Blank Frame M34 Beretta

[majspud]

Put a deposit down on a M34 Beretta in .380. This was one of the guns I didn't want to sell last year as it was a small comfortable carry piece with a punch. It is also a top eject, and so it is friendly to left handed shooters. The curved magazine toe-grip makes the handling very secure. This is a rare blank slide variation produced after the fall of the Mussolini government and the surrender of Italy. This variation is in the G block and was produced from July-August of 1943. Pistols were needed, and Beretta stayed in production until they knew what to stamp on the slide once the politics were settled. SN on this piece is G40074, and falls nicely into that time slot. Finish is a decent 85% or so, and the bore is strong but a little dark. Should clean up well.

t

 

[majspud]

Picked up the pistol today from lay-a-way. It is in better condition than I remember; nearly perfect. Excellent hi-polish finish all around. Hope to try it out tomorrow. Different crown proof of the side than an army piece, and CAL9 on the right above the trigger.

t

 

[majspud]

Anyone have or know of an original .380 magazine for sale?

t

 

[majspud]

Very nice early morning conditions; 78F, no wind, sunny, and a shady corner of the range at 42.5 feet. Unfortunately the lanyard ring protrudes far beyond the grip into my left hand making it uncomfortable to shoot. Pistol shoots low at this distance. Had to aim at the top of the black. Also shot better with a finger tip on the trigger rather than a curled finger.

t

 

[majspud]

Ammo was a new box of Magtech FMJRN, rated at 951fps/190ft/lbs.

No issues save 2 rounds that I had to tap the slide to seat the round.
t

 

[majspud]

Tried again with 50 rounds of Remington JHP, 88gr, rated at 955fps and 190ft/lbs. 70F, light rain, very humid, no wind, 35 feet. Still low until I covered the target. Group tightened when I gripped the pistol tighter, but then the lanyard ring cuts into my hand. Alas, I don't think this will become a carry piece.

t