Bernardelli Minerva

Vincenzo Bernardelli S.p.A. · Rifle · In Production

Also known as: Minerva Express

Overview

The Bernardelli Minerva (Minerva Express) is a high-grade side-by-side double rifle with exposed hammers, built by the Italian gunmaker Vincenzo Bernardelli and chambered for the 9.3x74mm R big-game cartridge. It features a Boss-style double closing system, double triggers, a hand-cut rib, fancy walnut stock, a special hand-cocking device with a safe-act, adjustable trigger weight and sights, and predisposition for scope mounting. It is a classic dangerous- and large-game hunting rifle.

Specifications

Action Type	Break Action
Firing Mechanism	Hammer Fired
Trigger Type	Double Trigger
Magazine Capacity	2 rounds
Magazine Type	Internal
Muzzle Velocity	700 m/s (2297 fps)
Muzzle Energy	4540 J (3349 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	150 m (164 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Walnut
Finish	Blued

Calibers

9.3x74mm R · primary — also known as 9.3x74R

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Break Open Manual Loading
Safety mechanisms: Exposed Hammers, Hand Cocking Device, Safe Act
Features: Side By Side Barrels, Exposed Hammers, Double Triggers, Hand Cut Rib, Fancy Walnut Stock, Boss Style Double Closing System, Adjustable Stock, Custom Trigger Weight, Adjustable Sight, Scope Mounting Predisposition

Service history

Operators

Civilian hunters and sport shooters

Production

Hand-built premium sporting rifle produced in limited quantities

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Notes

An exposed-hammer express double rifle in the Bernardelli premium sporting line; verified dimensional specifications (barrel length, weight, overall length) were not available from the consulted sources.

Background

Bernardelli named this exposed-hammer express rifle after Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, reflecting the gun's role as a dependable companion for pursuing the most dangerous big game.