The Beretta Model 501 "Sniper" is a fully conventional bolt-action sniper rifle released in 1985. While solidly made, it has proven to be a commercial success in a field with plenty of options.
Chambering was used for the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge, and the main user of the weapon became the Italian army (albeit for a short time).
Internally, the Model 501 was given a "free-floating" barrel, with no part of the barrel touching the stock along its length - essentially improving accuracy. The wooden stock extends from the front to the shoulder and contains an adjustable recoil/shoulder pad and accompanying cheek plate. At the front is a short extension tube that houses the foldable bipod assembly, which can be folded up by a hinge when not needed. The front end is also fitted with a counterweight to reduce the inherent vibration of the weapon when fired. The trigger assembly is in its traditional location under the receiver, and the thumb hole is incorporated as part of the grip area.
A short magazine fits nicely in front of the trigger assembly and holds five 7.62x51mm rounds. Targeted iron sights are standard for aiming weapons, but the system is always ready to have some form of telescopic sight.
The bolt handle is located on the right side of the rifle and operates in the usual way.
The Model 501 was originally intended for military and law enforcement grades, but found little interest in the crowded rifle market during production. Even the Italian Army took only a short time to finally switch to Accuracy International's "Arctic Warfare" line in time.
Beretta no longer sells the 501 model.
- Manual Repeat Shot
- remote precision
1,165 mm (45.87 in)
586 mm (23.07 in)
5.56 kg
Front and rear irons; optional optics
Manual repeat system
12 rounds per minute
Type 501 "Sniper" - basic series name