BERETTA 1934 .380 ACP

Description:
Guns Listing ID: 643689



The Beretta Model 1934 (M1934) is a compact, .380 ACP blowback-operated pistol manufactured by Fabbrica d‚Armi Pietro Beretta in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. Developed in the early 1930s, it became the standard service pistol for the Italian Army in 1936. Known for its extreme reliability, durability, and open-top slide design, over 1 million were produced by 1991.
Origin: The M1934 evolved from earlier models (1915, 1919, 1923, 1931) designed by Tullio Marengoni.
Adoption: The Italian Army officially adopted it in 1936, following a 1935 contract for the Pubblica Sicurezza police force.
Features: It features a simple blowback action, an open-top slide to prevent jamming, a 7-round magazine, and a heel magazine release.
Wartime Production: It was widely used by Italian forces in World War II, with significant production continuing under German occupation after 1943, adding another 53,000 units.
Markings: Italian fascist-era pistols often show two dates: the year 1934 and the corresponding year of the Fascist era in Roman numerals. The \"Beretta Gardone VT 1934\" with a crown marking is a WWII-era Italian service pistol, usually stamped with \"Crown RE\" (Regio Esercito) for the Royal Italian Army. These were produced in Gardone Val Trompia and typically display the year in both Gregorian and Roman numerals (Fascist era).
Key Markings Explained:
Crown over RE: Indicates official acceptance by the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito).
Fascist Year: Roman numerals (e.g., XVI) indicate the year of Mussolini‚s era (starting 1922).
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “P. BERETTA – CAL. 9 CORTO – MO 1934 – BREVETTATO / GARDONE V. T. 1936 XIV". The right side of the slide and frame are marked with serial number, “524096". The left side of the frame is marked with a Crown over “RE", for the Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army). Both grip panels are marked with “PB" in a circle.
The barrel has been replaced, it appears that it was done during the war as it has the original serial number stamped over the original one. This is a remarkablely perserved piece of history.

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: BERETTA
Model: 1934
Caliber Info: .380 ACP
Condition: Used - Non-Certified
Barrels: 3.25" BARREL
Action: SEMI AUTOMATIC
Finish: blue

Price: $1,195.99
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