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PM12
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Beretta PM12 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Italy, and other military and police organizations around the world |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1959 |
| Variants | M12, M12S |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.0 kg |
| Length | 660 mm |
| Barrel length | 200 mm |
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| Caliber | 9mm Parabellum |
| Rate of fire | 500 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 363 m/s (~1200 ft/s) |
| Feed system | 20, 32, 40 box magazine |
In the 1950's, Pietro Beretta Spa., Italy, developed the first Beretta submachine gun prototypes, models 6-11. Model 12 was the final production model, and was soon followed by the M12S with differences in the safety and other mechanics.
This submachine gun uses a telescopic bolt which encapsulates 3/4 of the barrel to reduce size and recoil. It fires 9x19mm from the open bolt. The M12 has a push-button safety in addition to the grip safety, but the newer M12S replaced it with a fire selector. The fire selector has 3 positions: Safe (S), Single shot (1), and Full auto (R). A safety can also be mounted on the cocking handle to prevent it from moving the bolt. The gun's simplicity makes it a very sturdy and reliable weapon. The bolt housing has grooves to allow for the smoothest bolt movement, even in extremely adverse conditions (fall of the gun in mud and exposure to dust and sand). The gun is equipped with a side folding stock, but is also seen rarely with a fixed stock. The front sight is adjustable for elevation and windage, and the rear sight has a 100m or 200m flip aperture for accurate aimed fire. They are surrounded by sturdy metal guards to protect from impacts. The exterior surfaces of the firearm are finished (after phosphate treatment) with epoxy resin coating, which is excellent protection against corrosion and damage.
- Operation: Blowback
- Users: Italian Special Forces and Carabinieri