Beretta 950B Minx in .22 Short Auto Pocket Pistol

Published on December 13, 2009
Duration: 6:13

This review covers the Beretta 950B Minx in .22 Short, a compact Italian-made pocket pistol from 1958. The video highlights its unique tip-up barrel for easy loading, European-style magazine catch, and the historical context of import restrictions due to the 1968 Gun Control Act. It's noted as a classic, albeit not the most accurate, design for concealed carry.

Quick Summary

The Beretta 950B Minx in .22 Short is a lightweight (approx. 10 oz loaded) Italian pocket pistol from 1958, featuring a unique tip-up barrel for direct chamber loading. Its import was affected by the 1968 Gun Control Act. It has a European magazine catch and lacks an external safety, making it a historical piece for concealed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History
  2. 01:16Design and Controls
  3. 02:05Tip-Up Barrel Mechanism
  4. 02:58Caliber Comparison and Weight
  5. 04:45Range Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Beretta 950B Minx?

The Beretta 950B Minx is known for its compact size, lightweight design (around 10 oz loaded), and a unique tip-up barrel mechanism that allows for direct chamber loading. It also features a European-style magazine catch and an external hammer, but lacks an external manual safety.

Why was the import of Beretta 950B Minx pistols affected by the 1968 Gun Control Act?

The 1968 Gun Control Act in the United States imposed restrictions on the importation of certain firearms, which significantly impacted the availability of Italian-made pistols like the Beretta 950B Minx. This led to continued production in other countries like the US and Brazil.

How does the tip-up barrel on the Beretta 950B Minx work?

The tip-up barrel design allows the barrel to pivot upwards from the frame. This enables the user to load a single cartridge directly into the chamber without needing to cycle the slide, making it a convenient feature for quick loading or unloading.

What is the difference between the .22 Short and .25 ACP versions of the Beretta 950?

While both are compact Beretta pistols, the .22 Short and .25 ACP versions have distinct magazines. The .22 Short magazine typically features a specific ridge or divot, whereas the .25 ACP magazine is identifiable by staggered witness holes, indicating different caliber compatibility.

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