Make: Beretta

Model: 1934

Serial#: 897322

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: 9mm Corto (.380 ACP)

Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 3/8”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece metal-backed textured black synthetic panels with "PB" in circle at the bottom of each panel. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered scuffing and small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, serial marked parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore with a little minor pitting just in front of the chamber. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is scattered light finish wear on the slide and normal operational wear. There is some other scattered more minor wear. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The gun comes with a single 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: In the early 1930s, the Italian army was impressed by the Walther PP pistol. Beretta did not want to lose a big military contract to their German competitor and designed the M1934 for the Italian Army, which accepted it in 1937. It was issued as a standard service firearm to the Italian armed forces and remained in use until the adoption of the M92. The Italians liked it so much that they kept it in service even after Beretta designed the M1951 with a larger frame and higher capacity magazine. The M1934 is fitted with the characteristic Beretta open slide, and is known to have a very reliable feeding and extraction cycle.

This pistol is a Model 1934 that was made in 1941 for the Italian Royal Army. Given their performance during WWII, the invasion of the country by both the Allies and the Germans, it is in surprisingly good condition, retaining the great majority of its original finish and serial-matching parts. While it would be considered a pocket pistol by American standards, it was considered a more than adequate military sidearm in the 1940s. Whether you're interested in WWII small arms, Beretta automatics, or just like a nice .380, this will make a neat addition to any collection.