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 Beretta Model 1918/30 is a unique semi-automatic carbine, serving as a developmental link between earlier models and the later Beretta 38 family. It was designed from the ground up for police use, featuring a distinctive ring-shaped charging handle and a folding bayonet. A critical safety warning is issued regarding ammunition: only 9mm Glisenti should be used, as standard 9mm Parabellum is too high-pressure and will damage the firearm.
The Beretta Model 1915 was Beretta's first semi-automatic pistol, designed by Tullio Marengoni and adopted by the Italian military. It fires the less powerful 9mm Glisenti cartridge, distinct from 9mm Luger, and features a unique dual manual safety system and an open-sided magazine. Early models used a heavy slide and internal buffer for recoil management in a blowback action.
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