Beretta Model 70 Cross Bolt Safety

[HolyMan]

I just acquired, with great excitement, a Beretta Model 70 in .22LR. I found that this particular gun was made in 1967 and it has a cross bolt safety as opposed to the "1911 safety."

Got it from a pawn shop with no manual, box, anything. Here's my question:

The only time I can engage the cross bolt safety is with the hammer back, ready to fire; chamber either empty or with a round in chamber. Logic says that's ok since really the only time you need to engage the safety is when it's ready to go.

Experience and/or opinions? Thanks all in advance.

 

[Lone Star]

I think that's normal.

Do you have the flat grips for which that gun was intended, or the US target grips with a thumbrest decreed here after GCA '68 passed? If you have the normal grips, don't lose them or sell them. They are hard to find and make the gun a lot trimmer.

Photos, please! I've always liked the M-70, although I'd prefer one in .380.

 

[Mike OTDP]

The Beretta crossbolt is under-rated. You just press in with your thumb, instead of down - but the bolt is better protected.

Enjoy!

 

[9mmepiphany]

Yup normal operation is for the safety or be applied when the hammer is cocked...Cock-N-Locked, just like a 1911.

I used the side of my thumb joint to press the safety in when shooting

 

[HolyMan]

RE: Crossbolt Safety on Model 70 Beretta

Thanks Lonestar, Yup, got the flat grips! Don't mind a thumb rest, which is what I have on its bigger brother, the .380 but that thumb rest makes hell to holster! The stamp XXIII, according to a table I found on a Beretta site, means it was made in 67. And the "disassemble" is written in Italian "SMONTAGGIO" so I think I have one that wandered across the pond from somebody in Europe. Will get some photos up ASAP. Thanks again!

 

[HolyMan]

Thanks everyone for your input, I can rest easier. I have a Model 70 in .380 too. It's a post GCA because it's a bit larger overall and it has a thumb rest on the grips and the "standard" (non-crossbolt) safety to add, I believe the GCA calls them, "points." Have hardly fired it. First, it's been hel...er, heck to find any .380 ammo and secondly this was a "Desperation Sale" - its owner needed the money AFTER completely restoring it with Beretta parts and all. He didn't tell me until I had it in my hands about ready to say good bye. Felt kinda bad about taking his project but I felt worse that he had to sell something just to get by. Couldn't find a job. So I try to keep it in as good condition as I can. Will get photos of it up as soon as I have a chance.

 

[bannockburn]

HolyMan

The Beretta Model 70 is one nifty .22LR pistol. Mine is the later Model 70S version with the thumb safety and it has been the most reliable .22 I have ever owned. After having problems with its original blued finish I had it hard chrome plated and it's been good to go ever since.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I have some marginal success pushing the safety off with my LEFT HAND by pressing the palm "pad" at the base of my index finger against the safety. It works MOST of the time (a little scary for a defensive gun, but mine is mostly a plinking & small game gun).