Info About Beretta Model 948?

Q. My question concerns a small pistol my wife gave me for Christmas way back in the mid-1950s. I can't find this pistol listed in any book on guns that I own. It is a Model 948 Beretta, .22 caliber. "P. Beretta-Gardone V.T.-cal 22 LR-Mod 948" is stamped on the left side of the slide. The frame is stamped with what appears to be proof marks and "PSF 1955." The right side has "Made in Italy" stamped on the frame along with the serial number 058869N. What can you tell me about my pistol?

Kenneth Marchant
Cowley, WY

A. The Beretta Model 948 is a 22 Long Rifle version of the Beretta Model 1934. It was produced in the mid-'50s as a modification of the 1934 model and sold by J.L. Galef as the "Plinker" or "Featherweight" as it has an aluminum frame. The Model 1934 was Italy's service pistol in World War II and is considered one of Italy's best service pistols. The Model 948 was offered with a 3.5- or six-inch barrel and has the reputation of being very reliable and well made. Beretta's proven design was maintained but made several changes such as a push-button magazine release, wraparound grips, and further use of alloys and called it the Model 70 Puma or Cougar. These improved models were offered in .32 ACP, .380 ACP, and several versions in .22 LR.

Floyd Wine
MidwayUSA

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