Bernardelli P018

Vincenzo Bernardelli · Pistol · Discontinued · 1985

Also known as: Bernardelli P-018, P018S

Overview

The Bernardelli P018 is an Italian double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol introduced in the mid-1980s by Vincenzo Bernardelli of Gardone Val Trompia, intended as a police and civilian sidearm. It uses a Browning-type linkless tilting-barrel short-recoil system with an all-steel frame and a 16-round double-stack magazine in 9x19mm. A 7.65mm Parabellum version was offered for European markets where military-caliber ownership was restricted.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	998 g (35.2 oz)
Overall Length	213 mm (8.39")
Barrel Length	122 mm (4.80")
Action Type	Short Recoil
Firing Mechanism	Double Action Single Action
Trigger Type	Double Action
Magazine Capacity	16 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy	481 J (355 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	50 m (55 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Number of Grooves	6
Frame Material	Steel
Slide Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Finish	Blued

Calibers

9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
Features: Browning Tilting Barrel, External Hammer, Double Stack Magazine, Dovetail Sights

Variants

Bernardelli P018 Compact — Compact

Service history

Operators

Italian police forces

Production

Production years: 1985-2000s

Exact production figures not publicly documented

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Notes

Offered chambered in both 9x19mm Parabellum and 7.65mm Parabellum. Saw service with some European police forces but never achieved the commercial success of competing Italian designs from Beretta.

Background

The P018 was Vincenzo Bernardelli's bid for the wonder-nine market of the 1980s - a steel-framed 16-shot service pistol from a centuries-old Italian house better known for fine shotguns than for chasing police contracts.