Beretta MAB 38
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1938
Also known as: Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938, Beretta Model 38A, MAB 38A, Beretta M38
Overview
The Beretta MAB 38 (Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938) is an Italian blowback submachine gun designed by Tullio Marengoni and adopted by the Royal Italian Army in 1938. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, it is widely regarded as the most effective Italian small arm of the Second World War, prized for its accuracy, reliability, and solid wooden stock. Its distinctive dual-trigger arrangement allowed the operator to select semi-automatic fire with the front trigger and full-automatic fire with the rear trigger, and a perforated barrel jacket aided cooling during sustained fire.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4970 g (175.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 946 mm (37.24") |
| Barrel Length | 315 mm (12.40") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Dual Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 420 m/s (1378 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 657 J (485 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm, 9mm M38
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety Catch
- Features: Dual Trigger Select Fire, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Wooden Stock, Fixed Firing Pin, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Beretta Model 38/42 — Simplified Wartime
- Beretta Model 38/49 — Postwar
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1938 · as Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1943 · as MP 738(i)
- Romanian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1938-1961
Produced in large numbers through World War II and into the postwar period across multiple simplified variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Tullio Marengoni
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
The MAB 38 spawned a long family of simplified wartime and postwar derivatives (38/42, 38/43, 38/44, 38/49) that progressively replaced milled parts with stamped sheet steel to ease mass production.
Background
Italian paratroopers and assault troops favoured the MAB 38 for its hard-hitting accuracy, and captured examples were eagerly used by German and Allied soldiers alike, who often rated it superior to their own issue submachine guns.