Beretta MAB 38/42
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: Moschetto Automatico Beretta 38/42, MAB 38/42, Beretta Model 38/42
Overview
The Beretta MAB 38/42 is an Italian 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun and a wartime-simplified development of the Model 38A. Designed by Tullio Marengoni, it fires from an open bolt using a straight blowback action and features the family's distinctive dual-trigger arrangement (front trigger for semi-automatic fire, rear trigger for full-automatic). The 38/42 discarded the earlier barrel jacket for a shorter fluted barrel and streamlined receiver, and its robust build, moderate rate of fire, and fixed wooden stock earned it a reputation as one of the most controllable and accurate submachine guns of the Second World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3270 g (115.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 213 mm (8.39") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 538 J (397 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Locking Notch
- Features: Dual Trigger Select Fire, Fixed Wooden Stock, Fluted Barrel, Folding Bayonet Omitted
Variants
- Beretta MAB 38A - Original Long Barrel
- Beretta MAB 38/43 - Wartime Simplified
- Beretta MAB 38/44 - Further Simplified
- Beretta Model 38/49 - Postwar
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army · adopted 1942 · as Moschetto Automatico Beretta 38/42
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1943 · as MP 738(i)
- Romanian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1942-1950
Part of the broader Beretta Model 38 family, which totaled roughly one million units across all variants from 1938 to the 1970s
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Tullio Marengoni
Notes
The 38/42 designation reflects the 1942 wartime simplification of the 1938-pattern design. Sought after by both Axis and Allied troops; captured examples were pressed into service by German forces.
Background
Prized for its accuracy and reliability, the MAB 38 series was one of the few weapons coveted by soldiers on both sides of the front - German troops eagerly issued captured Berettas, and Allied soldiers considered a battlefield-pickup MAB a lucky find.