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Beretta Model 1951

1949 COLD WAR

History of the 1951 Beretta Model

After the end of World War II (1939-1945), Beretta SpA believed that the market demand for the 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol could be met. Design work culminated in the model being introduced by the company Tullio Marengoni in 1951, with production spanning from 1949 to 1980.

Variations resulting from this design include the Egyptian 'Helwan', the Brigadier's civilian market form and several professional models housed in the 7.65x21mm Parabellum.

The Model 1951 was unique to Beretta as it was the company's first pistol with a locking breech design (unlike previous brands, which relied on a recoil system). Short recoil is used and is fed from a detachable 8-round magazine (9x19mm) inserted into the bottom of the grip.

The rails take up most of the upper part of the gun and hold the front and rear sighting devices. Like other Beretta pistols, the muzzle protrudes a short distance in front of the slide.

The initial production batch was done with an alloy frame, but due to the elasticity of the former when firing 9x19mm cartridges, a steel frame mold followed. Although heavier, the steel frame pistol proved to be a better choice for durability.

A third batch emerged, and these received longer slides for better balance. These appeared in 1955.

The Italian Navy (and several local police forces) continued to adopt the Model 1951, while the Army abstained. Other operators became Egypt (as "Helwan", Haiti, Iraq (as "Tariq"), Iran (captured Iraqi model), Israel (captured Egyptian model), Libya, Nigeria, Thailand, Tunisia and Yemen.[/p ]

Now discontinued (2017), this series is rare as many of the original operators have also discontinued.

The Type 951R became the selective fire offshoot of the Type 1951, this "submachine gun" was designed with Italian special forces in mind. The basic design form of the pistol remains the same, but its action is designed to allow automatic firing (as well as single-shot firing) from a 10-round detachable magazine. A wooden foregrip was added under the muzzle to support a two-handed grip - especially useful when firing fully automatic. Slides are made heavier for smoother climbs and improved balance.

In practice, the weapon was far from useful, had a limited amount of ammunition, and was relatively uncontrollable under fully automatic fireresulting in poor accuracy. The rate of fire reaches 1,000 to 1,200 rounds per minute.