- Beretta BM59
Infobox Weapon
name=BM59
caption=The BM59
origin=flag|Italy
type=Battle rifle
is_ranged=yes
service=1959-1990 (Italian service)
used_by=See "Users"
wars= Anti-guerrilla operations in Indonesia,Falklands War ,Somalia Civil War
designer= Pietro Beretta
design_date= 1950s
manufacturer=Beretta , Bandung Weapons Factory, Defence Industries Corporation
production_date= 1959
number=
variants=Mark I, Mark II, III/Ital TA, BM59 Para, Mark IV
weight=kg to lb|4.4|sp=us|abbr=on|precision=2|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|1095|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
part_length=convert|491|mm|abbr=on|1
height=
width=
cartridge=7.62x51 mm NATO
action=Gas-operated,rotating bolt
rate= 750 rounds per minute
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed=-20-round detachable box magazine
sights=Rear aperture, front postThe Beretta BM59 is an Italian-made rifle based on the
M1 Garand rifle with the addition of having a detachable magazine [ [http://www.a-human-right.com/BM59.html Beretta BM 59 rifle.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .Development
After
World War II ,Italy adopted the US-designed M1 Garand rifle in.30-06 (7.62x63mm) and also manufactured it under license. This semi-automatic rifle proved itself well during WWII, but in the late 1950s it was considered outdated and obsolete. The Italian military wanted a new rifle chambered for the NATO-standard7.62x51mm .Beretta designed the BM59, which was essentially a rechambered M1 fitted with a removable 20-round magazine, folding bipod and flash suppressor/grenade launcher. The BM59 is capable of selective fire.
The BM59 was adopted in 1959 and served with Italian, Argentine, Indonesian and Morocco armies. In the early 1980s, semi-automatic versions were imported to the USA and sold to private collectors. It should be noted that earliest BM59s were manufactured from available US manufactured M1 parts, including re-chambered barrels.
In 1990, the BM59 was replaced in Italian service by Beretta AR70/90 assault rifles.
Variants
The BM59 has five variants, including the following [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as54-e.htm Modern Firearms' Beretta BM 59 page.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] :
Military
*BM-59 Mark I: had a wooden stock with a semi-pistol grip stock.
*BM-59 Mark II: had a wooden stock with pistol grip to achieve a better control during the full-auto fire;
*BM-59 Mark III: or Ital TA (also known as the "Truppe Alpine"), was a gun with a pistol grip and a metallic folding buttstock, and 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.
*BM-59 Mark IV: had a heavier barrel with a plastic stock, and was used as a light squad automatic weapon.Civilian
The BM-62 and 69 are civilian sporting rifles with the grenade launcher and sights removed [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] . with the following:
*BM-62: Semi-auto with the use of a 10-round magazine only [ [http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1798.htm Beretta BM62.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] . Does not have bipod and compensator [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .
*BM-69: Semi-auto with a bipod and tri-compensator [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .Users
*flag|Algeria
*flag|Argentina: Used in theFalklands War [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .
*flag|Bahrain
*flag|Ethiopia
*flag|Italy: Replaced by the AR70/90 in 1990.
*flag|Indonesia: Under license at the Bandung Weapons Factory [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .
*flag|Libya
*flag|Morocco
*flag|Nigeria: Under license by Defense Industries Corporation [ [http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/editorial_opinion/article02/indexn2_html?pdate=100308&ptitle=German German small arms: The Nigerian connection.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .
*Flag|United Kingdom: Used captured BM59s in theFalklands War [http://www.gunsmagazine.com/bm59/GCA0283.pdf Beretta's BM 59.] Retrieved on October 5, 2008.] .References
ee also
*
FN FAL
*M14External links
* [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as54-e.htm Modern Firearms]
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