First impressions of the James River Armory (JRA) BM 59 Ital-Paracadutisti

[The Wizard]

First impressions of the James River Armory (JRA) BM 59 Ital-Paracadutisti. When I open the case (not the best but serviceable) I was impressed by the look of the rifle and that did actual have the detachable tri-compensator and the correctly marked (PC) folding stock. JRA did a very good job of refinishing their parts. The parts are a mix of Beretta made and convert USGI M1 parts (bolt, operating rod, trigger housing and hammer). Speaking of parts the trigger is the correct (marked TA-PC) for the folding stock configuration. I was also surprised to find the operating spring guide rod was installed. There were two things that I was not happy about. One, JRA did not build their receivers with the stripper clip guide. I must admit the stripper clip guide is not a feature that most likely no one use but its presents would make the rifle look more like the real thing. The second thing is the direct fire rifle grenade sight is not correct for the Ital-Paracadutisti and will not operate correctly. I understand the correct sight is impossible to get. I believe the one on the rifle now can be modified to work. Why do I need it to work you ask. I plan to launch practice rifle grenade from it!

[The Wizard]

As of 25 July this thread has had 97 and not a single reply. Except this one by the OP. I am wondering if I did something wrong but if I did do something wrong someone would have said something by now. So, I must have done everything right!

Edited July 25, 2024 by The Wizard

[The Wizard]

The barrel IS NOT CORRECT! Measuring from the bolt face to the muzzle I got 19.375 inches. JRA screwed the pooch again. I am thinking it might be possible to correct the barrel length BUT did JRA modify the tri-compensator in some way to accommodate the longer barrel? And if they did is there a way to restore it to its original configuration?

[Frenchkat]

Wiz, saw you over on BT Forum.  My initial thought was about a post from someone over there about promoting the competition.  Declined to make a comment over there.

Chill, it’s a “Reproduction”, not an exact copy.  .7” on the end of the barrel is not in my opinion, “screwing the pooch”.  These are probably the same “builder barrels” that were available several years ago.  I believer they were all the same length.  Probably easier to just put the para adapter on and not worry about .7”.  To be honest, none of the repo receivers are correct.  Does that mean they all are screwing the pooch?

I’ve used those barrels on three builds and only had to chop one which was going to be in 69 configuration because the 69 style muzzle device wouldn’t fit the longer barrel.

Even Tim doesn’t do the stripper clip guide unless you pay extra.  I would imagine JRA doesn’t do it just to keep the cost down, like not cutting .7” off a barrel that most likely will or make a difference under the combo device.  I have three aftermarket SCGs and have checked into someone else doing the installation locally, pain in the ass and expensive to boot.

I’ve use two receivers done by the Garandguy (not my idea of great)(didn’t do the 8mm hole either), I have a 1st generation JRA that was not in the recall and it worked great (didn’t have the SCG or 8mm hole either).  I have a Winchester receiver with Tim now, it will have the SCG.

As to the issue of no one responding to your posts - get over it, this is the internet.  Most people just don’t care.

[The Wizard]

This pass Saturday (8/3/2024) I finally got a chance to go the range and shoot the JRA BM 59 Ital-Paracadutisti. Fired 60 rounds of M80 ball from it. 9 rounds at 25 meters to get a rough battle sight zero and another 30 rounds at 250 meter to confirm the battle sight zero and to see if I could keep all the shots within a 9 inch circle. If I disregard the 3 flyers I kept the shots in a 7 inch circle. I think I did alright for an old guy with bad eyes and iron sights. For last 20 rounds I went over to the silhouette range and tried my luck at hitting plates at 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 meters. Did alright until the 300 meter plate. Only hit it 1 out of 4 shots.

 

As for how it was shooting with the folding stock, ever since shoulder surgery I use a Caldwell recoil shield so it was bearable. If I had to shoot 100 or 200 round without a recoil shield it might become uncomfortable.

 

Overall the rifle functioned as it should. Except for one issue. Back in the early 1980's when Springfield Armory, Inc. imported semiautomatic BM59’s they also imported some select firm Beretta BM59’s. I got/have one. I also got 15 new magazines . All 15 magazine work in the Beretta BM59 (easy to insert and lock in place). With the JRA BM 59 three of those magazine will not lock in place and all 15 are quite a tight fit in the magazine well.

 

These are just my observations.