I collect odd and unusual pistols/actions. Just acquired a Benelli B-80 (7.65 Para). These guns were produced in 9mm Para, 7.65 Para, 9mm Ultra (for the Italian police) and even .32 ACP. There is a sport/target version in .32 S&W Long. They are full-size, modern looking with a steeply raked grip and square cross-section slide. The lockup is through a kind of modified P-38/Beretta 92 "flap" and step. But in the Benelli the lock is at the rear of the frame, allowing for a fixed barrel and very high accuracy. While the frame was economically made from two stamped, sheet steel halves welded and formed, the gun uses a bolt and a locking block that increase manufacturing costs substantially. The 9mm Para I used to own was the most accurate 9mm Para I ever shot. Because of the guns design, the 9mm Para and the other calibers that require lockup could have used a simple barrel change device to allow for different calibres on the same frame.
Unfortunately for sales, the gun has one of the most obscure takedowns ever devised. If anyone wants to know how to do it, write and I'll explain.
As far as I know, other than magazines (the 9mm Para and the 7.65 Para use the same mag, available from Marstar), there just aren't any parts available. Keep this in mind if you plan to do much shooting of yours, because the hammer is made from sintered metal and in the 9mm Para is prone to breakage. Best get to know a competent smith. However, the Italian police guns (9 mm Ultra) were shot a lot and have no particular reputation for any part breakage. Lighter calibre; lower recoil forces, I suppose.
The guns aren't really rare, but they are certainly uncommon. They are one of the dead ends of gun design, but a truly interesting one.
Unfortunately for sales, the gun has one of the most obscure takedowns ever devised. If anyone wants to know how to do it, write and I'll explain.
As far as I know, other than magazines (the 9mm Para and the 7.65 Para use the same mag, available from Marstar), there just aren't any parts available. Keep this in mind if you plan to do much shooting of yours, because the hammer is made from sintered metal and in the 9mm Para is prone to breakage. Best get to know a competent smith. However, the Italian police guns (9 mm Ultra) were shot a lot and have no particular reputation for any part breakage. Lighter calibre; lower recoil forces, I suppose.
The guns aren't really rare, but they are certainly uncommon. They are one of the dead ends of gun design, but a truly interesting one.
