The Beretta Model 38A was one of the very best submachine guns of World War Two. Designed by veteran Beretta engineer Tullio Marengoni (who designed most of Beretta’s pistols as well as the Beretta M1918 SMG and 1918/30 carbine), it was the first Italian weapon to use a cartridge equivalent to 9x19mm Parabellum instead of 9mm Glisenti. Development began in 1935, and the final version entered production in January 1938.
The change from the Model 38 to 38A is unclear, but seem most likely to be the change from the top ejection of the prototypes to the left-side ejection of the production model. The 38A was formally adopted by the Italian Army in July 1938, but issue was delayed until 1940/41 because Beretta first produced a 20,000-unit order for the Romanian military.
By 1941, the basic design had been significantly simplified, and the Model 38/42 would significantly reduce production cost by removing the magazine well cover, barrel shroud, and removable firing pin. Simplified 38/42, 38/43, and 38/44 models would enter production, but original 38As were also manufactured until 1944 (this particular example is dated 1943). The gun was very popular with both Italian and German troops, and production continued under German occupation late in the war. Total numbers are unavailable, but are probably in excellent of 500,000. The gun was so popular that Beretta was able to restart production after the war and continue selling them until the early 1960s.
VIDEO HERE (19:31 minutes)
Ken – since we're on the subject of WW2 weapons I have a weapons related question for you and/or your readers. I don’t know squat about firearms, either civilian or military and have had no luck on the web getting an answer. Dad was in the army during the second war and went into France via Utah beach 3 or 4 days after D Day. He saw action amongst the hedgerows of Normandy northwest of St. Lo. He told of being on tank patrol one day while carrying what he called an “anti-tank gun” when a German officer jumped up from behind a hedgerow just 10 feet away, fired at dad with his pistol, and missed. Dad said he returned fire with his anti-tank gun and blew the guy to smithereens, literally. They found a jawbone when they went back the next day. As a kid I never thought to ask dad about the weapon at the time and he’s long gone now and I can’t find any information about it. It would have had to have been quite portable, a one man unit, and light enough for him to turn and quickly return fire when attacked. Any idea what he was carrying? Thanks for any info you might have.
ReplyDeleteBazooka is pretty much your only choice
DeleteGoetz von Berlichingen
M1 rifle grenade....????
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=161JT0WRVf4
Ed357
Either a Bazooka or, depending on the unit and whether it was a 'pick up', *maybe a Boys anti tank rifle, although that is fairly unlikely.
ReplyDeleteHas one in the arms locker at our department. Beautiful gun. Nice easy shooter I think Beretta ushered in the current style of magazines with this weapon. I do know the model 12 Beretta magazines are interchangeable
ReplyDelete