Beretta BM59 | |
---|---|
Type | Battle rifle |
Place of origin | Italy |
Service history | |
In service | 1959–present |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | Nigerian Civil War[1] Anti-guerrilla operations in Indonesia Indonesian invasion of East Timor Lebanese Civil War Falklands War Multinational Force in Lebanon[2] Somali Civil War Libyan Civil War |
Production history | |
Designer | Domenico Salza |
Designed | 1950s |
Manufacturer | Beretta, Bandung Weapons Factory, Defence Industries Corporation |
Unit cost | $42 (1962)[3] |
Produced | 1959 |
Variants | Mark I, Mark II, III/Ital TA, BM59-Para, Mark IV, BM59E |
Specifications | |
Mass | 4.4 kg (9.70 lb) |
Length | 1,095 mm (43.1 in) |
Barrel length | 491 mm (19.3 in) |
Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | 750 rounds per minute |
Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
Sights | Rear aperture, front post |
The BM59 is an automatic battle rifle developed in Italy in 1959. It is based on the M1 Garand rifle, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, modified to use a detachable magazine, and capable of selective fire.[4] Later revisions incorporated other features common to more modern rifles.