Beretta 418
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Pistol · Discontinued · 1919
Also known as: Beretta Model 418, Beretta Bantam, Beretta Panther
Overview
The Beretta 418 is a compact .25 ACP blowback-operated semi-automatic pocket pistol produced by Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta from 1919 to 1958. The culmination of Beretta's early small-caliber vest-pocket pistol line, it features a striker-fired action, an 8-round detachable box magazine, a dual safety system combining a grip safety with a frame-mounted manual thumb safety, and a steel slide over an alloy frame in later production. It was widely carried as a concealed backup and self-defense sidearm, and was marketed in the United States as the 'Bantam' and later the 'Panther'.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 310 g (10.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Barrel Length | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 232 m/s (761 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 87 J (64 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as .25 Auto, 6.35mm Browning, 6.35x16mmSR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Thumb Safety
- Features: Concealable Pocket Pistol, Fixed Sights, Exposed Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 140,000 · Production years: 1919-1958
Marketed in the US as the Bantam (from c.1952) and the Panther (from c.1958)
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Around 140,000 examples were produced over its production life. Late-1940s production introduced lighter alloy frames. The 418 is famous as the original pistol of Ian Fleming's literary James Bond across the first five novels, described as 'a very flat .25 Beretta automatic with a skeleton grip', before being replaced by the Walther PPK.
Background
The Beretta 418 is best known as the original sidearm of Ian Fleming's literary James Bond, carried through the first five novels. In 'From Russia, with Love' Bond's Beretta suppressor snags on his waistband at a critical moment, prompting M to order him to switch to the Walther PPK in 'Dr. No'.