Beretta M12
Beretta · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1959
Also known as: Model 12, PM12, Model 12S, PM12S
Overview
The Beretta M12 is a 9x19mm Parabellum select-fire submachine gun developed by Beretta and first produced in 1959. It uses a telescoping bolt that wraps around the rear of the barrel to keep the weapon compact, paired with a side-folding metal stock and twin pistol grips for controllable two-handed automatic fire. Adopted by the Italian armed forces and police and widely exported and license-produced abroad, the improved Model 12S remains in production.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3820 g (134.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Folded Length | 418 mm (16.46") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Height | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 379 m/s (1243 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Telescoping Bolt, Folding Metal Stock, Front And Rear Grip, Two Position Aperture Rear Sight
Variants
- Beretta Model 12S — Improved
- Beretta PM12-S2 — Improved Safety
Service history
Operators
- Italian Carabinieri · adopted 1973
- Italian Army · adopted 1992
- French Gendarmerie Nationale · as PM12S
- Brazilian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Years of Lead (Italy) (1968-1988)
Production
Production years: 1959-present
Widely exported and license-produced in Brazil (Taurus) and Indonesia (Pindad); exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Domenico Salva
Notes
Made under license in Brazil by Taurus and in Indonesia by Pindad; the French PM12S was assembled under license at the MAS factory in Saint-Etienne. The telescoping (overhung) bolt design allows a full-length barrel within a very short overall package.
Background
The M12 saw its combat debut during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when U.S. Marines guarding the American embassy in Saigon used Italian Beretta M12s to repel a Viet Cong assault.