Beretta 70
Compact Beretta series replacing the M1935 with improved features.
The Beretta 70 is a series of magazine-fed, single-action semi-automatic pistols made by Beretta in Italy, taking over from the earlier 7.65mm Beretta M1935. Some models in this line were sold under names like Falcon, New Puma, New Sable, Jaguar, and Cougar (the last not to be confused with the later Beretta 8000, also called Cougar). It is known for appearing in films and stands as the first compact Beretta to include several design upgrades that became standard on the company’s pistols for the rest of the century.
Compared to the M1934/M1935 and the .22 LR Model 948, the 70 Series made several changes. The old 180-degree swivel-lever safety was slow and hard to work with the shooting hand, so the 70 Series first used a cross-bolt safety like the M1951’s, but that was also tricky to operate one-handed and could be accidentally switched by the grip. Soon, this was replaced with a thumb-activated, frame-mounted lever safety, common on Beretta pistols from the 1960s through the 1980s. The grip angle was adjusted for a more natural pointing position, and the trigger was redesigned to lighten the average pull weight. The 70 Series also borrowed the M1951’s takedown lever, guide rod system, slide stop, and magazine release button at the bottom of the grip. Early models kept the M1934/5’s slide hold-open, where the magazine follower blocked the slide on an empty magazine; removing the magazine made the slide slam forward unless the thumb safety was engaged, slowing reloads. Later in production, this was swapped for a dedicated slide stop like the M1951’s. Midway through, the slide stop release changed from a pedal style to a round button. The trigger guard was reshaped with a longer taper for better looks. To meet U.S. import rules under the 1968 Gun Control Act, a thumb shelf was added to the left grip panel. Magazines kept the spur on the front of the floor plate, common to the M1934/5 and M1951, typical for European-style magazine releases (a hinged latch at the grip bottom) and some compact pistols to extend the grip while keeping a small overall size.
The original Model 70, also called the "Puma," came in .32 ACP with a cross-bolt safety and brown plastic wrap-around grips. The Model 70s had a steel frame and was available in .22 LR, .32 ACP, and .380 ACP, introducing a left-side thumb safety. Later U.S.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Italy
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Manufacturer
- Beretta
- Production Date
- 1958–1985
- Weight
- 660 g (70) / 480 g (71) / 535 g (72) / 550 g (73) / 570 g (74, 75) / 930 g (76) / 990 g (100)
- Length
- 165 mm (70, 71) / 225 mm (72) / 235 mm (73, 74, 75) / 220 mm (70T)
- Part Length
- 90 mm (70, 71, 72) / 150 mm (70T, 72, 73, 74, 75) / 130 mm (76)
- Height
- 123 mm (70, 71) / 136 mm (72, 73, 74, 75)
- Cartridge
- .32 ACP, .380 ACP, or .22 LR
- Action
- Single action
- Feed
- 7, 8, 9, or 10 round detachable magazine
- Sights
- Fixed or adjustable
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Beretta 70 series improved upon the M1934/M1935 and the later .22 LR Model 948 in several ways. The 180-degree swivel-lever safety of the earlier models was cumbersome and slow to operate, being almost impossible to rotate with the gun hand. The 70 series initially incorporated a cross-bolt safety modeled after that used on the M1951, but this safety was also difficult to operate with a single hand and could accidentally be switched on or off depending on the user's grip. After a short time, the cross-bolt safety was replaced with a thumb-activated, frame-mounted lever safety found on several Beretta pistols between the 1960s and 1980s. The frame grip angle was changed to allow a more natural position of the shooting hand, and the trigger was redesigned to lighten the average weight of pull.
The series integrated the M1951's takedown lever, guide rod system, slide stop, and magazine release button in the lower part of the grip. Initially, the Model 70 used the slide hold-open feature of the M1934/5, which utilized the magazine follower to block the slide on an empty magazine; removing the magazine caused the slide to slam forward unless the thumb safety was engaged, increasing reloading time. This was eventually replaced with a dedicated slide stop derived from the M1951. Midway through production, the slide stop release lever was altered from a "pedal" style to a round button. The trigger guard was redesigned with a longer taper to improve appearance, and later, to meet U.S. import regulations under the 1968 Gun Control Act, a thumb shelf was added to the left grip panel.
Various models were produced: the original Model 70 (also known as "Puma") in .32 ACP with a cross-bolt safety; the 70s with a steel frame and thumb safety; the 71 with an aluminum alloy frame in .22 LR; the 72 with two barrels; target models 73, 74, and 75 with longer barrels; and the Model 76 with a barrel shroud and optical sight rail. The 100 series pistols were identical to the 70 series but briefly marketed in the United States under that numbering. The series was also available with a threaded barrel and detachable suppressor. Some pistols were marketed as Falcon, New Puma, New Sable, Jaguar, and Cougar.
Reader's Guide
The Beretta 70 series represents a transitional period in Beretta's compact pistol line, incorporating design elements from the M1951 service pistol while addressing ergonomic shortcomings of the earlier M1934/M1935. The evolution of its safety mechanism—from the cumbersome swivel-lever to the cross-bolt, and finally to the frame-mounted thumb lever—illustrates the iterative refinement of user interface in semi-automatic pistols. The series also introduced the M1951's takedown lever, guide rod system, and magazine release, which became standard on later Beretta designs. The Model 70's adoption of a dedicated slide stop, replacing the follower-based hold-open, improved reloading speed. Its appearance in film contributed to its notability, and the series was produced under license in Iraq as the Tariq from 1980. The various models—including target variants with adjustable sights and the dedicated Model 76 with an optical sight rail—demonstrate the platform's versatility. The series ceased production in 1985, but its influence persisted in subsequent Beretta pistols.
Did You Know?
- The Beretta 70 series replaced the earlier 7.65mm Beretta M1935 pistol.
- The Model 76 featured a barrel shroud integrated with the frame and a mounting rail for optical sights.
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