| Beretta BM59 | |
|---|---|
 BM59 battle rifle | |
| 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.
- ^ Jowett, Philip (2016). Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70. Oxford: Osprey Publishing Press. p. 20. ISBN 978-1472816092.
- ^ McNab, Chris (2002). 20th Century Military Uniforms (2nd ed.). Kent: Grange Books. p. 158. ISBN 1-84013-476-3.
- ^ McCollum, Ian. "BM59: The Italian M14". youtube.com. Forgotten Weapons. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
- ^ "BM59". a-human-right.com. Volkstudio, TN. Retrieved 2008-10-05.