Beretta Model 3

The Beretta Model 3 is a 9 millimeter Italian submachine gun produced from 1956 to 1959. The Model 3 was essentially the World War II-era model Beretta 38/42 completely redesigned for more efficient production.

By: GlockMan Posted: June 15, 2007

Background and Design

The wooden stock of the original 38/42 was replaced with a more durable steel folding stock. A pistol grip was added at the trigger guard and the 20 to 30 round magazine receiver was lengthened to provide a solid foregrip.

Single shot or fully-automatic fire is selectable by the use of two distinct triggers, and the weapon fires from an open bolt. The M3 is relatively slow cyclic rate of fire at about 550 shots per minute, and extremely low recoil make the submachine gun highly accurate during selective or full automatic fire. The weapon is accurate to approximately 200 meters. The Model 3 weighs about 3.5 kilograms empty (about 7.7 lb) and is approx. 711 mm in length with stock extended and 508 mm when retracted.

The weapon has available 20-round and 40-round box magazines for the Model 3. The Beretta Model 3 is chambered for the 9 mm Parabellum cartridge.

The Model 3 was ultimately succeeded by the Beretta Model 12 in 1959.