Shooting Beretta's M1934 .380 pistol

duelist1954 · December 3, 2012, 07:05 AM

I've been told that, following the Luger, the Beretta Model 1934 was the second most popular war trophy in North Africa during WWII.

This Beretta M1934 belongs to a friend of mine. The little .380 auto served as the sidearm for the Italian army from 1934 until the end of 1991. This is a nice compact gun that is really fun to shoot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9d92FMwGMo

Winchester_73 · December 3, 2012, 07:37 AM

I actually hated shooting mine. It feels like shooting a crowbar or something. I thought the recoil was snappy due to the weight and grip angle. They are nice little pistols overall though. I had a Italian Army proofed one, "RE" marked IIRC that I sold some time ago. I would like to find another.

As far as it being a popular North African trophy, that is believable.

Guv · December 3, 2012, 11:08 AM

I would love to have one, nice gun duelist.

TailGator · December 3, 2012, 04:37 PM

A close friend of mine inherited one that his father had brought home after fighting his way up the Italian peninsula. He is not an avid pistol guy, so I helped him with cleaning it up and lubing it. We took it to the range and I was quite surprised how snappy the little bugger was. I was also all over the paper with it. I like most Beretta pistols, but I felt a bit disappointed in that one.

Northrider · December 4, 2012, 01:54 AM

My best friend gave me his, claimed he had no use for it. I love shooting it. Only complaint I have is the awkward mag release. It fits my hand much better than my LCP and locks open after last shot. Would not sell it or trade it off.

Shoot safe and often

Billy Shears · December 9, 2012, 07:29 PM

In my own personal opinion the Beretta Model 1934 was, and quite possibly still is, the best .380 handgun ever made. Larger and more comfortable than the LCP, but smaller and more concealable than the Cheetah, the 1934 is an ideal size for a .380 pistol in my mind.

They are indestructible, relatively affordable, almost perfectly ergonomic little pistols and are a real joy to shoot even for extended afternoon range sessions. Mine has no recoil to speak of and, despite crude military style sights, shoots straight to point of aim every time.

I can't speak highly enough of these little pistols and wish Beretta would reintroduce them.

A very elegant little weapon.

TennJed · December 9, 2012, 10:21 PM

Saw one in a pawn shop not long ago. Made the mistake of going home to think about it. It was gone when I got back. Stupid me

Billy Shears · December 10, 2012, 07:36 PM

Hey Duelist,

When you have a chance, would you mind posting a picture of your little Beretta's firing pin? Is yours the fat, blunt variety that looks like a cut off toothpick and leaves wide craters in your primers or does yours look more "normal?" If it is the fat kind, how is it working out for you?

Thanks

RickB · December 10, 2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

almost perfectly ergonomic little pistols

You certainly can't include the operation of the manual safety in that assessment.

Billy Shears · December 10, 2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

You certainly can't include the operation of the manual safety in that assessment.

Oh, I don't know. Seems to work just fine for me and I find it to be a very intuitive design. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. It's not a 1911 or P35, but I never expected it to be. Not everything has to be the fastest tactical switch in the west. When I hold a 1934 in my big right paw I find the safety/slide release lever exactly where I expect it to be and to move in a very natural, albeit lengthy, motion.

My only complaint about the setup is that I'm left handed. But when I shoot the pistol right handed it feels right.

I get a little hammer bite from the 1934, but no more than many other pistols I own. I guess I just have fat hands.

RickB · December 11, 2012, 01:17 PM

I'm also a lefty, but even if I were a righty, don't think I could characterize a gun that required a reach to rotate the safety through 180 degrees as "almost perfectly ergonomic".
Of course, I also find the Luger to be one of the least "natural" pointers I've ever shot, so maybe my hands aren't natural?
My dad had two Colt hammerless models, and a Savage 1907, but carried the Beretta when he traveled.

Billy Shears · December 11, 2012, 01:46 PM

Well, that's the beauty of living in a free country, I suppose. I can make a statement expressing an opinion and not have to justify it or prove it to be true for anyone other than myself.

You seem hell bent on proving that I'm wrong about the 34's ergos, but appear to miss where I said that it was all my "opinion." I thought I was fairly clear about that.

Bottom line: I think the 1934 is nearly perfect. You don't. Let's leave it at that. It's Christmas and there's no prize awarded to the guy who convinces the other guy to change his mind.

.

RickB · December 11, 2012, 02:10 PM

Sorry, I didn't get the email indicating this thread was closed to discussion? Express opinons only?

Sharpsdressed Man · December 11, 2012, 02:28 PM

Back to shooting the 1934: Mine is fun to shoot, but I am having a hard time making it as accurate as my Colt .32 or Walther .32. I don't have another .380 to compare it to at present, but my take is this particular 1934 just may just have "average" accuracy for the model. Still, perfectly fine for combat, but I am not going to hit an egg at 20 yards all the time. Super reliable; eats anything I can fit in the magazines. I don't think anyone can wear one out; they are built to last.

