also manufactured under license in France by GIAT Industries as the PA MAS G1 (shown).
92FS (1989)
Made with an enlarged hammer pin to prevent the side from coming off the rear of the gun in the event the slide breaks. Earlier models had a strait dust cover, later models use a curved dust cover. The 92FS has a radiused back strap and three dot style sights different from the M9.
92FS INOX
Stainless 'INOX' pistols manufactured in Italy with a stainless steel slide, anodized frame, and all lightly bead blasted to make the slide / frame appear as one satin stainless steel finish. Came with three dot fixed sights and plastic guide rod.
92FS Compact Type L (1989)
Compact version on the 92FS with shortened barrel and slide, and shorter frame. Came with 13 rd magazines, but also accepts standard 15-round magazines.
92FS Compact Type M (1989)
Compact version of the 92fs with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92 DS (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and manual safety, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92D (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and no safety lever, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92CB (1992 - 1993)
Single action only with front barrel bushing.
92 Stock (1994)
Heavier Brigadier slide. It is also designed for sport shooting and includes a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy.
92 Combat (1994 - 2001)
Designed for sport shooting, the 92 Combat came with a heavy Brigadier slide and was single-action only with a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy. It also came with an additional longer barrel that was weighted.
Beretta 92FS Brigadier (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a reinforced, thickened slide; dovetail front & rear sights, and hogue rubber wrap around grips. (shown in INOX)
Beretta 92FS Centurion (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a compact barrel and slide assembly mounted on the full sized frame.
92 Elite 1 (1999 - 2001)
Included the heavier Brigadier bruniton finished slide with front serrations, Inox finished stainless barrel, thin skeletonized hammer, bevel of the magazine well and flat hammer spring cap. Came with decock only (G-Model) feature and dovetailed front sight.
92 Billennium (2001)
A limited edition to celebrate the millennium, 2000 were made and 1000 imported into the US. Featured a brigadier slide and frame mounted safety.
92 Elite 1A (2001)
This option is essentially a black Vertec with a bruniton Brigadier G slide, blackened stainless barrel and thicker skeleton hammer.
92 Elite 2 (2001)
This option replaced the Elite I option in 2001 and includes the same features as the original Elite plus removable Novak type sights, extended magazine release catch, checkered front/rear grip strap, thicker (than Elite I) skeletonized hammer, and lighter D-spring. This option is available only with the stainless G-Model slide, also with front serrations. The stainless barrel for the Elite II has a target crown.
92G-SD (2002 - 2005, 2015)
The 'Special Duty' variant (aka Super Dave variant) was designed in conjunction with Dave Harrington as his ideal Beretta 92. Includes a heavy Brigadier slide, G-style decocker-only lever, replaceable night sights, extended mag-release, beveled mag-well, and Picatinny rail.
Beretta 92 Vertec (2003)
A version of the Model 92FS that addressed complaints about the grip width of Model 92 pistols. The backstrap of the grip on Vertec models is made more linear; another change is the addition of an integral Picatinny rail to the frame.
Steel 1 (2004)
A collectors edition with a steel frame version and nickle plating. Available in both SAO or DA/SA.
Beretta 90Two (2006)
A face-lift version of the basic Model 92 design. Key changes are modular one-piece grip panels (available in various shapes), integral Picatinny rail under the barrel (with cover), restyled slide and integral recoil buffer built into action.
M9A1 (2006) - A version of the M9 with an integrated Picatinny rail, aggressive checkering on front and rear grip, beveled mag well and sand resistant magazines (PVD coating). Issued to the United States Marine Corps.
92 Elite III (2008)
Limited production pistol featuring a flush crowned barrel, hogue rubber grips, stainless finish, Novak sights, skeletonized hammer, SD frame, and picatinny rail. Included a set of standard 92 grips, 3 magazines with mag bumpers and custom hard case
92A1 (2010)
The 92A1 was based on elements of 92FS and 90two. The overall shape and styling builds on the 92FS, with an accessory rail on the underside of the frame; internal design reflects the 90two. Included a removable front sight, captured guide rod, automatic locking take down lever, curved trigger guard and the 90-two style rail. Made in Italy and came with three 17 rd magazines.
