Masterpieces of the Gunmaker's Art

The Barrel Construction

All Beretta barrel-makers are in debt to the heritage left by Bartolomeo Beretta, who by 1526 had accumulated the knowledge and developed the criteria for barrel construction that has been inherited by succeeding generations. Although times and techniques may have changed, the principle of concentrated care and attention remain constant. The first consideration is the material used. Many years of research and experimentation, as well as subsequent successes in worldwide shooting events, has confirmed Beretta's belief that Boehler Antinit steel is the best choice for barrel gunmetal. It is an ideal combination of flexibility, corrosion resistance, high tensile and impact strength -- an invaluable quality in low temperatures. At Beretta, the insides of the barrels are as distinctive as the external profile, permitting in a single process the installation of a standard universal or a Magnum chamber, a fixed choke- or a Mobilchoke^® housing - whatever the need may be. From gun drill to blanks, internally honed, the hammers of the rotary forging machines cold form the tubes over the mandrel. Attention then is focused on the extenal profile, which is turned, ground, polished and preset for the precise assembly of the tubes and for welding and mounting of the ribs. The inside of the tubes is then carefully polished to ensure perfect ballistic performance. Finally, an alternating process of oxidation and surface cleaning creates the characteristic polished black finish and ensures long-lasting protection.

Making of Receiver and Mechanisms

The action is the essential link in the performance of a firearm. Its role is crucial to the precision and quickness of the firing mechanism: and its locking system determines the gun's ability to perform consistently decade after decade, generation after generation. Creation of the action starts with a solid block of Nickel-Chromium-Molibdenum alloy. The essential shape with all of its components is then cut by extremely precise, state-of-the-art, computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machine tools to realize an exactness and consistency unachievable by human hands. But once these machines have performed their work, and before the alloy is hardened, human hands take over... because no machine can duplicate the skill and judgement of the master gunsmith. Using file and emery cloth, the same tools used for centuries to perform this task, the lugs and locking system bolts are slowly, painstakingly honed to a perfect fit. The process is repeated for the smaller lugs and hinge pins. The result is worth the effort: the barrels and the action lock snugly, in perfect alignment, and open again smoothly with a firm touch of the top lever. And because of the care taken in construction, they will continue to operate flawlessly thousands and thousands of times, with the same precision as when the gun is new. Next, the master gunsmith focuses his attention on the external profile of the action. With an expert hand and a sharp chisel, he applies himself like a sculptor to a piece of marble, chiseling the metal away, shaping the top mouldings, drawing the profile, rounding the edges. And again he switches to the finest emery cloth, this time addressing the firing mechanism, refining, polishing, operating it over and over and retouching again and again, until the appropriate release quickness is achieved. At last, the time has come for finishing the firearm in bianco - "in the white" - before the final heat treatment and blueing. Again with file and emery cloth, the stock wood and action are conformed perfectly to one another; the surfaces are cleaned, and the mechanical parts are assembled. The gun is now complete, functioning perfectly and ready for the final steps. It is disassembled, and the action, fittings and mechanical components are subject to rigorous hardening treatments, guaranteeing their continuous durability and precision. Finally, the gun is carefully reassembled and readied for its scrupulous final check and firing test.

From the most highly select European and American walnut, singled out for grain quality, color and strength, only the most perfect example are chosen for the Beretta Premium Grades. Specific measurements requested by the client determine the manufacturing process. The calibrated tools of
	numerically controlled milling machines form the essential parts of the stock and fore-end. After this, comes into play the crucial skills of the stock-maker and his ability to use the age-old tools as the razor-sharp chisels and gouges, rasps and files and special tools for mounting and fixing the stock. When the
dimensions match exactly the customer's specifications, and when the stock is fitted precisely to the receiver, thesurfaces are carefully smoothed and prepared for the final finishing. A special hand-cut deep diamond checkering on the grip, the butt plate and the fore-end, imparts an aesthetically pleasing pattern that serves also to provide a functional, anti-slip grip. Finally, the polisher chooses the wax and oil coatings that will most enhance the grain, color and brightness of the wood.

The Engraver's Signature