My Beretta BM59... Help Identify By SN

[Skywalker]

Anyone knowledgable with the BM59 Beretta. I've read that some were made from welded receivers and others are modified Garands and even M14 parts as well. I have never gave it much thought but would be nice to properly identify what I have. Low serial number and PB stamped all over it except left side of receiver that says NY. Help me out if you have the knowledge of these guns and there is just to much on the web for me to know. I've had it for 12 years and my friend had it much longer. Some have the bipod and grenade launcher and even a winter trigger. Mine has none of those things. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xmywtfcuwrtig08/AAAutISXYeXZsS5MvZre5p3wa?dl=0

[SideShow Bob]

I?ve wanted a real Beretta BM59 since I shot one in the Mid 1980s. But never had a chance to own one.
Now JSA are reproducing them at a decent price, but can no longer get magazines for them here legally.

https://aimsurplus.com/james-river-armory-bm-59-308-rifle/

[Skywalker]

Thanks Bob. I love the gun and and will never let it go. I have 7 mags with it and glad I have them or would be SOL. The SN on my gun is in 2,xxx and I would love to learn its not a modified one but a real Beretta. Its really almost mint condition with a little damage to the but plate. I hope someone will take the time to help me determine if its all PB or what it really is.


I?ve wanted a real Beretta BM59 since I shot one in the Mid 1980s. But never had a chance to own one.
Now JSA are reproducing them at a decent price, but can no longer get magazines for them here legally.

https://aimsurplus.com/james-river-armory-bm-59-308-rifle/

[bnred9]

I know nothing about these but DROOL on your pics. That is one nice looking rifle.

[Skywalker]

Thanks bud and I appreciate that.


I know nothing about these but DROOL on your pics. That is one nice looking rifle.

[Martinjmpr]

I remember when they first started importing those in the 1980's. Weren't there two similar rifles, the BM-59 and the BM-62? And I thought the BM-59's were converted Garands while the 62's were an all new rifle, or am I remembering that wrong? :confused:

[soupsandwich]

Love the rifle! My BM59 was the sweetest shooting 7.62 I've ever owned, still regret selling it :-(

[Skywalker]

I dind't say it in my post but I was told from my buddy I bought this from it was a BM59 Model 62. With you mentioning the 1980's this gun is from that period from time my friend said he first fount it himself. I think its a true Beretta through and through but I don't know anything and would just enjoy an expert telling me what I have. I'd like to by the bipod but don't want to take away from the value by doing something incorrect.


I remember when they first started importing those in the 1980's. Weren't there two similar rifles, the BM-59 and the BM-62? And I thought the BM-59's were converted Garands while the 62's were an all new rifle, or am I remembering that wrong? :confused:

[Hummer]

That really is a beautiful rifle you have. I'm curious what the markings on the heel of the receiver are on your rifle? I think the original Italian made Beretta semi autos were assembled by Springfield Armory. P. Beretta and Springfield Armory should be stamped on the top of the receiver along with the serial number. M1 conversions would have "CAL 30 M1" crossed out. Google images shows several variations.

[Skywalker]

Hummer, this is helpful. Now I'm feeling pretty good. There is no Springfield on this rifle anywhere all PB. I just added pictures for you to the above link or here again: I see now MOD 62. BERBEN CORP NY NY is a good indicator. Thoughts? THis is not a modified anything I'm thinking... all PB original? https://www.dropbox.com/home/Beretta%20BM59 This is looking to be what I have and in this range of SN's with several thousand ever imported and talks of this butt pad and mine is of course damaged but I think it gives it character. I've never fired it and my buddy never fired it and quite frankly, I'd say it has never been fired. All mags are scratch free and are all PB stamped as well. Not a scratch even on the followers. http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8539


That really is a beautiful rifle you have. I'm curious what the markings on the heel of the receiver are on your rifle? I think the original Italian made Beretta semi autos were assembled by Springfield Armory. P. Beretta and Springfield Armory should be stamped on the top of the receiver along with the serial number. M1 conversions would have "CAL 30 M1" crossed out. Google images shows several variations.

[Hummer]

Hummer, this is helpful. Now I'm feeling pretty good. There is no Springfield on this rifle anywhere all PB. I just added pictures for you to the above link or here again: I see now MOD 62. BERBEN CORP NY NY is a good indicator. Thoughts? THis is not a modified anything I'm thinking... all PB original? https://www.dropbox.com/home/Beretta%20BM59 This is looking to be what I have and in this range of SN's with several thousand ever imported and talks of this butt pad and mine is of course damaged but I think it gives it character. I've never fired it and my buddy never fired it and quite frankly, I'd say it has never been fired. All mags are scratch free and are all PB stamped as well. Not a scratch even on the followers. http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8539

Photo 1 is great, thanks. The bolt stamping that starts with B62 is a further indicator. Berben Corp is a trademark owner for Beretta. Google Beretta B59 receiver markings and images where you'll find many variations. Follow the links on many of those for more info. I saw several companies that sell parts for the BM59 variants, including the rubber stock. Somewhere I rand across a receiver image like yours with a 4 digit serial #. YouTube has several videos on the BM59/62/69. I found these entertaining:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tRScj-cEJs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXu-L8vhPf4

A member here, Apex Parts, may have parts for your rifle.

[Lurch]

Do you have the box and paperwork, if so you have a real gold mine there.

