Beretta 1934
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The Beretta 1934 is a compact .380 ACP caliber, blowback pistol that was manufactured by Beretta.
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History
In the early 1930s, the Italian army was impressed by the Walther PP pistol, Beretta did not want to lose a big Italian military contract and designed the compact 1934 for the Italian army which accepted it in 1937.
Specifications
The 1934 is a single-action semi-automatic blowback pistol that fires the .380 ACP ammunition. It is made out of carbon steel with plastic grips. It is fitted with a manual safety and when the last shot has been fired the slide is retained open by the empty magazine. The magazine capacity is 7 rounds. As this pistol was built for the Italian army, all parts are interchangeable which simplified maintenance and manufacturing, a first at the time.
Intended market
It was purpose build and designed for the Italian armed forces, however it was also sold to the civilian market.
Design advantages
Fitted with the Beretta style open slide, the 1934 has a very reliable feeding and extration cycle. It is made with few parts and very simple to maintain. The 1934 is a very robust construction with a service life way above 100 years if maintained.
Limitations
The .380 ACP ammunition is somewhat anemic. The magazine capacity of only 7 rounds reduces the 1934 to a last resort self defense pistol. When the empty magazine is removed, the slide moves back forward as the magazine holds it back, this slows down the reloading of the pistol.
Production
From 1934 to 1991, about 1'080'000 units
WW 2 prize guns
The Beretta 1934 has been captured in huge numbers during WW 2 from Italilan armed forces by allied soldiers who liked it cause it is very compact. Because of its rugged design and good construction near all of these captured pistols are still operational to this day and widespread in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and in the United Kingdom. As the 1934 is compact and easy to hide, as ammunition is easy to find, the 1934 is here to stay.
See also
External link
- Beretta 1934 pictures and information in Italian (http://www.berettaweb.com/Beretta%2034/Beretta%2034.htm)ms:Beretta 1934