Tipo Alleggerito Beretta: Because Italian Gun Laws are Wacky

Published on May 24, 2021
Duration: 8:51

This video from Forgotten Weapons, featuring Ian McCollum, delves into two lightweight variants of Beretta pocket pistols: the Model 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' and a Model 1935 with an aluminum frame. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, explains how Italian legislation influenced these designs, particularly the 'Tipo Alleggerito's' fluted barrel intended to meet a 600-gram weight limit to avoid classification as a 'war weapon.' The Model 1935 utilized an aluminum alloy frame for practical weight savings, as aluminum frames proved less durable in the higher-pressure .380 ACP of the 1934 model.

Quick Summary

The Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' features a fluted barrel to reduce weight by approximately 50 grams, aiming for a 600-gram total to bypass Italian laws classifying heavier .380 ACP pistols as restricted 'war weapons.' The Model 1935 Lightweight uses an aluminum alloy frame for practical weight savings, as aluminum proved less durable in the .380 ACP caliber.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Lightweight Berettas
  2. 00:45The Tipo Alleggerito and Italian Law
  3. 03:49Markings and Counterfeits
  4. 05:57Aluminum Frame Beretta 1935
  5. 08:15Conclusion and Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' unique?

The Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' is unique due to its fluted barrel, designed to reduce weight by about 50 grams. This modification aimed to bring the pistol's total weight to 600 grams, circumventing Italian laws that classified heavier .380 ACP pistols as restricted 'war weapons'.

How did Italian gun laws influence the design of lightweight Beretta pistols?

Italian legislation classified heavier .380 ACP pistols as 'war weapons,' limiting civilian ownership. This prompted Beretta to create lightweight variants like the 'Tipo Alleggerito' with a fluted barrel and the Model 1935 with an aluminum frame to meet specific weight restrictions and avoid these classifications.

What is the difference between the Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' and the Beretta 1935 Lightweight?

The 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' uses a fluted barrel for weight reduction, primarily to comply with Italian law. The 1935 Lightweight utilizes an aluminum alloy frame for practical weight savings, as aluminum frames were found to be less durable in the higher-pressure .380 ACP caliber used by the 1934 model.

How can one identify a counterfeit Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito'?

A key indicator of a counterfeit Beretta 1934 'Tipo Alleggerito' is the 'Tipo Alleggerito' marking. On genuine examples, this marking is typically engraved *under* the bluing. If the marking is engraved *through* the bluing, it suggests a fake or a non-original modification.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →