Questions for Beretta Model 71 owners

[Brutus]

I have an older Star Model F in 22 LR with a 4.25 inch barrel. I've had it for slightly over ten years now, for the sole purpose as a training pistol for novice shooters interested in shooting handguns for the very first time. This is the designated 7-10 yard handgun, and my nephew and daughters, as well as others, have had tons of fun using it under my careful supervision.
The only slight hickup is ensuring to use high speed ammo to keep it functioning 100%.

It serves this purpose very well. But the reality is, spare parts such as grips/grip screws and even spare mags are unobtanium in Canada.

The closest alternative seems to be the Beretta Model 71. I am not interested in alloy alternatives or the bigger Beretta U22 Neos. I wonder what your impressions are with this older steel framed Italian rimfire handgun? With the 4.2 versus the 6 inch barrels also??

Much thanks in advance folks!

 

[Skinny 1950]

I have a 6 inch version, it is a great little gun, accurate and reliable with all the ammo that I have tried. Mine came with two mags,one with an alloy base and the other plastic. I think the one that I have was a prohib. that had a new barrel fitted it has been used quite a lot but is still tight.

 

[wbaad]

Beretta 71 is an alloy framed reciever with steel slide. I give it 2 thumbs up! I haven't had an issue with mine except it hates aftermarket mags.

 

[tjhaile]

The one I have works well with factory or Triple K magazines. I think all the ones brought in recently are all 6". The importer announced the newly-made 4.2" barrels, but the deal somehow fell through.

 

[caramel]

Both my Beretta Model 74 with adj sights are real awsome pistols, they just never malfuntion with remarquable accuracy, sold my BNIB Sig 226R Classic 22lr cauz of them... JP.

 

[tylert]

I have a 6" model and it works flawlessly, ive tried 4 different brands of ammunition and all function flawlessly. Very accurate little gun. The only thing I don't love about it is the sights.

 

[geologist]

I have a prohib 71, frame mounted safety.

It is very reliable and feeds all ammo except for 333.

It is a very trustworthy pistol.

 

[gaff]

one of the best 22 s I have ever used

 

[Phat Eagle]

I have the 6 incher. Very accurate, and quite reliable. It is not too picky with ammo, though nothing but trouble with the crap Remington Golden Bullets. I've not had mag problems like others, whether using aftermarket or not.

The Bersa 22-6 is very similar and gets great reviews too...

http://www.tacticalimports.ca/thunder-226-p-282.html