Beretta 418 - Early Models

Early Models

Uncertainty surrounds which year Beretta began producing their first .25 calibre pocket pistols. Dates suggested by various sources range between 1919 and 1922, but it is possible that design work started before the First World War. Exigencies of wartime demanded that precedence be given to military needs, so work on the little 6.35 mm was only resumed at the end of the conflict. The first version of the gun was very similar to the Model 1922; nearly a scale model in fact, with the single important innovation of a spring-loaded firing pin rather than an internal hammer. Mechanically this change was detrimental; it was probably made due to considerations of size. In every other way the two pistols are identical. They share the trigger mechanism fitted with an escaping disconnector, which is typical of all Beretta pistols of that period. A short time afterwards a second version (Model 19) appeared, with an automatic grip safety fitted on the frame backstrap. Presumably the safety was added to make up for the reduced level of safety inherent in guns with a striker-type firing pin.

In 1926 a third version of the 6.35 mm pocket pistol was introduced, in which the firing mechanism was completely redesigned, to incorporate a disconnector similar to that used in the Beretta M1923. This simple and economical modification contributed to the fame and commercial success of the 418. It involved a slight change to the left grip, and can easily be seen without dismantling the gun.

Apart from the mechanical alteration made in 1926 production continued steadily from the beginning of the 1920s until the middle of the 1930s, when Beretta felt a need for a change. Towards 1935 the appearance of the pistol was deemed outdated, and the handgrip was altered to be similar to the Beretta Model 1934. Later a cocking indicator was also introduced. It consisted of a firing pin which extended from the back of the slide when in the cocked position. Otherwise the so-called small Berettas remained more or less unchanged in that most of the essential parts - barrel, magazine, etc., - are interchangeable. While changes to the gun during this time were minimal the name was changed often. These various model numbers can be found only in the Beretta catalogues. All guns manufactured up to the mid-1930s are marked simply IBREV. 1919, and subsequent models until the end of the war are marked Brevettata and included their date of manufacture in both the Julian Calendar and Fascist Era based Roman numerals. Similar guns produced immediately after the war can be marked Brevettata, but more often as Brevet.