Opinions on the beretta m1951

By all means get it. Not for a carry gun, of course, or for one you are going to put 10,000 rounds through, but I got mine for it's history and link to the 92, and because I have some other Berettas (1935, M70, M85F, 92FX, 92s and I had a 96 but traded it to help purchase a Browning HP in .40).
Clearly, for me at least, it's a range gun to shoot when the spirit moves me (usually "Beretta Day at the Range when I bring a few of 'em). And from my understanding there is no problem with alloy frames. (It's locking block wear that concerns folks.)
One warning, however, DO NOT buy any of the Egyptian versions unless you really, really know your beans about them. Many were made of bad steel, a whole bunch were captured by the Israelis and they shot 'em with really hot submachine gun 9mm and beat 'em up bad, and there were two or three different versions and unless you can translate Arabic, it's tough to tell what is what. Get an Italian-made model and you should be good to go (after checking it out like you would any used pistol).

Had one....sold it. Not the equal of a '92 and no reason to buy except the historic value.

The 1951 is a fine gun if you are a Beretta collector. The lineage of the design and how it becomes the 92 is interesting. But I wouldn't buy it if I was looking for an inexpensive surplus gun as a shooter. The 92S pistols are less expensive and are compatible with current 92 models.

I would (and did) get one as a curiosity piece to be shot occasionally. I collect guns and this one is an interesting example of the designs leading up to the Beretta 92 - and they were a military issue side-arm which brings its own interest. I also got a spare locking block for mine since they are known to be somewhat prone to cracking, though so far my original one has held up fine.

Now, if you're looking for something to use as a "working" gun - it certainly will do that job but it's not optimal due to the dated design. Being single stack the capacity is limited, it's also single-action only with a less than ergonomic safety (so even if you're comfortable carrying cocked and locked it doesn't draw nearly as fast as a 1911 or the like), and the magazine release is in a rather awkward location.

Basically, if this gun will be one of many guns you own, then for sure get one. If it will be one of few, then there are better choices.

At 279 - I'd get it even if only to fuel my fantasy of a single-stack 92.

Todd.

Mine was reliable and accurate. Despite its weight, I found it easy to carry IWB thanks to its incredibly slim profile. Great gun.

Was probably my favorite automatic until I got a P6. Would still have and carry it, but got stolen.

Robk13 said:

That's too bad that yours was stolen! The one I have on order is an alloy frame, maybe that will help out with the overall weight a bit. I was apprehensive due to the current cost of 9mm ammo and I am sitting on what I do have for now, but when things go back to normal I will be a plinking fool with that m1951. Apache, I too have dreams for a single stack 92!

Click to expand...

They DID make a single stack M92, albeit a shortened, compact one, the 92C Type M-

They are quite rare, and spare magazines are made of pure unobtanium, but they do exist. I sold my unfired example for a cool grand a couple years ago.....and regret it to this day.

I have an Interarms Helwan Brigadier, the Egyptian 1951 Beretta 9mm clone.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hi...e-helwanberetta-m1951-the-helwan-951-is-a/amp

The trigger is fair, it’s not all that ergonomic and the sights are minuscule, but it is an interesting piece of Beretta handgun history. For $280 bucks you can’t go wrong .



Add some pics when it comes in and let us know how it shoots for you .

Stay safe.

NIGHTLORD40K said:

They DID make a single stack M92, albeit a shortened, compact one, the 92C Type M-
View attachment 981688
They are quite rare, and spare magazines are made of pure unobtanium, but they do exist. I sold my unfired example for a cool grand a couple years ago.....and regret it to this day.

Click to expand...

I didn't even know that was something to bother looking for. Now, I must see one.

Are magazines so problematic that it is almost a waste to buy a gun without one or two?

Is that a Gunsite logo stamped by the safety?

Todd.

ApacheCoTodd said:

I didn't even know that was something to bother looking for. Now, I must see one.

Are magazines so problematic that it is almost a waste to buy a gun without one or two?

Is that a Gunsite logo stamped by the safety?

Todd.

Click to expand...

Type M magazines can be found on Gunbroker with some patience. Recent sales have averaged around $85 per magazine.

I like mine (top gun) fine. I overwhelmingly like steel single-stacks better than fat-handled plastic double stacks. I shoot full-house loads in mine and there is no discomfort. A real pleasure to shoot.
That's a slim-handled double stack below it .. a model 81.

As stated, it isn't a carry gun but it's well-made.

We have a couple of the late model alloy guns. Bought them to use as our anti carjacking guns. They have been very reliable and do exactly what is required.
Moderately priced service grade pistol that is reliable and easy to shoot. Not a budget killer if they get forgotten or taken away after use.

Nice gun.

Is that some form of safety or hammer drop button up near the hammer axis?

Also, can you tell me about the upgraded locking block?

Todd.

Robk13 said:

As for the locking blocks, I had to borrow some photos from Dkfirearms website. The first photos show the older style locking block and guide rod that were prone to cracking. View attachment 983390
And these second set of photos show the newer/ upgraded style of locking block and guide rod.
In addition to these modifications they also increased the thickness of the slide by several thousandths. It is obvious when looking at the older vs newer slides on the m1951, the newer slide is also much heavier due to this. All of these things were done as a means to solve the cracking/peening locking blocks on these berettas.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanations. Since I can't really tell the difference in the blocks, I guess I'll just note the guide-rods should I ever come across one of these beauties.

Todd.

Robk13 said:

The differences are subtle. On the older one it has a ridge that holds the guide rod in place on the newer one this ridge is eliminated. View attachment 983405

Note the "ridge" on this older one.

View attachment 983406
This later style has that "ridge" eliminated. Now what this does better from an engineering standpoint is beyond me! However, they do seem to hold up better for whatever reason.

Click to expand...

Thanks - quite clear now.

Todd.

Who was the importer for your pistol?