Ric70506 Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I am a Beretta collector, but I am relatively new to the Beretta BM59. I have read every single thread on this BM59 board. Lots of good information. It was my understanding that the only "factory" paper on the BM59 was the four language 55 page booklet/brochure/owner's manual and the poster you can buy from Reese Surplus. There is also an Italian Army manual on the BM59, but it is apparently hard to come by. I was, therefore, surprised to find and buy the following Beretta factory BM 59 foldout brochure for sale on eBay. As you can see in the seller's description, this brochure came with the full auto BM59s which were imported into the US back in the 80s (?). The seller had sold the gun, but still had the brochure. This brochure is in two languages, Italian and English, and shows the various versions of the BM59 and two accessories, i. e. the standard BM59 bayonet and scabbard AND a rifle scope. Just thought I would share this "find" with the rest of you. Does anyone have or have they ever seen one of these factory BM59 rifle scopes? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...A:IT&ih=012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRJ Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 (edited) Ric - I obtained my copy of the "new" BM59 brochure from "theBay" also. Interestingly it's the only place I've ever seen these sold. The "new" brochure shows the BM59E model which earlier was designated BM59 S.L. (simplified model). As for the scope shown, I've not seen one in 25 years of collecting BM59 bits. The mount shown with the scope is certainly unique also. Also will just mention in passing that currently there are a number of BM59/62 rifles listed on the popular firearms auction sites. MRJ Edited January 13, 2008 by MRJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric70506 Posted January 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 MRJ - 35 years of collecting BM59 bits? Wow! It would be interesting to know just what kind of oddball BM59 bits and pieces you have managed to come up with over the years. This may be one of those cases where the "good old days" really were pretty good. I have exchanged emails with a guy in Texas who was able to buy a full auto BM59 about 10 years ago for $1,700.00. Cheapest one I have seen so far was on GunBroker for right at $12,000.00. Not that I am in the market for a full auto BM59, but just the same. Thanks to Andy in Italy, I was able to buy an original BM59 folding stock and an original BM59 blank adapter. Not exactly sure what I will do with the blank adapter, but it is a pretty unique accessory. Another guy in Italy selling on eBay sold me some BM59 stripper clips and two of the BM59 loading tools. Bennie in New Mexico was nice enough to sell me his quick detachable tricompensator. I have managed to find and buy a 10 round and another 20 round BM59 magazine, both of which have chrome followers. I also found and bought a nice clean standard BM59 bayonet and scabbard. I can imagine that the price on all of this stuff was much cheaper back in the day, but it is still out there if you are willing to look for it. I am curious as to which "popular firearms auction sites" I may have missed. I am fairly active on the Beretta Forum and monitor eBay, AuctionArms, GunBroker, GunsAmerica, and Sturmgewehr on a regular basis. It took me a while, but I did manage to find this forum too. What have I missed? Also will just mention in passing that currently there are a number of BM59/62 rifles listed on the popular firearms auction sites. MRJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRJ Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 I mentioned auction sites as right now there is (in BM59/62 terms) a number of rifles being auctioned/offered now. Between Gunbroker, Gunsamerica, and Auctionarms there is the folllowing listed: 3 folding stock 59/62's, 1 '62 (conventional stock), 2 Golden State, 1 National Ordnance,1 rifle modified to take M14 magazines, 1 '59 (conventional stock), and 1 full auto. That seems like more rifles being offered than one normally sees at one time. As for interesting '59 items turned up over the years, I would have to say a BM59 bolt marked "MNAM FES" which is a bolt made in Morocco under Beretta license. Seller "Andy" from Italy has provided items such as the BFA and stripper clip guides that were very rare years ago. The Beretta 59/62/69 weapons are a fascinating addiction.................but we all know that! MRJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 The earliest BM59 manual I have is dated December 1961. It is in 4 languages. It is titled BM59 7,62 Nato BERETTA-MODIFIED M1 GARAND. It is unlike any other BM59 manual I have. It has some very interesting pictures along with a large folded poster. The cover is a grey green color with ARMI BERETTA in a black stripe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I may still have some pictures of the BM59 from my old magazines that I can send to fellow board members. Shoot me an e-mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARDog Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 I may still have some pictures of the BM59 from my old magazines that I can send to fellow board members. Shoot me an e-mail. I had sent an email for pics and will try again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARDog Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 I may still have some pictures of the BM59 from my old magazines that I can send to fellow board members. Shoot me an e-mail. I had sent an email for pics and will try again. I actually sent a message here previously. Message box here is now full. No new messages accepted Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 ARDog, Did you get any pictures in the e-mail I sent on Friday? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARDog Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 ARDog, Did you get any pictures in the e-mail I sent on Friday? I did not. brookschristopher@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 E-mail sent to brookschristopher@comcast.net. Check maybe spam folder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARDog Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 E-mail sent to brookschristopher@comcast.net. Check maybe spam folder? Received at 10:07PM Eastern last night. Thank you very much! I have it now in my archive. Thanks Pete, ARDog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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