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==Variants==
==Variants==
The Model 12 was redesigned as the '''Beretta Model 12s''' in 1978 and was styled as "the Ultimate Submachine Gun" when released. The Model 12s uses a 32-round box magazine, and is chambered for the 9×19 mm [[NATO]] cartridge. It utilizes the [[Blowback (arms)|blowback]] principle, and is capable of either semi- or full-automatic fire.
The Model 12<ref>[http://www.dogswar.ru/strelkovoe-oryjie/pistolety-pylemety/3912-pistolet-pylemet-ber.html Beretta M12 Information] </ref> was redesigned as the '''Beretta Model 12s'''<ref>[http://www.dogswar.ru/strelkovoe-oryjie/pistolety-pylemety/3913-pistolet-pylemet-ber.html Beretta M12S Information] </ref> in 1978 and was styled as "the Ultimate Submachine Gun" when released. The Model 12s uses a 32-round box magazine, and is chambered for the 9×19 mm [[NATO]] cartridge. It utilizes the [[Blowback (arms)|blowback]] principle, and is capable of either semi- or full-automatic fire.
A novel feature is the [[grip safety]], which locks the trigger and the bolt in the closed position, thus safeguarding against accidental firing if the grip is not held firmly or if the gun is dropped. The safety and fire-selector switch, which in the original Model 12 were two separate push-pin button (with the fire-selector being a button that activated single-fire or burst fire whether it was pushed on the right side or the left side) have been re-engineered in a modern lever-type selector with three positions (S for "Sicura" or Safety, 1 for Single-fire, R for "Raffica" or Burst fire). The fixed firing pin on the face of the bolt can strike the primer only when the cartridge is chambered fully, and this also avoids accidental firing, according to its designers.
A novel feature is the [[grip safety]], which locks the trigger and the bolt in the closed position, thus safeguarding against accidental firing if the grip is not held firmly or if the gun is dropped. The safety and fire-selector switch, which in the original Model 12 were two separate push-pin button (with the fire-selector being a button that activated single-fire or burst fire whether it was pushed on the right side or the left side) have been re-engineered in a modern lever-type selector with three positions (S for "Sicura" or Safety, 1 for Single-fire, R for "Raffica" or Burst fire). The fixed firing pin on the face of the bolt can strike the primer only when the cartridge is chambered fully, and this also avoids accidental firing, according to its designers.

Revision as of 20:01, 27 March 2011

Beretta Model 12
Beretta M12 without central magazine.
TypeSubmachine gun
Place of origin Italy
Service history
In service1959–present[1]
Used bySee Users
WarsVietnam War, Afghanistan War, Iraq War
Production history
DesignerBeretta
Designed1950–1959[1]
ManufacturerBeretta, Taurus, Defence Industries Corporation, MAS, PT Pindad
Produced1959–present[1]
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
MassMetal stock: Template:Kg to lb (M12)[1]
3.2 kg (7.1 lb) (M12S)
3.480 kg (7.67 lb) (M12S2)
Wood stock: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) (M12)
3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (M12S)
LengthFixed stock: Template:Mm to in[1]
Folding stock: 645 mm (25.4 in) stock extended
418 mm (16.5 in) stock folded
Barrel length200 mm (7.9 in)[1]
Height180 mm (7.1 in)
Cartridge9×19mm Parabellum[1]
ActionBlowback[1]
Rate of fire550 rounds/min[1]
Muzzle velocity380 m/s (1,247 ft/s)[1]
Effective firing range100 to 200 m sight adjustments
Feed system20, 32, 40-round detachable box magazine[1]
SightsTwo-position flip rear aperture, shrouded front post
285 mm (11.2 in) sight radius

The Beretta Model 12 is a 9×19mm Parabellum caliber submachine gun designed by Beretta. It was introduced in 1959 and entered service with the Italian Army the same year.[1] It is also used by various South American and African countries,[2] and made under license in Brazil by Taurus and in Indonesia by PT Pindad.

Development

In the 1950s, 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.

Design details

The Model 12 weighs 3.48 kilograms empty (about 3.820 kg loaded) and is 660 millimeters in length with stock extended (418 mm when retracted). Its short length is achieved by use of a barrel recessed into the bolt head, known as a telescoping bolt. This reduces length without reducing barrel length or bolt weight.[3] It fires from an open bolt and has a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. Its muzzle velocity is 380 meters per second. It is accurate to 200/300 meters.

