Beretta model 101 .22lR ???

[Rex B]

I just bought this gun because it looked interesting and was in excellent condition. Now I'm trying to find out something about it, with little luck.

Someone on another board said because of a quirk in the GCA they had to change model numbers for a period, so this 101 is the same as a 71. But mine does not look like a 71, which is a pocket pistol with 8-rnd mag. Mine has a long barrel, adjustable sights, 10-rnd magazine

Here's a pic. Any info appreciated.

 

[otomik]

no, it's not the model number that had to change. it's about the GCA points system. notice the larger grip, barrel and adjustable sights. those are all features designed to get it more points and thereby allow importation. at this time beretta did not have a factory in america.

 

[Myles]

I don't know about the GCA points system, but here's a little info on the history of what it's based on.

First, are you certain that it's a model 101? The 101 had fixed sights.

My first thought was it's an obvious child of the model 1934.

First to mind is the model 948, but they were smaller. The model 71 jaguar would almost fit, too, but same again - short barrel, fixed sights.

The longer barrel and adjustable sights would make it a spitting image of a model 74. An early pre-war 74 can fetch a pretty penny to a shooter.

There was a model 75 Jaguar Plinker model, but it had fixed sights mounted at the rear of the slide.

I'm not certain, but it certainly seems to match what I've been able to find. I also found a post, here in the archives praising the model 74.

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-63496.html

Here are a few pictures of the models in question at a great informative sight.

http://www.berettacollection.com/

Look under medium frames.

I also found an expired auction on one here:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/97686290...ll-Caliber-Tip-Out/pre_war_Model_74_22_LR.htm

Best Wishes.

 

[Rex B]

It clearly says mod. 101 on the right side of the frame
I DL'd a manual titled "Beretta New Jaguar Pistol".
The 2nd page is titled

New Jaguar Beretta .22 L.R. Caliber - mod. 101

...and the photo and specs are correct. No date of any kind.

Here's someone else with one: [URL="http://www.theothersideofkim.com/index.php/ggps/5274/[/URL]

berettacollection.com shows a 101, but says it has fixed sights. The 74 on that page looks identical, with adjustable sights.

 

[Myles]

Hmm.. Okay, I didn't mean to seem pedantic, but I have seen a couple older Beretta models that were not clearly marked.

Maybe the sights were aftermarket, or a custom order from the factory. A darned fine handgun, though. Congrats.

 

[Rex B]

Thanks

I bought it 'cause it looked neat, though it's a bit out of my usual collection range. Not sure if I'll keep it yet. I may see if the wife wants to shoot it. It's very lightweight and points naturally.

 

[bannockburn]

Rex B

You indeed have a Model 101, though it's not really well documented in Wilson's book, The World of Beretta. It's based on the Model 70 series, which replaced the Model 1935 in the early '60s. Production continued through the '80s with the introduction of 81 series in 1980.The Model 70 in .22 was made in several variants, including the models: 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and the 101. Differences in barrel lengths, sights, magazine capacity, and frame material made up the variations within the series. The Model 74 was very simiar in configuration to the Model 101. The GCA68 did require certain changes for foreign manufacturers to make to their guns in order to be imported; but the Model 74 was already equipped with larger grips, a longer barrel, and target sights. I have a Model 70S,which aside from the larger palm swell grips, was already being produced by Beretta in the exact same configuration. I really don't know why they used the Model 101 designation, but as you can tell, it's a nice little .22 which should be fairly accurate and very reliable.

 

[Rex B]

Bannockburn, thanks for the detailed info.