Beretta BM-59 / BM-62
Robert Gibson
book _Semi-Auto Rifles, Data & Comment_ and threw together this file....
maybe someone will find it of some use.
BTW, the semi-auto version of the BM-59 is known as the Beretta BM-62
and is a center-fire, semi-automatic, gas-operated rifle with detachable
20-round magazine in the 7.62NATO (.308Win.) caliber.
Manufacturer: Fabbrica D'Armi Pietro Beretta S.P.A., Gardone Val Trompia
(Brescia) Italy.
Beretta U.S.A. imported in the early 1980's a civilian version of the
Beretta BM-59 rifle, long in use by the Italian army <also Ethiopia, Lybia
and Indonesia>. The BM-62 is a semi-automatic 7.62x51mm (.308Win) box
magazine rifle based on the familiar and proven M1 Garand action.
During the late 1950's, many of the world's nations were testing and
developing rifles with larger capacity magazines and lighter weight
cartridges to fit the modern concept of warfare. In the NATO countries,
these trials resulted in the adoption and standardization of the 7.62mm
NATO round and various assault rifles. The best known of these are the
U.S. Rifle M14 and the Belgian FN-FAL. The Beretta firm had been manu-
facturing, under U.S. license, the M1 Garand rifle for the Italian armed
forces. Their entry into the competions was an adaptation of the Garand
action. The BM-59 had the features desired by the military, 20-rd box
magazine, selective semi- or full-automatic fire, flash suppressor, etc.
Several special purpose weapons were developed on the same system, folding
stock carbines, heavy-barreled, bipod-equipped automatic rifles, etc.
The BM-62 was made available to the American shooter in shortened version
with 17-1/2" barrel, semi-automatic only, with a 20-rd. detachable box
magazine. It is traditional in appearance with walnut pistol-grip stock
and handguard.
The stock is the same configuration that has been used on both the M1
and M14 rifles and would be usable by the vast majority of shooters. It
has a ventilated, rubber recoil pad 1/2" thick. Its subdued red-brown
color blends well with the stock.
The short barrel makes the BM-62 quick handling, while flash suppressor
and gas system are massive enough to give the effect of a longer barrel
and provide stability in the standing position. The balance point of the
empty rifle is at the receiver ring.
The sling attachments are unusual. The rear swivel pivots in a 90degree
arc from bottom center to the left side. The front swivel is mounted on
the left side. This arrangement allows the protruding magazine to lie
flat along the back when carried by the sling. The front swivel can be
repositioned in the normal 6 o'clock position for use with the sling as
a shooting support.
The sights are the same as those on the U.S. M1 and M14 rifles and adjust
the same way. The front sight is the narrow NM target type, but because
of the shorter 22-1/2" sight radius, the sight picture is much the same
as the battle sight on the Garand rifles. Adjustments are uniform and
reliable.
Field stripping of the BM-62 is a cross of the methods used with the M14
and the M1 Garand. Lubrication and maintenance procedures that work with
the M1 and M14 will be all that is necessary to keep the BM-62 functioning
smoothly.
The "flash suppressor" is small and not particularly effective. The flash
is not objectionable with most commercial ammunition, but it is dazzling
with M80 ball ammunition. Muzzle blast was no worse than with any other
than with any other short-barreled 7.62x51mm rifle.
The NRA tester went on to say that the BM-62 was pleasant to shoot, both
from the bench and from various field positions.
The NRA reviewer's summary....."The Beretta BM-62 seems to be a well-
made rifle of its type, and its short length will make it especially
attractive to many shooters."
Let me add that I've always desired one of these Italian rifles, either
BM-59 (fat chance!) or more realistically a BM-62. Several years ago
they were running between $650-$750 at gunshows....at that time seemed
to be somewhat high and I passed on several rifles. A year ago price
jumped to between $900-$1,000, and the last BM-62 (which was advertised
as a BM-59 BTW) I saw back in January had asking price of $1,495. Ouch!
At that price I just couldn't justify the purchase....I'll probably kick
myself about it come next year....or the year after.
Robert Gibson
bob hale
#During the late 1950's, many of the world's nations were testing and >
#developing rifles with larger capacity magazines and lighter weight >
#cartridges to fit the modern concept of warfare. In the NATO countries, >
#these trials resulted in the adoption and standardization of the 7.62mm >
#NATO round and various assault rifles. The best known of these are the >
#U.S. Rifle M14 and the Belgian FN-FAL.
When I first read the above, I thought that Robert Gibson had said that
the M14 and FN-FAL were assault rifles. Upon more careful reading I
found that he didn't say that at all, but the reader might erroneously
conclude that the M14 or the FAL were assault rifles.
An assault rifle is defined as one which has selective fire capability
and which fires an intermediate powered cartridge. Neither the M14
nor the FAL nor the M1 fits this definition - these rifles are all
_battle rifles_, not _assault rifles_. An example of an assault rifle
is the M16 - it's light, has full auto capability (if it hasn't been
locked out), and fires an intermediate powered round, the .223.
Please, let's be sure that we properly explain the differences to
those who aren't familiar with firearms.
Bob Hale ha...@brooktree.com