Early Berettas: 1951/M951, 92 and 92SB Questions??

[Redcoat3340]

I'm sort of rounding out my Beretta "collection" (Currently a 1935 32apc; 85f in 380; 9mm 92s & 92fs, and a bunch of PX4s in 9 & 45) with a hoped for 1951 or m951 or 104 or.....maybe a straight 92 or 92SB.

Wondering if anyone has any advice, knows what the current prices are for a 1951, and experience. I had one a few years ago but it got away. Now I want to replace it.

I know to pretty much stay away from the Helwans. Either poor steel or heat treatment on the commercial variety, shot with very hot 9mm ammo on the military versions, especially the ones captured by the Israelis, but I guess if I can find a Beretta contract "E" 1951 I might buy it.

Any other advice on any of the above mentioned guns. I know parts are hard to come by...but I won't be shooting them as much as the 92s or certainly the FS or my PX4s. And I'll use nice soft commercial 9mm.

(And yes, I'm looking at local LGSs and pawn shops...but wondering if anyone knows of one from someone who might ship.)

 

[BAM-BAM]

the 92SBs are the most beautiful of the 92s IMHO; round trigger guards, bright blue finish and walnut grips.................Italian craftsman ship

Check out Josh the owner of "Allegheny Arms and Gun Works" in Pittsburgh.

He's a bit of a collector and along with Bill Wilson and Langdon Tactical is one of the top Beretta smiths in the country.

Better yet go to the Beretta Forum with a want to buy.....

 

[Ματθιας]

Gunbroker. I picked up a nice Israeli M1951 for $325 all in from CDI sales. They also had a bunch of Beretta 92 variations. CDI went away and DWjimports took over where they left off. Check with them they seem to regularly change their auctions.

There are still surplus Beretta 71s available for ~$350 - I noticed you don't have those listed in your collection.

 

[alwslate]

A while back there was an importer in KY selling a variety of used pistols
on GB, including a bunch of 1951, (Mod 951) Berettas with one original
mag, read scarce here, for bargain prices in my opinion. I had never seen
a 951 before, only Helwans. Prices ran from about $225-$325. Best buys
were in the $245 range so I bought three of them. Don't know if they
have any left but check them out. I was pleased with the price for cond.
of my three. Their name changes from time to time. From Cole to CDI
and now apparently something else. Helwans are much rougher and no
cheaper so I would pass on them.

 

[bc1023]

The original 92 is the one to find. The first iteration had a step slide.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Very nice, bc1023! That's what I'm talking about!

An Alwslate…. the fella in KY you are talking about was Coles Distributor (CDI) who had a bunch of terrible luck, a tragedy I believe, and recovered. I'd purchased a bunch of guns from him over the years. A great company. And then there was, believe it, a total fire in his warehouse and every bit of inventory he had was burned to a cinder.

His CEO, who's name I can't recall right now, started a new business...and that's the one you are referring to, as well as Mat0iac above...DW imports.

He's getting some in in a month or four...so if I don't get lucky before that he's gonna let me know when they are in.

I'm still look'n.

 

[mbliss57]

I have bought several berettas and CZs from the importer mentioned. DWJ Imports If you are not looking for collector grade LNIB guns his prices are very good. Buyer beware of mag costs. Some offerings come with 1 mag some with no mag but free shipping. Know your mag costs before you buy.

 

[alwslate]

There was another seller on GB, Gun Parts Corp I think, that had 1951s
in rougher condition with after market mags for higher prices. I passed.
The replacement mags have flat floor plates. One of mine from
CDI.

 

[Ματθιας]

Aimsurplus has 1951s

 

[Wess13]

Beretta 1951 answers

I'm sort of rounding out my Beretta "collection" (Currently a 1935 32apc; 85f in 380; 9mm 92s & 92fs, and a bunch of PX4s in 9 & 45) with a hoped for 1951 or m951 or 104 or.....maybe a straight 92 or 92SB.

Wondering if anyone has any advice, knows what the current prices are for a 1951, and experience. I had one a few years ago but it got away. Now I want to replace it.

I know to pretty much stay away from the Helwans. Either poor steel or heat treatment on the commercial variety, shot with very hot 9mm ammo on the military versions, especially the ones captured by the Israelis, but I guess if I can find a Beretta contract "E" 1951 I might buy it.

Any other advice on any of the above mentioned guns. I know parts are hard to come by...but I won't be shooting them as much as the 92s or certainly the FS or my PX4s. And I'll use nice soft commercial 9mm.

(And yes, I'm looking at local LGSs and pawn shops...but wondering if anyone knows of one from someone who might ship.)

Good day Redcoat,

I spent several years studying the Beretta 1951 & Helwan pistols.
I've even put in the effort to redevelop the locking block and modernize them in various ways.

If I were you I'd go for a Beretta 1951 they go for about 300-400 range in The US now a days.

 

[max]

Aim Surplus has some 81's for for $229.

 

[mbliss57]

Aim Surplus has some 81's for for $229.

They HAD them! All gone. That was a great deal. I missed it by about 2 hours.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cndrdk]

They HAD them! All gone. That was a great deal. I missed it by about 2 hours.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Try dkfirearms.com, they had some 1951's and also the 81.