The Beretta M12 is a select-fire submachine gun with a rich history, used worldwide since its perfection in 1959. Its story is not just one of mechanical precision but of a legacy that spans nearly five centuries. Beretta, the world’s oldest firearms manufacturer, has a lineage dating back to 1526, beginning with Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta. Through the ages, Beretta has built a reputation, crafting weapons that have served in every major European conflict since the mid-seventeenth century.
The Beretta M12, developed by Italian arms engineer Domenico Salza, was introduced in 1961 and swiftly became the standard submachine gun of the Italian Army. It’s a testament to the company’s innovation, responding to the need for compact, reliable, and accurate firearms. The M12’s design features, such as its telescopic bolt which reduces the weapon’s length without sacrificing barrel length or bolt weight, and the forward grip, underscored Beretta’s commitment to functionality and user safety.
Chambered for the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, the M12 is praised for its manageable size and weight, effective range of 150 to 200 meters, and a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. Notably, the M12 set itself apart with its three safeties; a manual safety, an automatic rear grip safety, and a charging handle safety, which ensures the weapon’s reliability and prevents accidental discharge.
The submachine gun has witnessed action across various conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and more recently, the Libyan Civil War. Moreover, its influence extended beyond Italy’s borders, with licensed copies produced in Brazil, Belgium, and Indonesia, and its use reported by forces in South America and Africa.
Over time, Beretta has introduced variants of the M12, such as the M12S with a foldable stock and the PM12-S2 with additional safety features, as well as adaptations requested by the French Gendarmerie Nationale and the Italian Carabinieri. The PM12-S2, for example, introduced an interceptor that prevents accidental fire should the bolt or firing pin suddenly disengage, addressing concerns of user safety with an innovative solution.
Despite the array of new firearms technologies emerging, the Beretta M12S—the most recent iteration with added safety features—remains in production and use. Its resilience is a reflection not only of its design but also of Beretta’s enduring presence in the armaments industry. Managed by the 14th generation of the Beretta family, the company continues to invest in innovation, promising future developments while respecting a storied heritage.
What began with 185 arquebus barrels sold to the Arsenal of Venice over four and a half centuries ago has evolved into an icon of military armament. The M12, with just eighty-four discrete components, remains easy to break down, clean, and reassemble, a characteristic that ensures its continued deployment in the field.
Relevant articles:
– Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing, colegun.com
– The Beretta M12 Submachine Gun Gave America’s Military Hell in Vietnam, The National Interest, Feb 5, 2021
– Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games, Internet Movie Firearms Database
– Beretta PM12, Gun Wiki | Fandom