James River Armory BM59 Paratrooper 7.62 NATO Rifle W/ Full Kit & Mags
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
LSB#: LSB250825JP057
Make: James River Armory
Model: BM59 Paratrooper
Serial Number: 1144
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 7.62×51 True NATO spec 147GR M80 Ball. As stated in the included Ammunition requirements card from James river Armory.
Action Type: Semi-auto, 20 round detachable box magazine fed
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “7.62MM BM59”, “James River Armory”, “Burgaw, NC”, and “1144”. The left side of the stock is marked “BM 59 T.A. PB”. The trigger pack, magazine release, bolt, bi-pod, grenade sight, grenade launcher, front sight, clip latch, elevation knob, op rod and magazines are all marked “PB BM 59”. The hammer is marked “5546008 PB”. The safety is marked “PB”. The inside of the grenade sight is marked “ENERGA 50 75 100”.
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 launcher sight is a flip up ladder sight with markings for 50, 75, and 100.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This paratrooper stock has a polymer pistol grip, metal nose cap with sling loop, two divots for the bipod feet, a rear sling loop, push button to fold and release the folding wire frame stock with small rubber butt pad. The stock also folds into itself vertically to take up less space. The length of pull is 14” when extended. The overall length when folded is 34”. The stock functions correctly. The pistol grip shows rub wear and scratches in the plastic, the rubber butt pad shows some lines from age, the upper hand guard has a small crack forming on the top right rear edge. The wood shows some minor handling marks. Overall the stock set is in Very Good+ condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The rifle includes 5 x 20 round box magazines. Three are still sealed in their bags. The other two show minor rub wear from use and are in Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This rifle appears unfired outside of the 10 rounds fired at James River. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal refinish. There are a few drag marks on the bipod legs. The friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver show some minor rub wear. There are some other very minor scattered marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent+ condition.
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 5×20 round magazines, paperwork including the ammunition sheet, cleaning kit, manual, para cord sling, and a foam lined hard case.
Our Assessment: This James River Armory BM59 Paratrooper is a feature-rich example of Italy’s famed Beretta battle rifle, equipped with the correct bipod, grenade launcher, flip-up grenade sight, folding stock, and pistol grip. Compact, rugged, and visually unmistakable, the Paratrooper variant takes the revered BM59 platform and adapts it for mobility without sacrificing capability. James River’s build quality shows through in the fit, finish, and mechanical smoothness, giving this rifle the authentic look and feel collectors expect while still being ready for range use.
The BM59 itself originated as Beretta’s modernization of the M1 Garand, evolving it into a detachable-magazine, selective-fire, 7.62 NATO battle rifle that served across multiple nations for decades. Its combination of Garand reliability and modernized features earned it a strong reputation among Cold War military arms. James River Armory has long been respected for their high-quality restorations and faithful reproductions, particularly on U.S. and Italian-pattern rifles, and their BM59 builds are considered among the best available. This Paratrooper model captures that heritage perfectly, offering historical interest, desirable original features, and excellent craftsmanship in one standout package. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