LockedBreech · December 11, 2012, 02:29 PM

Saw a pristine one at an LGS for like $400 a few months ago. Never have regretted my limited funds so much.

Billy Shears · December 11, 2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Saw a pristine one at an LGS for like $400 a few months ago.

Wow. That's a really good price for a pristine model. Too bad you couldn't take that one home. Do you recall if it was wartime production or one of the later commercial exports?

LockedBreech · December 11, 2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threedogdad

Wow. That's a really good price for a pristine model. Too bad you couldn't take that one home. Do you recall if it was wartime production or one of the later commercial exports?

Unfortunately I knew if I handled it, I WOULD bring it home and not have rent money. My love for Beretta is irrationally strong. I wanted to avoid the temptation so I left pretty much when I saw the price.

Billy Shears · December 11, 2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

My love for Beretta is irrationally strong. I wanted to avoid the temptation so I left pretty much when I saw the price.

You have much better will power than I do. Hopefully though, whoever bought that one took it out and enjoyed it. Too many 1934s have become safe queens when they ought to be out punching holes in Coke cans. The pistols are built to last forever. No reason not to shoot them, especially the post war imports.

Sharpsdressed Man · December 11, 2012, 05:33 PM

Just when I think accuracy from my 1934 is not stellar, I try something a little different. Instead of shooting bargain priced 95gr. FMJ's, I go out to the range this afternoon, and take some reloads topped with Speer 90gr. Gold Dot HP's. I had loaded them some time ago, over 3.2gr. of Bullseye, and apparently clocked them at 940fps. Enclosed is a target. It pays to try more than one type of ammo before judging a gun's accuracy. Duh. [IMG]

[/IMG]

Billy Shears · December 11, 2012, 05:50 PM

Very nice shooting, especially at that distance and with those tiny little sights.

Where do you find economically priced Gold Dots for reloading? I've loaded and fired nearly 5,000 rounds of .380 this year, but it's all been either cast or plated, none of that fancy brand name stuff.

LockedBreech · December 11, 2012, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threedogdad

You have much better will power than I do. Hopefully though, whoever bought that one took it out and enjoyed it. Too many 1934s have become safe queens when they ought to be out punching holes in Coke cans. The pistols are built to last forever. No reason not to shoot them, especially the post war imports.

Couldn't agree more. I shoot my grandpa's Colt Python regularly

Sharpsdressed Man · December 11, 2012, 06:00 PM

Thanks Threedogdad. Secret message sent.

duelist1954 · December 11, 2012, 06:02 PM

I agree. That's really good shooting from 25 yards. I'd be proud to have shot that target.

Sharpsdressed Man · December 11, 2012, 06:16 PM

I was shocked myself when I trotted down to look at it!

I don't always do that well with ANY gun. I might add that I was under an overhang, we had an overcast day, and there was no glare and I could make out the sight alignment better than other days when out in the sun, etc. Good day for articulating the sights. Bright, sunny days could also have added to the previously poor results from shooting the 1934.

Billy Shears · December 11, 2012, 06:54 PM

Quote:

I might add that I was under an overhang, we had an overcast day, and there was no glare and I could make out the sight alignment better than other days when out in the sun, etc. Good day for articulating the sights.

No need to be so humble. Good shooting is good shooting. I shot another hundred rounds through mine yesterday but only at 10 yards. I can keep my groups pretty small at that range, but that's not saying much. I'll have to try it out to 25 tomorrow and see if I can match your score.

Bottom line though, for a pistol with a 3 inch barrel, an 8 pound trigger, miniscule sights and a "puny" caliber, these little pistols are regularly capable of impressive performance. I have only fired a few hollowpoints through mine since I've owned it, but I've fired hundreds of short little flat point plated bullets through it and it chambered everything with no problem. Accurate, reliable, durable and easy to look at, the Beretta Model 1934 is a great little pistol that really deserves to be updated and brought back into production.

December 3, 2012, 07:05 AM	#1
duelist1954 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2011 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 567	Shooting Beretta's M1934 .380 pistol I've been told that, following the Luger, the Beretta Model 1934 was the second most popular war trophy in North Africa during WWII. This Beretta M1934 belongs to a friend of mine. The little .380 auto served as the sidearm for the Italian army from 1934 until the end of 1991. This is a nice compact gun that is really fun to shoot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9d92FMwGMo

December 3, 2012, 07:37 AM	#2
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	I actually hated shooting mine. It feels like shooting a crowbar or something. I thought the recoil was snappy due to the weight and grip angle. They are nice little pistols overall though. I had a Italian Army proofed one, "RE" marked IIRC that I sold some time ago. I would like to find another. As far as it being a popular North African trophy, that is believable. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

December 9, 2012, 07:29 PM	#6
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	In my own personal opinion the Beretta Model 1934 was, and quite possibly still is, the best .380 handgun ever made. Larger and more comfortable than the LCP, but smaller and more concealable than the Cheetah, the 1934 is an ideal size for a .380 pistol in my mind. They are indestructible, relatively affordable, almost perfectly ergonomic little pistols and are a real joy to shoot even for extended afternoon range sessions. Mine has no recoil to speak of and, despite crude military style sights, shoots straight to point of aim every time. I can't speak highly enough of these little pistols and wish Beretta would reintroduce them. A very elegant little weapon. Last edited by Billy Shears; December 9, 2012 at 10:37 PM.

