Beretta Gardone 1940 Information Needed

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07-30-2020, 07:41 PM
RetK9

6 Attachment(s)

Beretta Gardone 1940 Information Needed

New guy with a new to me Beretta Gardone 1940-XVIII. My wife picked this up for me at an estate sale. I have been doing a lot of research and know just enough to confuse myself. I am hoping someone smarter can help.
I believe this would be considered a model 91, but which one? Calvary model, TS or 91/24. Not too sure if the furniture is original or if there has been any modifications over the years but it is in good shape. If anyone could help shed some light I would appreciate it.

Markings
Crown stamp with initials RE below serial number
UF6171
Beretta Gardone
1940-XVIII
Cal 6.5 on the rear sight
07-31-2020, 03:47 AM
Ovidio

I would bet it is a sporterised 91/38. They started making them after deciding that we were not able to produce enough 7,35x51 rifles to avoid logistical nightmares on the line, so they reverted to the old, lovable 6,5x52 and stamped the calibre on the rifles, so as not to load the wrong ammo, being 6,5 and 7,35 almost identical. You can actually shoot 6,5 ind 7,35 rifles. You won't hit a barns wall from the inside, but it will shoot.
The opposite is "less true":lol:

Here you have some info about the original version, before sporterising. I'll translate the most important for you.

Main characteristics
of rifles 38 in cal. 6,5 Rifle model 38
muzzle velocity m/s 660
recoil speed m/s 1,99
sheer recoil force kg/cm² 0,69
pressure atm 3.000
gyroscopic speed of the bullet twists/m per minute 184.186
weight without bayonet kg 3,45
length without bayonet cm 102
calibre between lands mm 6,5
calibre between grooves mm 6,8
barrel length mm 536 (82 calibres)
rifling 4 grooves, right twist
twist rate cm 21,5 constant
depth of grooves mm 0,15
length between lands mm 2
length between grooves mm 3
inclination of the grooves 5°26'
07-31-2020, 04:45 AM
tommylotto

Moschetto modello 38 cal. 6,5x52 BERETTA “Cavalry Carbine”

www.il91.it

anno matricola più bassa riscontrata matricola più alta riscontrata
1940 UF414 UG3875

Your serial number falls in between this range. The RE stands for Regio Esercito — Royal Army.
It is missing a foldable spike bayonet which should be attached to the barrel.
07-31-2020, 06:25 AM
muffett.2008

1 Attachment(s)

The bottom one.

Attachment 110254
07-31-2020, 08:50 AM
Daan Kemp

Keep that wife, don't let her escape under any circumstances.
07-31-2020, 09:24 AM
Ovidio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daan Kemp

Keep that wife, don't let her escape under any circumstances.

I agree. I'm one of those lucky should myself. My wife has bought me my first Mosin Nagant as a present shortly after getting married. Then she's never argued about any firearm I bought.
A few years ago she even bought me the Enfield No. 4...
I'll certainly keep her.;)
07-31-2020, 10:06 AM
RetK9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daan Kemp

Keep that wife, don't let her escape under any circumstances.

Absolutely!
07-31-2020, 01:45 PM
Ovidio

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommylotto

Moschetto modello 38 cal. 6,5x52 BERETTA “Cavalry Carbine”

www.il91.it

anno matricola più bassa riscontrata matricola più alta riscontrata
1940 UF414 UG3875

Your serial number falls in between this range. The RE stands for Regio Esercito — Royal Army.
It is missing a foldable spike bayonet which should be attached to the barrel.

Correct. I looked now and saw the front sight "clamp". It is a Cavalry Carbine.
My fault
07-31-2020, 11:09 PM
RetK9

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommylotto

Moschetto modello 38 cal. 6,5x52 BERETTA “Cavalry Carbine”

www.il91.it

anno matricola più bassa riscontrata matricola più alta riscontrata
1940 UF414 UG3875

Your serial number falls in between this range. The RE stands for Regio Esercito — Royal Army.
It is missing a foldable spike bayonet which should be attached to the barrel.

I've read that the bayonet was removed on the calvary models. There is a grove for the bayonet blade in the stock under the barrel but since there is no bayonet lug I question what I have read. The front sight appears to match the age of the gun but who knows what has happened to the rifle since 1940.

---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ovidio

I agree. I'm one of those lucky should myself. My wife has bought me my first Mosin Nagant as a present shortly after getting married. Then she's never argued about any firearm I bought.
A few years ago she even bought me the Enfield No. 4...
I'll certainly keep her.;)

My wife thought she was getting an M1 Garand I have been drooling over for years. She missed the mark on that one but this is a nice little toy too.