Beretta M1935

The Beretta Model 1935 is an Italian blowback, single-action semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1935 as a lighter-slide version of the Beretta Model 1934. Beretta modified the Model 1934, which was chambered for the 9x17mm Short (.380 ACP) round, to take the 7.65x17mm Browning SR (.32 ACP) cartridge, and gave it a more streamlined exterior to head off competition from emerging foreign designs. It feeds from an eight-round detachable box magazine, has iron sights, a muzzle velocity of 925 feet per second and a curved spur at the front base of the short grip. Its slide stays open after the last round but closes when the magazine is removed. About 525,000 were made between 1935 and 1967. It was issued first to Italian Air Force officers and flight crews as a self-defence arm and saw combat in the Second World War and afterwards. The German military took over stocks in the later war years, and the type was used by other powers including France, the United Kingdom and the United States. The .32 ACP round was considered light for military service.