Golden State Arms M-59 Beretta BM59 .308 Win Semi Automatic Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1377

LSB#: 201105MW93

Make: Golden State Arms Corporation of California. Licensed by Beretta.

Model: Santa Fe M-59. The M-59 is a civilian variation of the Beretta BM-59.

Serial Number: 3124846

Year of Manufacture: 1964 to 1966 (www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_santafe.html).
Barrel Date: September, 1955

Caliber: .308 Winchester or 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings:
Receiver Heel: “3124846”
Receiver Left: “LICENSED BY P. BERETTA GARDONE ITALY” and “SANTA FE M-59 CAL. 7.62MM NATO / GOLDEN STATE ARMS CORP. PASADENA, CALIF”.
Trigger Group:”IHC D6528290” – An International Harvester part.
Hammer:”C46008-5 SA” – A Springfield Armory part.
Receiver Leg: “A11 diamond”
Bolt: “6528287-SA / Z-1” – A Springfield part.
Bolt Release: “PB BM59” – A Beretta part.
Barrel: Barrel: “P” and “SA F6535448 9 55 A222B” – A Springfield part.
Op Rod: “6535382 HRA” – A Harrington & Richardson part.
Magazine: “PIETRO BERETTA / MADE IN ITALY / 7.62 NATO” and “4846” (last 4 digits of the serial number). – A Beretta part.

The stock and sights are described below.

Barrel Length: Approximately 18 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight. The windage knob is marked “LEFT arrow” twice. The elevation knob is marked from “2-12” in increments of 2 and “DRG”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is unmarked. The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecaps, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged metal door for storage in the butt. A screwdriver set is stored in the butt. The refinished buttplate shows light scrapes. The wood shows various scrapes & scratches. There are chips of edge wod missing around the magazine well. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, Blue Barrel

Finish Originality: Original to Build.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is fouling in the grooves near the muzzle. There is no erosion. The bore shows an M.E. of 1.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The top of the receiver has a hole in it to the rear of the ejection port. It appears that the hole was drilled too deep as it drilled through the metal (please see photos).  The op rod and gas tube have surface erosion showing through the finish. The metal shows scrapes and scuffs. The right side of the receiver shows light thinning from cycling. The screw heads show light use. Some of the markings are lightly struck. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The gas cylinder lock screw is missing. The gas tube appears secure. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A screwdriver set is stored in the butt. It is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. The rifle comes with a 20 round magazine that shows scrapes, scuffs & handling marks. It is in about Very Good Plus condition.
The magazine is not available to residents of California or any state with magazine capacity restrictions.