Beretta 70

How it changed

Compared to the M1934/M1935 and the Model 948, the 70 Series introduced several enhancements.^[3] Operating the 180-degree swivel-lever safety found on the M1934/35 was a slow and awkward process.^[3] A cross-bolt safety, similar to the one on the M1951, was initially used on the 70 Series, but it proved hard to manipulate with just one hand.^[3] The cross-bolt safety was soon swapped out for a thumb-operated lever safety mounted on the frame.^[3]

The angle of the grip on the frame was altered to make the hand sit more naturally when aiming.^[3] Components from the M1951, including its takedown lever, guide rod system, slide stop, and magazine release button, were incorporated into the Model 70.^[4] Early Model 70 pistols employed the M1934/5's slide hold-open mechanism, where the magazine follower blocked the slide.^[4] When the magazine was taken out, the slide would move forward unless the thumb safety was on, which slowed down reloading.^[4]

A dedicated slide stop, taken from the M1951, eventually replaced the follower-based hold-open system.^[4] To enhance the pistol's look, the trigger guard was given a longer, more tapered shape.^[3]

What the maker and period sources say

The Beretta Web account states that in 1958, a complete redesign of the medium-frame Beretta pistols was put into production, ending the Model 924, Model 935, Model 984, and Model 949.^[5] The quick-takedown lever on the right side of the frame was used in the Model 70 design.^[5] The Beretta Web notes that the Model 71 was the.22 Long Rifle version, identical in appearance and features to the Model 70.^[5] In the last half of the 1970s, a magazine safety was added, and the new version was designated the Model 70S.^[5]