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Italian Beretta M1915 Pistols |
Approx 70,000 manufactured by Pietro Beretta, Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, 1915-18
Blowback operated semi-automatic pistol
Chambering: 7.65x17mm (.32ACP)
Overall Length: 150mm [5.90"]
Weight Unloaded: 570g [20.1oz]
Barrel: 85mm [3.35"] rifled
Muzzle Velocity: 267 m/s [875 ft/sec]
Magazine: 8 round detachable box
The 1st automatic pistol designed by Pietro Beretta. The pistol was accepted by the Italian Military in 1915 as the M1915.
The barrel is pinned to the frame. The extracted cases are ejected by striking it with an internal hammer during recoil. The ejection port is on the top of the slide.
The grips are vertically serrated wood, with a 'PB' logo on top. (The PB is shown worn off on the photo)
The left side of the slide is marked:
'Pietro Beretta, Brescia - Cal. 7,65 Brevetto 1915'
Approx 5000 manufactured by Pietro Beretta, Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, 1915
Blowback operated semi-automatic pistol
Chambering: 9x19mm Glisenti Short
Overall Length: 150mm [5.90"]
Weight Unloaded: 570g [20.1oz]
Barrel: 85mm [3.35"] rifled
Muzzle Velocity: 267 m/s [875 ft/sec]?
Magazine: 7-rd detachable box
A small number of the M1915 pistols were manufactured chambering the 9mm Glisenti.
The 9mm version was made with a stronger recoil spring, a buffer spring to soften the slide return and a positive ejector.
The grips are checkered wood.
The left side of the slide is marked:
'Pietro Beretta - Brescia - Casa Fondata Nel 1680
Cal. 9mm - Brevetto 1915'
During WW2 Italy supplied weapons to Finland against the invading Russians.
The Finns stamped these weapons with an 'SA' in a box, short for Suomen Armeija.
For additional Finnish SA marked weapons see the Mosin Nagant M1891 Rifles
Estimated serial ranges: 1 - 5000 - 9mm Variant (Serial number range reported: 1632 - 3867) 5001 - 75000 - 7.65 Variant (Serial number range reported: 28416 - 70725) Please report updates.