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EARLY RARE BERETTA/SPRINGFIELD BM59 VARIANT.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
EARLY RARE BERETTA/SPRINGFIELD BM59 VARIANT.

Cal. 7.62 NATO. S# 2579572. Bbl. 25". A very early BM59 variant. Consignor states it is an early run, one of only 200 mfg. before being transitioned into the current BM59 we typically see today. While the BM59 itself is largely a combination of M1 Garand modified features, this particular example is more so than normal. The receiver stampings are: “BM59 / CAL 7.62 NATO / SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY/ 2579572”. The stock itself is marked on the left side: “BM59 / PB / FNA” though it largely resembles the M1 Garand style in most aspects. There is no provision for mounting what would become a standard BM59 bipod & the muzzle brake had not yet transitioned to the tri-comp. Front sight is a protected blade while the rear sight is a micro adj. peep sight. While a standard BM59 mag. is typically 20 rds. the mag. provided w/ this example only holds 10. It bears a floor plate marked: “PIETRO BERETTA / MADE IN ITALY / 762 NATO”. Later in the evolution, the BM59 would possess a stripper clip guide allowing loading from the top even though it accepted a proprietary detachable mag. however this example did not yet transition to the top loading theme. Although numerous parts outwardly resemble those of the M1 Garand, several are clearly marked such as the bolt (“P.B. BM59”) & the op rod (“7.62mm/2”). It does possess the BM59 style folding winter trigger, also marked “PB BM59”. The stock itself is a dark brown stained example w/ a rubber recoil pad marked “P.BERRETA / ITALY”. Exposed metal surfaces are a combination of dark gray & light black & enjoy complete coverage. MAGS: 1-10 rd. CONDITION: finish on exposed metal surfaces complete & consistent. Very little thinning on high spots & areas of mechanical intervention. Wooden stock has a few sm. impressions though no noticeable thinning. Sights move fluidly as intended. Bore is shiny w/ good rifling & fire control mechanism appears to function correctly when cycled by hand. (21-2962/JZ). MODERN. $2,000-3,000.