Beretta Model 1935

History

The famous arms company Beretta was founded in 1526 by the master Bartolomeo Beretta in Brescia, Lombardy, Italy. Since then, the family name has been going strong and has grown into one of the most respected firearm manufacturing companies in the world, and one of the oldest.

One of their first pistol successes (and their first attempt at a semi-automatic design) became the Model 1915, chambered in a 7.65x17mm (short) cartridge and used by the Italian Army during World War I (1914-1918) . However, although it was depicted during the war, it was not officially adopted as a standardized weapon. In any case, it started a long line of Beretta semi-automatic pistols that continue to this day, while other more advanced forms emerged during the key two world wars before WWII - Model 1915/19, Model 1922, Model 1923, Take Type 1931 and Type 1934 for example.

In 1935 Beretta introduced their latest modern product - the Model 1935 - featuring the classic Beretta profile and using 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) cartridges.

The Model 1935 emerged as Beretta's attempt to fend off competition from emerging foreign designs. So the company set out to modify its existing Model 1934, which was the 9x17mm Short (.380 ACP) cartridge, to accept the 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) cartridge. A lighter slide assembly and a more streamlined appearance were added to this. Production of the 1935 model began in 1935 and continued until 1967, when 525,000 units would be produced. This allowed the weapon to serve in combat in WWII and beyond, as it proved to be an extremely reliable and high-quality weapon even under the most severe conditions (with proper maintenance).

It was originally issued to officers and flight crews of the Italian Air Force as a measure of self-defense. Notably, the 32 ACP cartridge is considered fairly light for military use, reducing the range effectiveness of the pistol, and the weapon is further limited by its 8-round magazine capacity.

Regardless, the pistol was a highly regarded design, valued by local, allied and enemy forces during World War II.

The

Model 1935 relies on the proven single-action semi-automatic recoil function, has a muzzle velocity of 925 feet per second, and is fed from a detachable eight-round magazine mounted on the bottom of the grip. Since the length of the handle is rather short, a curved spur-like extension was added at the front base to ensure a good grip.

The trigger is firm and sits in an oval ring. The chute is ribbed near the back for a more secure grip while handling. A tap protrudes along the grip from the area just above the thumb to further increase the operator's grip on the weapon. The slide has the usual Beretta "cutaway" look at the front of the barrel, with raised iron front and rear sights. The barrel protrudes a short distance in front of the slide, creating an exposed muzzle.

Externally, the appearance of the 1935 model follows the lines already established by previous Beretta products. Like other semi-automatic pistols, the Model 1935's magazine remains open when the magazine is depleted, but it is closed when the magazine is officially removed from the well (rather than remaining open until a new magazine is inserted).

The German military took over the Italian Type 1935 stockpile in the final years of the war, and the Typesaw was in service with other countries including France, Great Britain and the United States.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

VARIANTS