With nearly five centuries of experience under its belt, Beretta is recognized as the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. To put things into perspective about other things happening around that time: Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa a few years prior, Michelangelo completed the Sistine Chapel, and Galileo was studying projectile motion.
Now, 500 years later, Jim's Firearms offers a range of Beretta pistols and other firearms with centuries of excellence supporting their reputation. Learn how Beretta earned the respect of generations of firearm enthusiasts through the ages with Jim's Firearms.
The World's Oldest Operating Firearms Manufacturing Company
Beretta's history can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Founded in the Val Trompia Valley district in Italy, Beretta has been at the forefront of gun making for over 500 years. This area is rich in iron and has a long history of master ironworking. Maestro Bartolomeo Beretta was a master gun barrel maker living in this area.
In 1526, he was paid by the Arsenal of Venice to make 185 arquebus barrels. This makes the Beretta company the oldest operating firearms manufacturing company in the world. It is said that the bill of sale from 1526 is still in the company's archives. Throughout their family tree, generations have become master gun-barrel makers. This family tradition has continued to guide the company to where it is now.
Transformations and Innovations
Under Pietro Beretta's leadership in the early 20th century, Beretta underwent significant transformations and became a highly advanced and efficient company. Pietro introduced modern production techniques, expanding the workforce to 1,500 employees.
In addition, he developed groundbreaking firearms like the first semiautomatic pistol (the 9MM Glisenti Model 1915 pistol), one of the first machine guns (the Model 1918 machine gun), and the Model 1938 "MAB," which was adopted by the Italian Army.
It comes as no surprise that the company motto was created during this period. In 1923, Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio conceived the slogan "Dare in Brocca," which translates to "Hit Your Target." To this day, this motto lives on through the accuracy of Beretta pistols and firearms.
Beretta and the U.S. Armed Forces
Beretta M9 pistols have faithfully served the brave men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps as their reliable and trusted sidearm since the 1980s. These 9mm semiautomatic Beretta pistols boast a 15-round magazine capacity and an effective range of 50 meters. This offers soldiers exceptional accuracy and firepower when it matters most.
The M9 has witnessed the crucible of numerous conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. Its stunning performance, unwavering reliability, and ease of use have solidified its reputation as a battle-tested companion in history's challenging environments. Not only has the M9 found its place in military service, but it has also been embraced by law enforcement agencies worldwide for its outstanding performance. When circumstances are dire, generations have depended on a Beretta at their side.
While the U.S. military announced the adoption of a new firearm as its standard handgun in 2017, the Beretta M9's legacy remains intact. Its unparalleled track record and role in U.S. military history are a testament to the magnificence of the firearm.
Looking For Berretta Pistols? Join History With Us
At Jim's Firearms, we proudly offer our customers a wide selection of Beretta firearms. Whether you are a collector, competitive shooter, or hunter, we have a Beretta firearm to suit your needs. This versatility is a testament to the quality of the Beretta, as it can perform well in various scenarios. The Beretta's exceptional reliability, accuracy, versatility, and beauty make it a true powerhouse of a firearm. It's no wonder many shooters worldwide have trusted Beretta for centuries. Browse our selection today and experience the unmatched quality and performance of Beretta pistols and other firearms.
Find Beretta Pistols and Much More at Jim's Firearms
Please browse our selection today and experience the unmatched quality and performance of Beretta firearms. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us by calling 225-293-5467 or sending us a message online. Our team would be happy to help you with any questions to the best of our ability. We look forward to hearing from you!