B76 information
Did not even hope for so much detailed information so fast. The scans of the manual and disassembly instructions were particularly helpful. Don't want to think about how long it would have taken me to find the takedown latches on my own -- it was difficult enough even knowing which widget to fiddle with.
Ok, mine is not stainless as the seller claimed, it has a really good matte chrome finish. Really had to look to be certain. It has definitely been fired, but not much. Perhaps the factory test rounds, perhaps a box after that, no more. The serial number is 056xx, not 059xx (memory fades as we age).
Both the box and the gun are labeled 'B76', however I would not be surprised if the correct designation really is P76 -- probably not enough of them made to justify nit-picky markings.
Now that I understand what I have, the decision of whether to shoot it a lot, a little, or not at all becomes difficult. The box is kinda ragged, there is no original manual with it, but it still rates as almost-new-in-box.
Do I keep this as a safe queen (I already have quite a few queens in my safe) or have fun shooting it? Is the experience of putting a box or two of ammo through a rare pistol worth turning it into a used rare pistol? Need to think this through a bit.
Thanks for all the good inputs. Now at least I have some solid facts to consider.
One last question, if anyone can answer: Given that this design did not make the cut as a standard sidearm for the Italian army, what did?
Thanks all
HH