Beretta BM 59

The BM59 is an automatic battle rifle developed in Italy in 1959. It is based on the M1 Garand rifle, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, modified to use a detachable magazine, and capable of selective fire.[4] Later revisions incorporated other features common to more modern rifles.

Beretta BM59
BM59 battle rifle
TypeBattle rifle
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1959–Present
Used bySee Users
WarsNigerian Civil War[1]
Anti-guerrilla operations in Indonesia
Indonesian invasion of East Timor
Lebanese Civil War
Falklands War
Multinational Force in Lebanon[2]
Somali Civil War
Libyan Civil War
Production history
DesignerDomenico Salza
Designed1950s
ManufacturerBeretta, Bandung Weapons Factory, Defence Industries Corporation
Unit cost$42 (1962)[3]
Produced1959
VariantsMark I, Mark II, III/Ital TA, BM59 Para, Mark IV
Specifications
Mass4.4 kg (9.70 lb)
Length1,095 mm (43.1 in)
Barrel length491 mm (19.3 in)
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire750 rounds per minute
Feed system20-round detachable box magazine
SightsRear aperture, front post

Development

After World War II, Italy adopted the US-designed M1 Garand rifle in .30-06 Springfield (7.62×63mm) and also manufactured it under license. This semi-automatic rifle proved itself well during World War II, but in the late 1950s it was considered outdated and obsolete and the Italian military also wanted a new rifle chambered for the NATO-standard 7.62×51mm round.

To meet these requirements, Beretta designed the BM59, which was essentially a rechambered M1 fitted with a removable 20-round magazine, folding bipod and a combined muzzle brake/flash suppressor/rifle grenade launcher. The BM59 is capable of selective fire.

The BM59 was adopted in 1959 and served with Italian, Argentinian, Indonesian, and Moroccan armies. In the early 1980s, semi-automatic versions were imported to the United States and sold to private collectors. The earliest BM59s were manufactured from U.S.-manufactured M1 parts, including re-chambered barrels.

Beginning in 1990, the BM59 was replaced in Italian service by the Beretta AR70/90 assault rifles, although some may be in service in the Italian Navy.

Variants

The BM59 has several military and civilian variants that include the following:[5]

Military
  • BM59 Mark I: had a wooden stock with a semi-pistol grip stock.
  • BM59 Mark II: had a wooden stock with pistol grip to achieve a better control during full-auto fire;
  • BM59 Mark III: or Ital TA (also known as the Truppe Alpine), was a variant with a pistol grip and a metallic folding buttstock, that was intended for mountain troops. The BM59 Para was similar to BM59 Ital TA, but was intended for paratroopers. It was equipped with a shorter barrel and flash-hider.
  • BM59 Mark IV: had a heavier barrel with a plastic stock, and was used as a light squad automatic weapon.

Civilian

The rare BM62 and BM69 are civilian sporting rifles with the grenade launcher and sights removed.[6] with the following:

  • BM62: Semi-auto chambered in .308 Winchester (commercial variant of 7.62×51mm NATO), came with 20-round magazines, civilian flash hider (no bayonet lug, no grenade launcher, no tri-compensator (extremely rare to have gas cylinder with bipod capability) [7] Does not normally have bipod capability on gas cylinder, or gas-compensator[6]
  • The BM59 (top left) on display at the Museo de Armas de la Nación, Buenos Aires
    BM69: Semi-auto with a bipod and tri-compensator.[6]

Users

See also

References
  1. Jowett, Philip (2016). Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70. Oxford: Osprey Publishing Press. p. 20. ISBN 978-1472816092.
  2. McNab, Chris (2002). 20th Century Military Uniforms (2nd ed.). Kent: Grange Books. p. 158. ISBN 1-84013-476-3.
  3. McCollum, Ian. "BM59: The Italian M14". youtube.com. Forgotten Weapons. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  4. "BM59". a-human-right.com. Volkstudio, TN. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  5. "Beretta BM59 (Italy)". modernfirearms.net. Archived from the original on 2009-06-05. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  6. "Beretta's BM59 – The Ultimate Garand" (PDF). gunsmagazine.com. Guns. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-25. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  7. "Beretta BM62". securityarms.com. Archived from the original on 2012-06-30. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  8. Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  9. Jowett 2016, p. 59.
  10. "Perjalanan Terwujudnya Senapan Serbu Nasional Buatan Pindad". airspace-review.com (in Indonesian). 28 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  11. "Fusil Beretta BM 59". Encyclopédie des armes : Les forces armées du monde (in French). Vol. XII. Atlas. 1986. p. 2763.
  12. "German Small Arms: The Nigeria-Connection". bits.de. 2008-03-10.
  13. "Armi - FAL BM 59". smalp155.org (in Italian).
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