No. 7

Q. need info on model 1919 beretta, 25cal. semi-auto pistol. parts availability,etc. can you help? (11/05/1998)

A. The Beretta pistol model 1919, or better patent 1919, is a semi-automatic pistol cal. 6.35 Browning (25 ACP).
The firing system is constituted from a flying firing pin.
The barrel is 60 mm long, the weight of the arm with empty magazine is about 350 g.
There are many models of this gun. The first model has been constructed in 1920. The last model has been produced until 1961 and sold until to 1965. Every model differs from previous for some modification or improvement. The passage from a model to the other happens in the respect of the conception original of the arm.
Patent 1919 model 1920 was constructed from year 1920 to year 1925 and is the first model of the series (serial numbers from 100000 to around 155000). The first version had wooden grips, the next version had metallic grips and a grip-safety.
Patent 1919 model 1926 was constructed from year 1926 to year 1931 (serial numbers from around 155000 to around 187000). It differs from the previous model why the disconnector is moved from the slide and is no longer slip-off type.
Patent 1919 model 1931 was constructed from year 1931 to year 1933 (serial numbers from around 187000 to around 198000). It differs from the previous model why the grips were no longer made of metal but they were made of steel-backed synthetic material (filbak).
Patent 1919 model 1933 was constructed during the year 1933 (serial numbers from around 198000 to 199999 and from 600000 to around 601000). The pistols of this model have the grips with PB monogram carried out on a metallic plate placed on the bottom part of the grips. The front of the slide is tapered and the front sight has a different shape from that one of the previous models.
Patent 1919 model 1934 was constructed from year 1934 to year 1935 (serial numbers from around 603000 to around 608000). It differs from the previous model why the grips have a different shape : the metallic plate is missing and the monogram PB is carried out on synthetic material (filbak).
Patent 1919 model 318 was constructed from year 1935 to year 1937 (serial numbers from around 609000 to around 615000) . It differs from the previous model why the handle is not straight but lightly curved. In other words the handle is wider low and smaller in the advanced part.
Patent 1919 model 418 was constructed from year 1937 to year 1961. In particular:
from year 1937 to year 1947 serial numbers from 615000 to 660000;
from year 1947 to year 1954 serial numbers from 10000A to 99999A;
from year 1954 to year 1961 serial numbers from 00001C to 50000C;
The greater difference from the previous model is the presence of the warning of cocked firing pin. The warning of cocked firing pin is realized through the posterior part of the firing pin that go out from the posterior part of the slide. The front sight is shorter and sharpened.
In this model the exemplary with the frame in alloy are frequent. In the last pistols the slide serrations are inclined and the grip-safety is of synthetic material.
In all the models are present guns with special finishes (engraved, gold plated, silver plated).
This arm is not in compliance with the current standards of safety because the firing system constituted from a flying firing pin is unstable and dangerous.
For this reason the arm has value today only for the collectors.
Therefore it is much difficult one to find replacement parts.
As far as American market I think that the only possibility is to try through INTERNET.
As far as Italian market I think that to find replacement parts for this arm is practically impossible.
If I had a gun of this model to repair I would make in this way:
- small pieces: they can be made from a good craftsman, equipped of the necessary equipment.
- larger pieces: taken from an other arm of the same model, arm used like warehouse of replacement parts.
I hope that my answer is useful to you.

LAST REVISION :