Got a pistol as a present, what have i got?

[dmcummins]

I got this old pistol for my birthday from my dad. He had it sitting in a drawer for at least 40 years. 1959 is stamped on the trigger guard. I don't know much about pistols and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this one.

Its says P. Beretta on the box and .32 Jaguar/Puma.

Ive got a Ruger .22 that I kill cans with and would do the same with this one except I wonder if I should since its been sittin in the box for so long. Maybe I should just leave it in the box for my grandson.

[Nostril Cheese]

Did a quick check. Apparently, it was used as a Mossad service piece. Seems to be a pretty nice weapon.

http://www.berettaworld.com

[targa911S]

The Jaguar was a .22 on the same frame. The Puma is the .32. Also know as the 70 series, made in the 50's. Not a collectors dream, booking at around $150 - $200. yours more as it has the original box. Keep it as a family heirloom and use it as a "house gun" good for carry concealed also. They started making a "New Puma" in the 70's. Here is a link.

http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3037.htm

[competentone]

That's a wonderful gift to receive!

The Beretta Model 70 (and variations) was made in 22lr, 32 auto (7.65), and .380 (9mm short).

You can usually find a few for sale on gunbroker (www.gunbroker.com -- just search for "Beretta 70" or "70s") if you want to stay abreast of the value.

Beretta made a good number of them, so I doubt prices will ever really sky rocket, but they will probably continue to go up in value. I doubt that shooting it some will devalue it much (assuming it has been fired in the past already). Just keep it clean and store it carefully so rust won't get to the finish. (The frame is aluminum alloy so that's safe from rust.)

On shooting it, I find that my Model 70 in 32 auto does not like hollow points; I bought mine used and somewhat "beat up" so I'm not sure if the feeding problems with hollow points is specific to my gun or a problem with the model generally -- the rimmed case of the .32 auto round interferes with the angle the round is stripped from the magazine, when the angle is to "low" the hollow point round hangs up. If you shoot yours, you may want to have a couple of boxes of different brands of ammo and see if yours prefers one over the other.

[competentone]

Originally posted by targa911S

http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3037.htm

I just read the information in that link -- most of it is "poor" -- I'm not sure what is available online about the Model 70, but I'll see what I can find if I get some time.

[dmcummins]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't regret shooting it and putting some wear on it. Looks like I got some cans to kill.

I got whats left of the only box of shells bought for the gun. It looks like it's only been shot 10-15 times. Are the shell's still $4.00 for a box of 50 Remington Kleanbore?

[on2wheels52]

The Kleanbore variety might be a bit tough to find, I've run Fiocchi for a low buck FMJ in .32. Some might run a box through and put it up for a while. The .22's are much cheaper for plinking, not much 'bang for the buck' with the .32.
Jim

[Joeaksa]

Go to a gunshow in your area and there are usually some ammo sellers there where you can get better prices on ammo.

Also go to www.cheaperthandirt.com for ammo and accessories.

[azasadny]

I'll give you $250 for the pistol! I love Beretta pistols. I shoot Fiocchi 9mm in my 92FS.

[72doug2,2S]

Didn't MI5(7) make Bond give up the Beretta for the Walther in Dr. No? Looks to me like the same gun.

[cashflyer]

Bond carried a Beretta 418 for the first 5 books, but... "Fleming had Bond's Beretta caught in his holster at the end of From Russia with Love, an event that almost costs the secret agent his life. In the next novel, Dr. No, a certain Major Boothroyd recommends that Bond switch guns. Bond is issued a Walther PPK..."

WIKI

Beretta 418:

[svandamme]

the wiki doesn't tell the whole story


from imdb and also found on various other hardcore bond sites:

"The character of Q / Major Boothroyd in the Ian Fleming James Bond novels was based on Major Geoffrey Boothroyd, a gun expert who lived in Glasgow, Scotland. He wrote to Fleming about the James Bond character and his choice of firearms. Major Geoffrey Boothroyd can be seen with Sean Connery in the black and white 1964 short documentary, "The Guns of James Bond" which was made to promote _Goldfinger_ ."