The World of Beretta: An International Legend by RL Wilson

by Technical Advisor Brendan Atkinson
Australian Shooter June 2002

If you asked someone to name the oldest industrial firm in the world, it is unlikely that a correct answer would be given. Throw in the fact that this firm is also the oldest gunmaker in the world and the answer may be even more obscure.

In fact, Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, S.p.A, has recently celebrated its 475th anniversary with the publication of a magnificent book, which traces the history and illustrates their unique firearms from then until now. It has more than 360 pages filled with magnificent color photos of Beretta firearms and people and places associated with the legendary firm.

Remarkably, this Italian company is still under the stewardship of the founding family. The ‘birth’ of Beretta is considered to be 1526, confirmed by an order to the company from the Doges of Venice. Copies of this order are held in the Archives of Venice.

All manner of firearms are manufactured by Beretta and are covered in detail in the book. Specifically, you’ll find sections on military rifles and machine-guns, handguns for sport and self-defence, Beretta’s M9, sporting and big game rifles and competition and sporting shotguns. There are also chapters containing extensive technical information and details on the Beretta family, including photos of their magnificent house, the Beretta Villa and the collection of Ugo Gussalli Beretta’s cigarette lighters.

The book, which is sure to be a collector’s item, gives the history of the area known as Val Trompia and the Italian barrel makers of Gardone. Barrels were manufactured here and shipped to many clients around the known world. At one stage the Italian Government banned the export of military barrels, as they considered them to be so good that they did not wish potential enemies to have access to them.

Many famous people have used and promoted Beretta, possibly one of the most familiar being the fictional spy, James Bond. When eventually forced to change to a .380 Walther PPK, he commented that his .25 Beretta had performed flawlessly for 15 years.

The famous racing driver, Jackie Stewart, is a personal friend of Ugo Beretta and owns a model ASE 90 shotgun decorated with Tyrrell Formula One Cars.

For Beretta fans, this book is a must read. The photography is first-class and the narrative presented in a manner that should be of interest even to non-shooters.

See your nearest Beretta dealer for your copy.