Beretta M1 Garand

JoKa

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Hey Y'all

I have an M1 Garand Made by beretta. Does anyone know any history behind that?

Also, Any ideas on avereage buy/sell values? (I know it is dependent on condition and other factors, I am just looking for ball park right now)
 
These were made under license by Beretta using ex-Winchester tooling. Most likely you have a Danish contract rifle as identified by the "FKF/Crown" stamping on the receiver heel. These rifles are of excellent manufacturing quality. Value depends on condition. All things being equal, they would be valued a bit less than a wartime Winchester or Springfield Armory rifle. One in ex condition with all Beretta parts should fetch $900-$1000.
 
As purple mentioned, almost certainly the rifle is a Danish contract made in the 50's. I believe Denmark ordered 10000 rifles from Beretta and 10000 from another Italian manufacturer, Breda.

Here's a nice summary article on the Danish Garands:
http://civilianmarksmanshipprogram.net/Services/Rifles/Danish.htm

Recently, I've seen prices on Beretta and Breda Garands between $600 and $900. The $600 ones sell almost instantly, so I would think a good lower level for pricing is probably closer to $700+.

A few things to check that can help you price your rifle:
1) An all-matching Beretta should have most metal parts marked PB with maybe a few small parts marked BMB or BMR.
2) The barrel should have a visible marking when the op-rod is pulled back. A common marking is a Danish crown and VAR. This indicates a rebarrel by the Danes, but the VAR barrels are highly regarded as match barrels so are often very desirable.
3) An original Danish issue stock should be serialed along the bottom of the buttstock to match the serial on the receiver. There should also in most cases be a sticker on the forearm underneath the barrel --- this sticker is the armourer's sight-in values.
4) If you look at the smooth part of the top of the bolt at an angle in good light, can you see a faint 3 or 4 digit number? From what I've read, the bolts were lightly electropenciled to match the receiver, however, I've never seen an Italian Garand where the numbers matched.

I'm curious to know what markings are on your barrel and also if the left side of the receiver is marked with the Beretta name and address. I have a 7### serialed Beretta with an RSC barrel (I believe original) and address on the left side. I also have a 2### serialed Beretta with a VAR barrel and no address on the left side.

Also, if you do research on pricing, take any US-based values with a grain of salt. For various reasons, I believe the Italian Garands are a lot more common in Canada so the prices tend to be lower. As purple also mentioned, for collectors, there tends to be more interest in USGI WWII Garands, however, that is not a reflection on the quality of the Italian Garands --- they are first rate.
 
In the latest NRA magazine "Man at Arms for the Gun Collector" magazine there is a really good several page article on the Danish Garands- both the Win and Spr. plus Breda and Beretta hisory. It's volume 32, No. 4 2010. I have two Beretta's (PB 82xx and 92xx)that were reworked by the Italians into 7.62 (.308). Both shoot beautifully.
 
I love my Breda Garand. Yup, Danish Crown and numbers. Took a .308 McMillan barrel smoooothly! Life is good. :D

Enjoy the Beretta! These Danish M1's are a gift! ;)

Cheers,
Barney
 
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