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Beretta M12



Overview


Beretta M12S

Left side view of Beretta M12S sub machine gun with stock in extended position.
Source: www.world.guns.ru - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Italy
Type
Sub machine gun
Entered service
Late 1950's
Status
In service
Development
1950 - 1958
Developer
Italy - Beretta
Production
1958 - present
Producer
Italy - Beretta
Brazil - Taurus
Indonesia - Pindad
Designations
M972 (Brazilian service)
Taurus MT-12 (Brazilian production M12S)
Pindad PM1 (Indonesian production M12)
Pindad PM1A1 (Indonesian production M12S)

Description


Introduction

The M12 is a sub machine gun of Italian origin. It was developed in the 1950's by Beretta. The M12 is a limited cost weapon that has proven to be a reliable design that performs well in wet and dusty environments.

Design

The M12 has a distinctive look with its tubular receiver and forward vertical grip. It is a blowback operated weapon that fires from the open bolt position. The weapon is entirely made out of metal, with the exception of the pistol grip and forward grip. A foldable tubular stock with swivelling butt plate is fitted and a wooden stock is optional.

Firepower

The M12 fires the 9x19mm round from 20, 32 or 40 round magazines. It is a select fire weapon with a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rpm. The maximum effective range is 150 to 200 meters.

Users

The first and foremost user of the M12 is Italy, where it is used by both military and law enforcement. The M12 has also been widely exported and is used in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. Even though more capable designs exist the M12 remains popular for its reliablity, ease of use and low production cost.

Variants


Beretta M12S

Left side view of Beretta M12S sub machine gun with stock in extended position.
Source: www.special-warfare.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the Beretta M12

The M12 is a sub machine gun that can be easily recognized by its tubular receiver and vertial forward grip. The M12 was produced in three variants. All three models are similar at a glance and have an identical performance.

M12
Original production model that was introduced in 1958.
M12S
Improved model that was introduced in 1978 and features a redesigned fire selector and different sights. Also known as PM12S.
PM12S2
The latest production model which has an additional safety on the cocking handle.

Details


Facts Beretta M12 Beretta M12S Beretta PM12S2
General
Origin
Italy
Type
Sub machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine
20, 32, 40 round detachable box
Barrel length
200 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, 250 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
381 m/s
Operation
Action
Blowback operated, open bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
550 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Foldable
Length
645 mm / 418 mm
Weight
3.0 kg empty
Sights
Type
Iron sights, blade front and flip aperture rear
150 and 250 m gradations

Related articles


Beretta PMX

The Beretta PMX was introduced in 2017 to replace the PM12S2 in the Beretta line-up.

Franchi LF-57

The Franchi LF-57 was a contemporary domestic competitor to the Beretta M12, but proved to be less successful.