BM-59 / M1 Garand E Model Rifles - 7.62 NATO/.308 Caliber Mag Fed Rifle on Original M1-Garand Receivers, by JRA

The BM59 is the final version of the M1 Garand. With US assistance the Italian government began manufacturing the Garand rifle in the late 1950’s. In order to modernize the Garand and transition to the 7.62 NATO caliber Beretta developed a top quality magazine fed rifle based on the Garand which was designated the BM59. This rifle was easily considered the equivalent of the US M14 and by utilizing many Garand components it was very economical to place into production. The BM59 was the primary issue rifle by the Italian Army into the 1990’s and is still in use by the Italian Navy.

This rifle is the BM59/ M1 Garand E Version. The E as we understand is was the designation for Export as these were done slightly differently that the standard BM59's on an export military contract for the country of Argentina who utilzed these rifles in the 1960's. Unlike the standard BM59 the E models do not incorporate a bi-pod or a grenade launcher sight and the muzzle break is simply that... a traditional muzzle break. As such it maintains much more of the traditional look and feel of a standard M1 garand while being chambered in .308 / 7.62 Nato and having the advantage of being mag fed. Rifle comes with 2-20 round BM59 mags. 

These rifles are built on original Military M1 Garand receivers by Springfield.

From the Manufacturer. 

The BM59 "E" model was developed by Beretta for export sales. This model is essentially a modified M1 Garand in 308 with a 20 round magazine. Many parts on these rifles are original U.S. Military M1 Garand production with excellent condition original Beretta barrels. These rifles feature original U.S. Garand receivers modified to BM59 configuration by James River Armory. All parts have been refinished and all the rifles have been successfully test fired.


I have been in the gun business for well over 25 years and an enthusiast for much longer than that. In that time I thought I had seen it all but I had never seen anything like this. Basically both the BM-59 and the BM59-E Model ( seen here ) are Beretta's variation of an M-14 rifle but they are lighter and faster handling. They also produces less recoil due to the built in suppressor and /or grenade launcher, and although it carries all of the power and performance of the 7.62 Nato  ( .308 Win ) round, it is one of the softest shooting rifles I have ever held. It also has the historical significance of being built on an original M1 Garand receiver. I love these rifles and you will too.

Note- Original metal parts on these may exhibit slight scratches or bluing wear from storage but images are actual photo's and these are excellent overall.