Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Fabbrica D' Armi Pietro Beretta SpA More Info

About the Gun

Long-barrel blowback target pistol with an external hammer and an open-top slide. Blued steel, walnut thumb-rest panels, and adjustable sights. A muzzle compensator and adjustable barrel weights. Frame-mounted safety. Single-stack magazine with a heel release.

Production

Production ran from 1949 through 1964.

Market value

MSRP at production was not confirmed. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $1,200–$2,200.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 LR
Alias:	.22 Long Rifle
More Info

Analysis

Beretta introduced the 949 in 1949 as a free-pistol for the Olympic course, after the 948 had opened the .22 civilian line. It is a low-volume gun. Observed serials run from a 1949 prototype into the low 3000s by 1961. The catalog carried it through 1964. The barrel, weights, compensator, trigger guard, and grips changed across the run. Early guns and late guns do not look the same. .22 Short was cataloged beside .22 LR. In the United States it was listed as the Olympic Target. The 76 is the later target pistol and is a separate model. A matching weight set and the compensator carry the used price. A sawn-off brake drops it.