Beretta BM 59
Italian battle rifle derived from the M1 Garand.
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The Beretta BM59 is an Italian automatic battle rifle that first appeared in 1959. It is a selective-fire evolution of the M1 Garand, re-chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO round and fitted with a detachable 20-round magazine. Later models added features common to more modern rifles.
The BM59 was adopted by Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, and Morocco. The earliest examples were built from American-made M1 parts, including barrels that were re-chambered. Italy began replacing the BM59 with the Beretta AR70/90 assault rifle in 1990, though some may still serve with the Italian Navy.
After World War II, Italy adopted and licensed the M1 Garand in .30-06 Springfield. By the late 1950s, the Garand was considered obsolete, and the Italian military wanted a rifle chambered for the new NATO-standard 7.62×51mm round. Beretta met this requirement with the BM59, essentially a re-chambered Garand with a removable magazine and selective fire. Key features include a tri-compensator muzzle device (combining a muzzle brake, flash suppressor, and grenade launcher), a stripper clip guide, a folding bipod attached to the gas cylinder, a folding shoulder plate similar to the M14, a folding grenade sight that also acts as a gas shut-off, and a folding winter trigger. The fire selector on the left side is marked “S” for semiautomatic and “A” for automatic. The standard fixed stock has a hollow compartment for a cleaning kit.
Several military variants exist. The BM59 ITAL is the standard model with a semi-pistol grip, tri-compensator, grenade-launching capability, and bipod; it has a 19.3-inch barrel, 43-inch overall length, and weighs 9.7 pounds. The BM59 Mark I has a wooden stock with a semi-pistol grip, a 17.4-inch barrel, and no bipod, grenade launcher, clip guide, or bayonet lug. The BM59 Mark II has a wooden stock with a full pistol grip for better control during automatic fire. The BM59 Mark III (also known as the BM59 Ital TA or Alpini) is for mountain troops, with a pistol grip and a metal folding buttstock; barrel length is 19.3 inches, overall length is 43 inches extended or 33.7 inches folded, and weight is 9.7 pounds.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Italy
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Service
- 1959–present
- Designer
- Domenico Salza
- Design Date
- 1950s
- Manufacturer
- Beretta, Bandung Weapons Factory, Defence Industries Corporation
- Unit Cost
- $42 (1962)
- Production Date
- 1959
- Variants
- Mark I, Mark II, III/Ital TA, BM59-Para, Mark IV, BM59E
- Weight
- 4.4 kg
- Length
- 1095 mm
- Part Length
- 491 mm
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After World War II, Italy adopted the US-designed M1 Garand rifle in .30-06 Springfield and manufactured it under license. By the late 1950s the M1 was considered outdated, and the Italian military wanted a new rifle chambered for the NATO-standard 7.62×51mm round. Beretta designed the BM59, essentially a rechambered M1 fitted with a removable 20-round magazine and capable of selective fire. The earliest BM59s were manufactured from U.S.-manufactured M1 parts, including re-chambered barrels.
The BM59 features a 'tri-compensator' muzzle device combining a muzzle brake, flash suppressor, and rifle grenade launcher; a stripper clip guide similar to the M1; a folding bipod attached to the gas cylinder; a folding shoulder plate similar to the M14 rifle; a folding grenade sight that doubles as a gas shut-off; and a folding winter trigger. The fire selector on the left side is marked 'S' (Semiautomatico) and 'A' (Automatico). The standard fixed stock has a hollow space for a cleaning kit.
The BM59 was adopted in 1959 and served with Italian, Argentinian, Indonesian, and Moroccan armies. Beginning in 1990, it was replaced in Italian service by the Beretta AR70/90 assault rifles, although some may remain in service with the Italian Navy.
Reader's Guide
The BM59 represents a significant adaptation of the battle-proven M1 Garand action to meet mid-20th-century military requirements. By re-chambering the Garand for the NATO-standard 7.62×51mm round and adding a detachable magazine and selective-fire capability, Beretta extended the service life of the Garand's operating system. The rifle saw adoption by multiple nations, including Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, and Morocco, and was produced under license in Indonesia by Pindad as the SP-1, SP-2, and SP-3 variants. The BM59's design influenced later semi-automatic civilian rifles produced by Springfield Armory, Inc., which purchased much of Beretta's tooling and parts in 1984. The BM59 was gradually replaced by more modern assault rifles such as the Beretta AR70/90 and the Pindad SS1, but its legacy endures through its numerous variants and continued use by some forces. The rifle's combination of Garand reliability with modern features like a detachable magazine and full-auto capability made it a notable transitional battle rifle.
Did You Know?
- The BM59 was developed in 1959 and is based on the M1 Garand.
- The BM59 has a 'tri-compensator' muzzle device that combines a muzzle brake, flash suppressor, and rifle grenade launcher.
- Springfield Armory, Inc. purchased most of the BM59 machinery and tooling from Beretta in 1984.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beretta BM59?
The Beretta BM59 is an Italian automatic battle rifle that entered service in 1959. It is a selective-fire development based on the M1 Garand, re-chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO and equipped with a detachable 20-round magazine.
What are the key specifications of the BM59 ITAL variant?
The BM59 ITAL measures 43 inches overall with a 19.3-inch barrel and weighs approximately 9.7 pounds. It feeds from a detachable 20-round magazine and fires the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.
Which militaries adopted the Beretta BM59?
Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, and Morocco all fielded the BM59. The earliest production examples were assembled from American-made M1 Garand components, including re-chambered barrels.
How is the BM59 connected to the M1 Garand?
The BM59 is essentially a selective-fire evolution of the M1 Garand, modified to accept the 7.62×51mm NATO round and a detachable magazine rather than the Garand's en-bloc clips. Later model years incorporated features more typical of modern rifles.
What replaced the Beretta BM59 in Italian service?
Italy began phasing out the BM59 in 1990 in favor of the Beretta AR70/90 assault rifle. A small number of BM59s may still be in service with the Italian Navy.
More in Battle Rifles and Carbines, Part 2 1-24
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