The Beretta M1918 is a rare Italian semiautomatic carbine from WWI, often mistaken for a submachine gun. It evolved from the Villar Perosa, utilizing a 'parts bin' approach with Carcano and Vetterli components for economical production. This open-bolt, delayed blowback carbine features a unique top-mounted 25-round magazine and offset sights, chambered in 9mm Glisenti loaded to 9mm Parabellum specs.
The Beretta M1918 is a rare Italian semi-automatic carbine from WWI, often mistaken for a submachine gun but firing only in semi-auto. It reuses parts from the 1915 Villar Perosa and operates from an open bolt with a delayed blowback system for safety. Chambered in 9mm Glisenti, it features a unique 25-round magazine and a trigger guard repurposed from a Vetterli rifle.
This video segment from American Rifleman Television's "I Have This Old Gun" series focuses on the historical Beretta Model 1938 submachine gun. It details the M1938's lineage from the Villar Perosa and its development by Tullio Marengoni. The description highlights its open-bolt, direct-blowback action, distinctive wooden stock, ventilated barrel shroud, and dual triggers for full-auto and burst fire. The evolution of the design through various models, including the 1938A and the simplified 38/42, is explained, along with its extensive use by Italian forces in WWII and by German forces as the MP 738(i) after Italy's surrender. The video also touches on the M1938's influence on the later Beretta M12.
The OVP 1918, Italy's first submachine gun, is derived from the Villar Perosa light machine gun. It features a unique dual-trigger system for semi-auto and full-auto fire, and utilizes a 25-round Villar Perosa magazine with a front-mounted release. Its internal mechanics are striker-fired and open-bolt, with a safety mechanism involving slight bolt rotation.
The M1915 Villar Perosa, a contender for the first submachine gun, was initially designed as an aircraft observer's weapon for WWI. Its dual-barrel system fired at an extremely high rate (up to 3000 RPM) using 9mm Glisenti cartridges, effective against early aircraft. Later adapted for ground combat, it evolved into iconic submachine guns like the Beretta M1918.
You've reached the end! 5 videos loaded.
Gun Laws by State
Read firearms regulations for all 50 states + D.C.
Find Gun Dealers
Search licensed FFL dealers near you.