The barrel and rifling are chromium-plated to prevent fouling. The bolt housing has grooves to allow bolt movement, even in extremely adverse conditions such as exposure to mud, dust, or sand.[4] The exterior surfaces of the firearm are finished with epoxy resin coating for protection against corrosion and damage.

The weapon has a selective-fire option allowing a choice of single shot or fully automatic fire.

The weapon has three safeties: a manual safety which blocks the trigger; an automatic safety on the rear grip which immobilizes the trigger and blocks the bolt in a closed position; and a safety on the cocking handle locking the bolt in case it does not retract sufficiently.

The weapon is provided with a front sight (adjustable for elevation and windage) and a rear sight with a two-position flip aperture (up to 100 m and up to 200 m).

The gun is equipped with a side folding stock, but is also seen rarely with a fixed stock.

Twenty, 32, and 40-round box magazines were available for the original Model 12, which was chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.

Variants

The Model 12[5] was redesigned as the Beretta Model 12s[6] in 1978 and was styled as "the Ultimate Submachine Gun" when released. The Model 12s uses a 32-round box magazine, and is chambered for the 9×19 mm NATO cartridge. It utilizes the blowback principle, and is capable of either semi- or full-automatic fire.

A novel feature is the grip safety, which locks the trigger and the bolt in the closed position, thus safeguarding against accidental firing if the grip is not held firmly or if the gun is dropped. The safety and fire-selector switch, which in the original Model 12 were two separate push-pin button (with the fire-selector being a button that activated single-fire or burst fire whether it was pushed on the right side or the left side) have been re-engineered in a modern lever-type selector with three positions (S for "Sicura" or Safety, 1 for Single-fire, R for "Raffica" or Burst fire). The fixed firing pin on the face of the bolt can strike the primer only when the cartridge is chambered fully, and this also avoids accidental firing, according to its designers.

The PM12S was also designed with easy field-stripping and reassembly in mind, which has been simplified and can be accomplished without tools. It can be equipped with a suppressor, but this requires a slight modification of the barrel by a competent gunsmith.

Minus the suppressor and other optional features, the Beretta PM12S is made up of 84 discrete components.

The current version of the Beretta Model 12, called the PM12-S2, spawned from the adoption of the PM12S by the French Gendarmerie Nationale, to be assembled under license at the MAS armaments factory in Saint-Etienne from Italian-made parts. The Gendarmerie asked for a modification, in the form of a further safety device, which allowed both to keep the bolt of the weapon in half-cocked position and acted as an interceptor preventing accidental fire should the bolt or the firing pin suddenly disengage. The so-modified Model 12s were known in French service as the PM12-SD with SD standing for Demi-arme, or Half-cock. In the mid-1990s, this modification was implemented in all the Model 12 sub-machineguns manufactured by Beretta as a standard factory feature, and the denomination of the sub-machine gun changed to PM12-S2; this is the only Model 12 variant currently manufactured by Beretta.

Users

Carabinieri officers of the Squadrone Eliportato Carabinieri (Carabinieri Helicopter Squadron) armed with M12s.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Gander, Jerry (2002). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003. Jane's Information Group. p. 214, 899–906. ISBN 0710624344.
  3. ^ Hogg, Ian (2000). Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 139. ISBN 0-87341-824-7. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Long, Duncan (1986). Assault Pistols, Rifles, and Submachine Guns. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. p. 17. ISBN 0-87364-353-4.
  5. ^ Beretta M12 Information
  6. ^ Beretta M12S Information
  7. ^ a b http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/armtmuni/metralha.htm
  8. ^ a b Diez, Octavio (2000). Armament and Technology: Handguns. Lema Publications, S.L. ISBN 84-8463-013-7.
  9. ^ "Un repaso a las armas ligeras de Pindad" (in Spanish). ARMAS. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  10. ^ Meyr, Eitan (January 06, 1999). "Special Weapons for Counter-terrorist Units". Jane's — Law Enforcement. Retrieved 2009-09-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link) [dead link‍]
  11. ^ The Carabinieri - Armament - Beretta M12
  12. ^ Italian Parliament, Session 46, report of the Minister of the Interior
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