Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Fabbrica D' Armi Pietro Beretta SpA More Info

About the Gun

Service-size target pistol in the 1951 locked-breech pattern, with an open-top slide and an external hammer. Blued steel, checkered wood thumb-rest panels, and a crossbolt safety. Longer barrel than the Standard. Adjustable rear sight. Single-stack magazine with a button release.

Production

Production ran from 1972 through 1983.

Market value

MSRP at production was not confirmed. Current used market value for examples in good to very good condition ranges $800–$1,400.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.30 Luger
Alias:	7.65mm Parabellum
More Info

Analysis

The Special was cataloged with the Standard from the first 952 lot in 1972. It is the academic-target version for the Italian civilian market, where 9 mm was restricted and .30 Luger was the largest permitted semi-automatic cartridge. The barrel is 5.9 inches, the panels are wood with a thumb rest, and the rear sight adjusts for windage and elevation. The Standard is the 4.5 inch gun with plastic panels and is a separate model. Serials follow the Standard, G-prefix in 1972 and A-suffix from 1973. The last 952 left in July 1983. The slide was cut so a 9 mm barrel would not interchange. Matching wood grip panels and the longer barrel carry the used price. Magazines are the usual missing piece.