1938 Beretta Dural Model 418 Rig...

[Len S]

I recently acquired this pistol rig from the nephew of the vet who brought it back. The gentleman served in N. Africa & Italy. I know Beretta made a whole bunch of Dural frame pistols post war but the pre-1945 ones seem to be scarce (especially 418's). This one was made in 1938. Here are some pics.

Len

[nomadr]

Len, another outstanding pick up! You know where to find them!

Bob

[kanister]

Interesting gun, made on 1937, before october 28th, and test proofed on 1938.
Strange grips: at that time for 318 and 418 models there were the steel backed ones.
And why to hide the proof marks?

[Len S]

Interesting gun, made on 1937, before october 28th, and test proofed on 1938.
Strange grips: at that time for 318 and 418 models there were the steel backed ones.
And why to hide the proof marks?

Thanks for your comment nomadr. Yes the grips are strange Kanister. They are reinforced with a steel "V" that ends in 90* projections. There are spots machined in the frame for these projections to fit in. These specially machined points are absent from other 418's. Are there any period Beretta catalogs that show available options , such as grips, for various pistols?

[kanister]

The only Model 418 with extended grips I know are of post war production, but these have the three arrows ot the script Beretta on them, not the medallion PB