Italian Beretta BM59 7.62×51 NATO Semi-Auto Rifle w/Grenade Launcher C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,431.00
WOA#: WY240316RG016
Make: P. Beretta Imported by Golden State Arms Corp.
Model: BM59
Serial Number: 5013285
Year of Manufacture: 1964 Barrel date.
Caliber: 7.62×51 NATO
Action Type: Semi-auto, fed by detachable box magazines
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “5013285”. The left side of the receiver is marked “LICENSED BY P. BERETTA GARDONE, ITALY” , and “SANTA FE 59 CAL. 7.62MM NATO / GOLDEN STATE ARMS CORP, PASADENA CALIF.”. The bolt release is marked “PB BM59”. The charging handle is marked “P.B. BM59”. The barrel is marked “PB 1964 762mm 03-097-A-1.”. The trigger guard is marked “C46025 W.R.A.”. The bolt is marked “D28287-19SA / A-8”. The bipod is marked “SA BM59”. The gas block is marked “PB” and the plug is marked “PB BM59”.
Barrel Length: 23.5” with the grenade launcher.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set between two protective wings. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set between two protective wings. The windage knob is marked twice with “LEFT” and arrows as well as “PB”. The protective wing is also marked “PB”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose cap with sling loop, Bi pod, underside heel sling loop, and a metal buttpad with a trap door and two hole storage compartment. The buttpad has wear along the edges and has lost most of its finish. The checkering is dulled except on the door. The stock is marked with the “S.A. N.F.R.” stamp signifying the sock was made at Springfield Armory circa 1944/45 under supervision of Norman F. Ramsey. The stock also has the ordinance wheel marks on the side and pistol grip heel, the “P” acceptance mark and the number “84”. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The wood has lines and compression marks scattered throughout with two notable marks from the bi pod rubbing. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition considering the age.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes three x 20 round and one 10 x round magazine all in Very Good Condition. 4 magazines total.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is light wear on the receiver, the barrel and the gas tube. There is also wear on the friction surfaces. The markings are clear and the screw heads sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition for C&R given its age.
Mechanics: 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: This rifle includes the four magazines and a green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: Following the Second World War Italy’s industrial base was in shambles, including their arms factories. Like the armed forces of many other nations that were devastated by the war, the Italian armed forces procured American surplus arms in the form of M1 Garands to rearm themselves. These remained the standard arm of the Italian armed forces until it became apparent that an upgrade to a 7.62 NATO cartridge capable rifle was necessary to stay on even footing with its other NATO allies. Italy was still a poor nation in the late 1950s so the full-scale adoption of something like the FAL or G3 was out of the question. Instead, some engineers at Beretta came up with a solution that would utilize the M1 Garands Italy had on hand. The rifles were rechambered to 7.62 NATO, set up to take detachable magazines, fitted with bipods and a grenade launcher/flash hider, and reworked to be select-fire. These new rifles were designated as the BM59. The BM59 would serve Italy from its introduction in 1959 into the 1990s when it was replaced by a much more modern 5.56 rifle. Numerous parts kits and semi-automatic versions were later imported into the United States. This example has Springfield, Winchester and Beretta parts and was imported into CA by Golden State Arms Corp which operated in Pasadena in the late 50s and into the 1960s. This rifle would fit nicely into any Italian, Beretta, or Cold War era collection. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
