
In the seventies and early eighties Italy was plagued by several terrorist
organisations. Due to their hit and run assaults, kidnappings and hostage
taking, lots of people got themselves bodyguards. And from this situation arose
the need for a compact sidearm that had a lot of firepower. Enter Beretta and
their (then) new M93R. Beretta had equipped a pistol with the ability to fire
fully automatic before, with their M951, but while succesful, it had also shown
that a pistol-sized weapon was very difficult to control in fully automatic
fire. Thus the M93R was equipped with a three shot burst mechanism. This marvel
of preciscion engineering is located under the right grip panel, and together
with the folding grip on the front of the gun and a detachable shoulder stock it
made the M93R controllable. Firing either single shots or the devestating three
shot burst, it is a typical Beretta firearm, mechanically solid, and a with
great finish. Accuracy in single shot mode is simply good, but most shooters
will have trouble keeping the gun on target with the three shot burst mode
engaged. A solid stace and a good grip can counter this to a great extent
though.
However, the design also has some drawbacks. Due to the inclusion of
the burst mechanism, the gun only has a single action trigger. The internal drop
safety is gone too (So DON`T drop it when loaded!), and the safety can only be
engaged when the hammer is cocked. A safe gun to carry loaded it isn`t. Lastly
the safety is rather small, and is easily confused with the firing selector just
in front of it.
The M93R uses a 20 shot magazine, although any magazine for
the standard M92 series will fit.
Note: The M93R is no longer made, and is more and more relegated to the position of a "cult" weapon. Also, since it can fire fully automatic bursts, a special permit to own the gun is needed.
| Weight: | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Barrel Length: | 6 inch (15 cm) |
| Action: | Single Action / Three Shot Burst |
| Range: | 165 ft (50 m) |
| Magazine: | 20 + 1 |
| Cost: | $ 1,200 |
| Made in: | Italy |
| Special: | Good quality and workmanship, comes standard with a detachable shoulder stock. Extreme rate of fire in burst mode. Barrel features a compensator. |
By Mischa