December 9, 2012, 10:21 PM	#7
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	Saw one in a pawn shop not long ago. Made the mistake of going home to think about it. It was gone when I got back. Stupid me Last edited by TennJed; December 10, 2012 at 09:44 PM.

December 11, 2012, 02:29 PM	#15
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	Saw a pristine one at an LGS for like $400 a few months ago. Never have regretted my limited funds so much. __________________ 16 Pistols, 5 Rifles, 1 Shotgun, no time to shoot them

December 3, 2012, 11:08 AM	#3
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	I would love to have one, nice gun duelist.

December 3, 2012, 04:37 PM	#4
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	A close friend of mine inherited one that his father had brought home after fighting his way up the Italian peninsula. He is not an avid pistol guy, so I helped him with cleaning it up and lubing it. We took it to the range and I was quite surprised how snappy the little bugger was. I was also all over the paper with it. I like most Beretta pistols, but I felt a bit disappointed in that one.

December 4, 2012, 01:54 AM	#5
Northrider Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2011 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 228	My best friend gave me his, claimed he had no use for it. I love shooting it. Only complaint I have is the awkward mag release. It fits my hand much better than my LCP and locks open after last shot. Would not sell it or trade it off. Shoot safe and often

December 10, 2012, 07:36 PM	#8
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	Hey Duelist, When you have a chance, would you mind posting a picture of your little Beretta's firing pin? Is yours the fat, blunt variety that looks like a cut off toothpick and leaves wide craters in your primers or does yours look more "normal?" If it is the fat kind, how is it working out for you? Thanks

December 11, 2012, 01:17 PM	#11
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,517	I'm also a lefty, but even if I were a righty, don't think I could characterize a gun that required a reach to rotate the safety through 180 degrees as "almost perfectly ergonomic". Of course, I also find the Luger to be one of the least "natural" pointers I've ever shot, so maybe my hands aren't natural? My dad had two Colt hammerless models, and a Savage 1907, but carried the Beretta when he traveled.

December 11, 2012, 01:46 PM	#12
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	Well, that's the beauty of living in a free country, I suppose. I can make a statement expressing an opinion and not have to justify it or prove it to be true for anyone other than myself. You seem hell bent on proving that I'm wrong about the 34's ergos, but appear to miss where I said that it was all my "opinion." I thought I was fairly clear about that. Bottom line: I think the 1934 is nearly perfect. You don't. Let's leave it at that. It's Christmas and there's no prize awarded to the guy who convinces the other guy to change his mind. .

December 11, 2012, 02:10 PM	#13
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,517	Sorry, I didn't get the email indicating this thread was closed to discussion? Express opinons only?

December 11, 2012, 02:28 PM	#14
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	Back to shooting the 1934: Mine is fun to shoot, but I am having a hard time making it as accurate as my Colt .32 or Walther .32. I don't have another .380 to compare it to at present, but my take is this particular 1934 just may just have "average" accuracy for the model. Still, perfectly fine for combat, but I am not going to hit an egg at 20 yards all the time. Super reliable; eats anything I can fit in the magazines. I don't think anyone can wear one out; they are built to last.

December 11, 2012, 05:33 PM	#19
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	Well, Shut My Mouth! Just when I think accuracy from my 1934 is not stellar, I try something a little different. Instead of shooting bargain priced 95gr. FMJ's, I go out to the range this afternoon, and take some reloads topped with Speer 90gr. Gold Dot HP's. I had loaded them some time ago, over 3.2gr. of Bullseye, and apparently clocked them at 940fps. Enclosed is a target. It pays to try more than one type of ammo before judging a gun's accuracy. Duh. [IMG][/IMG]

December 11, 2012, 05:50 PM	#20
Billy Shears Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Posts: 606	Very nice shooting, especially at that distance and with those tiny little sights. Where do you find economically priced Gold Dots for reloading? I've loaded and fired nearly 5,000 rounds of .380 this year, but it's all been either cast or plated, none of that fancy brand name stuff.

December 11, 2012, 06:00 PM	#22
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	Thanks Threedogdad. Secret message sent.

December 11, 2012, 06:02 PM	#23
duelist1954 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2011 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 567	I agree. That's really good shooting from 25 yards. I'd be proud to have shot that target.

December 11, 2012, 06:16 PM	#24
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	I was shocked myself when I trotted down to look at it! I don't always do that well with ANY gun. I might add that I was under an overhang, we had an overcast day, and there was no glare and I could make out the sight alignment better than other days when out in the sun, etc. Good day for articulating the sights. Bright, sunny days could also have added to the previously poor results from shooting the 1934.

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