Just bought a Beretta 71... Anyone have one?

[WRH]

As the title states. I was looking at the .22s at my local store (GSG, Ruger, Browning,M&P, et cetera) and this sweet little piece caught my eye. A bit of coin and a days wait and she's mine. I've been told this particular batch came from Israel. Unfortunately, due to our laws, I can't have the 3.5 inch barrel, but I'm okay with the 6 inch. It came with the original box and manual.

So basically, I'm looking for any information on them. How can I find the date of manufacture? Any brand of ammo they like/dislike m Hopefully they love WWB....

Any information you guys have is very much appreciated.

 

[icedragonmx]

I have had a few of them over the years and each one has been great. They are very reliable and are accurate too for the size of pistol. I have the 12.6 Enjoy!

 

[Redneckwannabe1]

My wife has one and she loves it. We were told they were used by Isreali school teachers for target practice or something like that. I think they are cool. Hers is from the 70's - there is a website somewhere that specifies the year from the SN. I looked but couldn't find it anymore.

 

[Gundoggy]

get the barrel chopped to 107mm.

 

[WRH]

My wife has one and she loves it. We were told they were used by Isreali school teachers for target practice or something like that. I think they are cool. Hers is from the 70's - there is a website somewhere that specifies the year from the SN. I looked but couldn't find it anymore.

I was told the same thing, but Google only brought up their use by Israeli Air Marshals and Mossad. A lot of history with these pistols.

 

[heavenIsAlie]

ive got to pick one up then immediately send it to the gunsmith to be shortened

 

[geologist]

I love mine. It is very, very reliable and rarely jams. It does not like 333s but everything else runs through it like 5hit through a goose.

They are historically significant as the Israeli Mossad in its early years used them. Ask Sky Marshall Mordechai Rachamim or Gerald Bull how well they work.

http://www.tactical-life.com/tactical-weapons/israeli-mossad-22-lrs/

 

[redshooter]

get the barrel chopped to 107mm.

I hope you don't consider this...unless you want to reduce its value.

 

[dogzilla]

I don't think value is much of an issue. Somebody seems to be dumping them. Epp's currently has at least a dozen of the 6" ones, and there is no real historical value. I thought the same, is cutting the barrel, except the front sight is actually on the barrel. Maybe cut the barrel and add a fake can just for giggles. I would love to get a 3.5 since I have 12/6, if I could just find one (that's a hint)

 

[wolf19534]

I bought one for the girlfriend. She takes it to range just as often as her M&P 22. Two very different pistols yet she loves them both.

 

[albayo]

I have had about a half dozen (12-6) 71's over the years and love them. I kept the best one as my plinking gun.
I have small hands and they fit like a glove.

 

[NAA]

Beretta Model 71

Have had one for many years. It's a "keeper".

The fellow I bought it from tried unsuccessfully to buy it back as he regretted selling it.


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NAA.

 

[boomboy]

Have had one for many years. It's a "keeper".

The fellow I bought it from tried unsuccessfully to buy it back as he regretted selling it.


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NAA.

Seeing that makes me wish I was old enough to have been eligible for 12.6 and all the other grandfather clauses

 

[WRH]

Yeah, that sure looks great with the proper barrel on it. I don't mind the 6" though. Now I just have to wait til tomorrow to throw some lead with her.

 

[Mats]

Here is some information that I found in the Beretta Forum regarding serial numbers and dates of production.

http://berettaforum.net/vb/showthread.php?t=95801

 

[dan belisle]

I have one of the original surplus Israeli guns from a few decades ago. Quite accurate for a pocket 22, will take the head right off a partridge at surprising distance. Nice little gun. Only Berretta I still own. - dan

 

[WRH]

Here is some information that I found in the Beretta Forum regarding serial numbers and dates of production.

http://berettaforum.net/vb/showthread.php?t=95801

That's a great resource, thank you.

 

[woobie]

Have you had a chance to shoot her yet? I've been thinking about grabbing one of these as a cheap go to .22 plinker at the range.

 

[Brutus]

One alternative to the Berreta 71 is to look for a Spanish Star Model F.
They came in two barrel lengths, 4.25 & 6 inch from the factory.

 

[Strangeday]

I have 3 of them. fun to shoot and very accurate