#7.65

Beretta Model 70 Review

The Beretta Model 70 is a classic pocket pistol (circa 1958).  Larger and heavier than the polymer double action only micro pistols of today, it exudes old world quality.

My example is chambered in the original .32 acp, or 7.65 browning.  It has the original cross bolt “button” safety, a pushbutton magazine release near the corner of the butt, and is all steel.  The blowback mechanism operates on a recoil spring mounted under the barrel.  The fit and finish are incredible, with rich, deep blueing.  A large lever acts as a slide stop, and the slide locks back on the last round.

The trigger is single action.  The trigger pull is crisp, but not too light for a pocket pistol.  Sights are small, with the front blade integral to the slide.  The sights are more useful than some other pocket pistols around.

Magazines hold 8 rounds and come with a large finger rest.  You can get a full grip on the Model 70, unlike some other pocket pistols.  Original magazines are incredibly hard to find, however.  Being all steel and .32 acp, recoil is pleasant, and accuracy is more than acceptable for any appropriate use.

Two features will potentially confuse the modern sportsman.  The cross bolt safety and the odd magazine release.  If you are right handed, its actually not that hard to disengage the safety on a draw.  Engaging the safety for holstering is bit trickier.  And, there is nothing intuitive about which position places the safety in fire (although there is a handy red ring on the right side when the safety is off).  Beretta probably did their customers a favor by switching to the frame mounted lever safety on later Model 70 pistols.

I have fewer issues with the magazine release.  Beretta used a similar left side corner button setup all the way through the Model 92s.  The magazine release is fairly ambidextrous and with a little practice, easy to master.  I train mag retention anyway, so no loss.