92FS Compact L M9A1 (2011)
A compact version of the 92FS made in the US, now with a M9A1 style frame and available in INOX.
M9A3 (2015)
A Beretta Engineering Change Proposal for the M9, includes many new features such as dovetailed night sights, vertec grip, threaded barrel, interchangeable 'F' and 'G' decocking levers, over center safety levers, three slot 1913 rail, larger magazine release, M9A1 grip checkering and beveled mag well, 'D' hammer spring, and earth tone finish. Offered in black starting in 2018.
Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical (2015)
Some features of the limited production Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Tactical include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), enhanced Brigadier slide, a modified M9A1 style checkered frame with accessory rail and rounded trigger guard. This model also features enhanced accuracy with an 'Elite' style match grade stainless barrel with recessed target crown, the action features a 'D' hammer spring for lighter trigger pulls, and Trijicon dovetail tritium front sight and Wilson Combat rear sight. Wilson Combat G-10 grips, Wilson Combat steel guide rod and numerous other features to enhance performance. The 92G Tactical is finished in Beretta black Bruniton and marked with the Wilson Combat logo.
92FS Centennial (2015)
Celebrating 100 years since the company’s first semiauto pistol was adopted by the Italian Military, Beretta offered a limited edition 92 Centennial collector’s edition. Single-action-only steel 92 with a frame-mounted safety (no decocker) and has the years 1915 and 2015 engraved in Roman numerals on either side of the Brigadier-style slide. The same numerals are featured around the medallion logo in the center of the premium-wood grip panels.
92 FS Fusion (2015)
A very limited edition 92 with 60 pistols made in 9x19mm, 30 in 9x21 IMI, and later 40 addition pistols offered in black. Comes with a hand made Italian leather case.
Wilson Combat 92G Centurion Tactical
The 92G Centurion Tactical features all-steel Beretta and Wilson Combat custom parts. Features include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), Centurion length slide, a modified M9A1-style checkered frame with accessory rail, and rounded trigger guard. The 92G Centurion Tactical ships with two 17 and one 20-round capacity magazines. This new model also features an Elite-style, match-grade stainless barrel with a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy and an Ameriglo “Hackathorn” high visibility dovetailed tritium front sight paired with a Wilson Combat black battlesight rear. The 92G Centurion Tactical also features gray/black Wilson Combat Ultra Thin G-10 grips, Wilson Combat Mag Guide and oversize mag release.
Langdon M9 (2017)
The Ernest Langdon M9. A limited run M9 with Ernest Langdon’s favorite upgrades and accessories but keeping the classic and proven M9 DNA. Includes a steel trigger, 'D' hammer spring, 'G' conversion kit, slim VZ grips, black rear sight, orange front dot sight, oversized mag release, and slotted grip screws.
92G ELITE LTT (2018)
The Elite LTT Features include a Vertec/M9A3 Slide with front cocking serrations, a dovetail fiber optic front sight with a square notch rear sight, a stainless 4.7 inch barrel with target crown, solid steel guide rod and a beveled rear slide. The frame is built on a M9A1 frame with checkering on front and back strap, a beveled magazine well with no lanyard loop. It includes the exclusive radiused trigger guard and rear slide rail, the ultra thin VZ/LTT G10 grips with stainless steel trigger and hex head grip screws. It comes equipped with an oversized magazine release, a 'D' hammer spring and skeletonized lightweight hammer. The gun ships with three magazines.
Beretta M1934 | |
---|---|
Beretta M1934. | |
Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
Place of origin | Kingdom of Italy |
Service history | |
In service | 1935–1991 |
Used by | Royal Italian Army |
Wars | World War II Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995) |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Beretta |
Produced | 1934–1991 |
No. built | 1,080,000 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 660 g (1 lb 7 oz) (Unloaded) |
Length | 152 mm (6 in) |
Barrel length | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Cartridge | |
Action | Blowback |
Muzzle velocity | 229 m/s (750 ft/s) |
Feed system | 7 + 1-round detachable box magazine |
Sights | Fixed front blade and rear notch |
The Beretta Model 1934 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol which was issued as a standard service firearm to the Italian armed forces beginning in 1934. It is chambered for the 9 mm Corto, more commonly known as the .380 ACP.
