Beretta PM12S
Beretta · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1978
Also known as: Model 12S, PM12S, Beretta Model 12S
Overview
The Beretta PM12S (Model 12S) is the improved variant of the Beretta M12 submachine gun, introduced in 1978. It retains the M12's compact telescoping (wrap-around) bolt, open-bolt blowback action and side-folding metal stock, while combining the original's two separate cross-bolt buttons into a single three-position selector lever (safe/semi/auto) and adding reinforced internals, improved flip-aperture sights, a two-position folding stock and an anti-corrosion phosphate-and-epoxy finish. It became the standard submachine gun of the Italian police and was widely exported and license-produced.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3770 g (133.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Folded Length | 418 mm (16.46") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Height | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Sight Radius | 285 mm (11.22") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 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, Open Bolt, Folding Metal Stock, Front And Rear Grip, Combined Three Position Selector, Flip Aperture Rear Sight, Tool Less Field Stripping
Variants
- Beretta M12 — Original
- Beretta PM12-S2 — Improved Safety
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Italian State Police · adopted 1978 · as PM12S
- Italian Carabinieri · as PM12S
- Indonesian Armed Forces
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Years of Lead (Italy) (1968-1988)
- The Troubles (1968-1998)
Production
Production years: 1978-present
Widely exported and license-produced in Brazil (Taurus) and Indonesia (Pindad); exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Domenico Salza
Notes
The PM12S differs from the original M12 chiefly in its unified single three-position selector lever, reinforced components, improved sights and corrosion-resistant finish, plus tool-less field stripping. Made under license in Brazil by Taurus and in Indonesia by Pindad; the current production model is the PM12-S2, which adds a safety integrated into the cocking handle.
Background
The PM12's signature trick is its wrap-around telescoping bolt: roughly two-thirds of the barrel sits inside the hollow bolt, shifting its mass forward so that full-automatic muzzle climb is naturally damped without any need for a muzzle brake.