Al-Qadissiya Tariq

History of Al-Qadisiya Tariq

In 1981, the Iraqi state began local licensing of the classic Beretta M1951 semi-automatic (1951 model) "Tariq". This product is more or less a direct replica of a proven Italian pistol in form and function. The pistol is chambered in 7.65mm or 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges and retains the traditional Beretta neckline and protruding muzzle, as well as a solid trigger and wide ribbed grip.

In any case, its overall performance is largely in line with the Italian model.

This production continued until a U.S.-led invasion destabilized the country, and production ceased in 2003 amid increasing chaos. Production was approved to resume in 2009 and is running today (2015).

In fact, guns are the primary weapon of the reborn Iraqi police force and are also in circulation among Kurdish forces, although Glocks are increasingly used for police training.

The manufacture of these weapons has been under the leadership of Al Qaeda in Iraq from the very beginning.

At the same time, these weapons have become coveted collectibles. While looking like a replica of an Italian product in every way, the Iraqi Tariqs are marked in Arabic on the left side of the slides and have other special stampings (including medallions on the handles) based on the production batch.

On the right is written in English that this is a reproduction of the original ("TARIQ 9mm IRAK - Licensed by Beretta").

This gun was never exported commercially - making it even rarer in the US gun market and a genuine find (some brought back by US troops who left after Operation Iraqi Freedom). Observers were quick to point out flaws in the design - the single action (SAO) function, the heel-mounted magazine release, and the push-button safety on the grip (a fallback function for semi-automatic weapons).

An updated production mark is said to appear on the 13mm caliber, although its quantity is unknown. Although Tariqs pistols are reportedly available, they are not popular, at least locally. Poor quality seems to be the culprit.

Specification

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