History and usage[edit]
Armi Beretta SpA of Gardone Val Trompia has a history in firearms manufacturing reaching back to 1526, when they were established as a maker of barrels. But it was not until 1915 that, responding to the needs of the military during World War I, they produced their first pistol, the model 1915. Beretta has become one of the world's largest pistol makers and the model 1934 (M1934) was their most numerous product in the World War II era.
It was designed and purpose-built for the Italian armed forces. In the early 1930s, the Italian army was impressed by the Walther PP pistol. Beretta did not want to lose a big military contract to their German competitor and designed the M1934 for the Italian Army which accepted it in 1937. This model was followed by the M1935, which was similar to the M1934 in most respects, except that it fired a .32 ACP (7.65 mm Browning) cartridge.
Pistols made during the Fascist Era are marked with their year of manufacture in two forms: the conventional Julian date in Arabic numerals and the date in the Fascist Era in Roman numerals. The Fascist calendar commenced on 28 October 1922, so a pistol from 1937 may carry either 'XV' or 'XVI' as its Fascist year. Pistols taken by the armed forces usually exhibit acceptance marks stamped into the frame on the left just above the grip: 'RE' (Regio Esercito) for the army, 'RM' (Regia Marina) for the navy, or 'RA' (Regia Aeronautica) for the Air Force, always in the form of an Eagle wearing a Royal Crown for the Royal air force. Police pistols may be marked 'PS' (Pubblica Sicurezza). The Romanian military, at the time an Axis power, also purchased model 1934 (and 1935) pistols. The calibre marking appears as 9 mm Scurt (short in Romanian) rather than 9 mm Corto.[1] Romanian Army M1934's differ from Italian M1934's in that the Romanian pistols use the Russian sight picture, where the Italian pistols use the standard sight picture used by Western armies.
An M1934, serial number 606824, was used by Nathuram Godse in the 1948 assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The pistol, manufactured in 1934, was carried by an officer during Italy's invasion of Abyssinia and subsequently taken by a British officer as a war trophy. It is not known how it came to India, but Godse was given the unlicensed firearm by a co-conspirator.[2]
Design[edit]
Fitted with the characteristic Beretta open slide, the M1934 has a very reliable feeding and extraction cycle; the elongated slot in the top of the slide acts as the ejection port. It is made with relatively few parts and very simple to maintain. The M1934 is very robust in construction with a long service life if properly maintained.[citation needed]
9mm Corto (.380 ACP) is less powerful than most other military service pistol cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum or .45 ACP. The magazine capacity is only 7 rounds. When the empty magazine is removed it no longer holds the slide back. The slide will come forward and close the gun unless it is held open by application of the safety, a separate operation, and this slows down the reloading of the pistol.[citation needed]
Service[edit]
- Algeria[3]
- Kingdom of Italy - Royal Italian Army
- Nazi Germany - under designation Pistole 671(i)
- Finland - 1,400 examples imported from Italy, used by home front troops from 1943.[4]
- Libya[5]
- Mali: People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad[6]
- Kingdom of Romania - Romanian Royal Army[7]
- Yugoslav Partisans (captured pistols)[8]
The weapon was extensively used in World War II by Italian, German and Romanian forces, and quite a few were captured by Allied forces during the war.
Production[edit]
From 1934 to 1992, about 1,080,000 units were produced globally.[citation needed]
![Beretta Beretta](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125624151/891611797.jpg)
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^http://www.worldwar2.ro/arme/?language=ro&article=274
- ^Gandhi, Tushar A. (2012). Let's Kill Gandhi. Rupa Publications. ISBN9788129128942.
- ^'World Infantry Weapons: Algeria'. 2015. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
- ^'Revolvers & Pistols, part 4'. 22 April 2018.
- ^'World Infantry Weapons: Libya'. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016.
- ^Small Arms Survey (2005). 'Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones'(PDF). Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War. Oxford University Press. p. 166. ISBN978-0-19-928085-8.
- ^Mark Axworthy (1992). The Romanian Army of World War II. Illustrated by Horia Serbanescu. Osprey Publishing. p. 48. ISBN1855321696.
- ^Scarlata, Paul (1 October 2017). 'Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike'. Firearms News.
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beretta_M1934&oldid=902003644'