Another 'prototype' Bm-59

[UK Armourer]

Gentlemen,

my research into Beretta's manufacture of the M1 (Garand) and the subsequent development of the BM-59 continues. I recently had access to the 'inner sanctum' of the reference collection (not the museum at Beretta which I already visited and photographed), in Gardone val Trompia. The photograph shows an unusual prototype (or variant) of a collapsible stock BM-59. It is also unusual in that it has an 'in the white' M1 (Garand) gas cylinder and a variation on the early Tri-compensator fitted. The stock is not the usual 'Para' type but obviously a prototype. The receiver is marked:

 

P.Beretta

Bresica - Italia

BM 59 - 7.62 NATO

1042

 

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn152/UK_Armourer/fotoBeretta058.jpg

 

More information is being unearthed every week, but it is quite obvious that a lot of information is lost as the story was never fully documented, it doesn't help that I don't speak or read Italian either!!!

 

Enjoy the photograph, there is more to come!

 

Vic Tuff

Edited July 13, 2009 by UK Armourer

[mikebaker1129]

Thanks for the update. Please keep the information and pictures coming . That is a very interesting prototype.

Mike