Beretta

The name Beretta is almost synonymous with modern handguns. Considering the fact that it was established in Italy almost 500 years ago (in 1526, to be exact) that should come as no surprise. The company’s full name is Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta and it was officially launched by Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta, who successfully concluded a deal for a number of barrels meant for primitive firearms called arquebus to make the first transaction with the Arsenal of Venice. The family name is being carried on by direct descendant Ugo Gussalli Beretta and his sons. Throughout the centuries, Beretta has maintained a leading position on the firearms market by virtue of consistently brilliant innovation and highly reliable designs. In fact, many Beretta products have served a prototypes for other modern handguns.

Beretta makes firearms have far-reaching acceptance by armies and law enforcement agencies all across the world. Yet another yardstick of the high reliability that its products can boast of is the fact that they regularly win award in shooting events everywhere. Shooters from all around the world have found that Beretta’s huge catalog of products offers a winning firearm for practically and competition. For instance, Beretta firearms have, over the years, won their wielders 11 gold medals, 9 silver medals and 11 bronze medals in the Olympic Trap-Skeet-Double Trap events, and 54 gold medals, 54 silver medals and 53 bronze medals in World Championship Trap-Skeet-Double Trap events.

Beretta’s controlling company is Beretta Holding, under which a number of subsidiaries operate. Among these are Beretta USA (in Accokeek, Maryland), Uberti, SAKO, Benelli, Franchi, Tikka and Stoeger. The company also enjoys a partnership with the famous Belgian arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale de Herstal. It can boast of some of the most popular and enduring handguns, shotguns, hunting rifles, single and double action revolvers, automatic and semiautomatic pistols and assault rifles ever to see the light of day. The ubiquitous 92FS 9 mm Parabellum pistol has the distinction of being the official sidearm for many of the world’s armies. The M9 9 mm Parabellum is used by the US military ever since it ordered 500,000 units of it in 1985 after a very precise and exacting selection process. Such a track record should serve to underline Beretta’s standing, experience and established expertise on the world’s gun market.

Presently, Beretta has an admirable production lineup. Its repertoire to date includes 12 pistols, 7 shotguns, four rifles/carbines and two submachine guns, with new innovations constantly in the process. For 2006, the company has a number of new products lines up. These include the 90Two (a semiautomatic pistol with a new look and advanced safety features), the Rx4 Storm (a self loading semiautomatic rifle meant for small game hunting), the AL391 Urika Premium (yet another semi-automatic hunting rifle designed for lightness and optimum handling) and the AL391 Teknys Stonecoat (a semiautomatic shotgun that comes chambered for 12 and 20 gauge ammunition).

 It is a recognized leader in firearms and firearm-related optics, employs over 2700 people and has an annual turnover of close to €400 million. It collective production sites encompass a staggering 76,000 square meters of hardcore firearm R&D and manufacturing space. All plants are completely automated and the company regularly recruits the most talented firearm technicians, designers and inventors in the world. To top it off, the Beretta now boasts of its own sporting gun-related apparel line - Beretta Clothing & Accessories.

Beretta does not sell its product directly from the factory, and the historic manufacturing plants in Italy are not viewable by the public for safety reasons. However, all products are distributed by a global network of dealerships that offer complete sales assistance, information, after sales support, spares and accessories. Every leading nation now has multiple Beretta outlets and the one closest to you can be located via their website.