[Skywalker]

I think I have a fine weapon and thanks to you folks for getting me to focus on the fact its a BM59 MOD. 62 BERBEN N.Y. N.Y. which is exactly what I have unmolested the best I can tell. The butt pads were rubber on these civilian versions. Looking already on Gunbroker and Guns America and the MOD 62's are asking quite a price for these. Good right up that I just read leads me to believe I have the BM-69 hybrid which is basically a BM-62 with a bipod and compensator.

Short answer: all three are excellent rifles, worthy of a good spot in your safe. I like the BM-62 best of all, as it is a lot handier without the 7" tricompensator on the end of the barrel (both are 17.4" bbls w/o muzzle device), and it is a semi-only and doesn't make it to the banned lists. I think it is one of the best handling carbine-sized rifles of it's type anywhere. If you like Garands, and you like the short M1A Bush/Scout rifles, you'll go nuts over this one. And it strips down much faster and cleaner than either. Why someone hasn't continued this exceptional design is beyond me. Down side: mags do not interchange with the M1A and cost $60 each.

The real Berettas are better finished than the M1As, and are built on forged receivers. But there are a lot of non-Beretta rifles out there, so it is a buyer beware situation.

The long answer version: The real real Beretta BM-59 would be a select fire Class 3 firearm and and there were very few available for sales to civilians. That tricompensator is highly effective, and it is way more controllable in full auto than the M14 (see http://myweb.cableone.net/uziforme/Beretta.WMV), but the extra 7" is less desirable in a semi. Some kits for modifying Garands did make it to the civilian market, so converted Garands exist in a number of BM-59 variations. Do NOT believe something is a BM-62 of BM-59 just because it is advertised as one, and do not pay Beretta prices for non-Berettas, although the Reece/Springfield version looks decent, and uses most good parts. Beware of buildups using Garand gas cylinders from other mfgrs -- some of them will have the problems "Tankers" have. The genuine Italian-made Berettas were imported by Berben Corp, NY, NY and are marked "Made In Italy" -- these are the real thing made with typical Beretta quality.

The BM-62 is a clean, semi-auto-only version manufactured for the civilian market. Even in preban days, lacked the extended "tricompensator" (*much* longer, combining a flash hider, compensator designed to control full-auto firing, and grenade launcher), grenade launcher sight, all the select fire parts and receiver differences (if you have a real full-auto BM-59), as well as the bayonet lug, bipod, and winter trigger. [Since it was designed without these "evil features", and didn't have a pistol grip, it didn't make the banned lists.] The muzzle has a short, solid (uncut) muzzle brake-like attachment which had no holes cut and no bayonet lug, and the stock is a civilian version without the selector, connector, and folding bipod cuts.
Being shorter and lighter, the 62 handles better than the 59, but is fully functional, and lacks only a good muzzle break, which you can get a 'smith to cut for you (try Smith Ent.).
The stock had no cuts for the full-auto mechanicals or bipod, and the whole thing looks a lot "cleaner" since it lacks the "tricompensator" and the unnecessary stuff SA hung on their versions. Since they are marked BM-62, not BM-59, and are built specifically as sporting arms, they have fewer regulatory issues connected with having a gelded version of a full-auto rifle. The BM-62 was the favorite of the late Mel Tappan. You can see pictures of BM-59, 62, and 69 models (and buy 'em) at http://www.reesesurplus.com -- note the gap between the gas cylinder and the barrel. Reece also sells BM-59 parts and magazines, and quite a few trigger group parts interchange with the M1Garand and/or M14 / M1A.. Reece is the family which owns Springfield Armory, Inc. and produces the M1A. There are also several variations with different barrel lengths, E2 or folding stocks, and different compensators. There is also a BM-69 hybrid which is basically a BM-62 with a bipod and compensator.
You can find highly detailed information in the Beretta Technical Brochure (4-language PDF) -- the index is at http://www.berettaworld.com/index.aspx?m=53&did=38 DEAD LINKS
Also download this PDA file: Beretta's BM59: The Ultimate Garand, 2002 GUNS Magazine Combat Annual available at: http://gunsmagazine.com/bm59.html DEAD LINKS

Hope this helps
-- cw

[Skywalker]

Thanks for the help Hummer and the rest of you as well. I appreciate this and I really had no clue to focus on the MOD 62 which is the key to this gun for sure. Great vids BTW and I may purchase a new butt stock if its correct. I'll contact APEX and see what they may have. With mine being so clean inside and out I think the flash hider with the holes and all came with it and is a rare variant of the 62 with that specific 59 part.


Photo 1 is great, thanks. The bolt stamping that starts with B62 is a further indicator. Berben Corp is a trademark owner for Beretta. Google Beretta B59 receiver markings and images where you'll find many variations. Follow the links on many of those for more info. I saw several companies that sell parts for the BM59 variants, including the rubber stock. Somewhere I rand across a receiver image like yours with a 4 digit serial #. YouTube has several videos on the BM59/62/69. I found these entertaining:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tRScj-cEJs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXu-L8vhPf4

A member here, Apex Parts, may have parts for your rifle.

[Skywalker]

Lurch, I do not have the box and paperwork but what I would give for it! My buddy moved to Germany after he was married off and hard telling what his status is now. If I can ever contact him I could ask but its doubtful.


Do you have the box and paperwork, if so you have a real gold mine there.