In 1950, Beretta obtained a license to manufacture M1 Garand rifles for the Italian military. While these rifles were well accepted, it was decided in 1958 to begin work on a slightly more modern design to compete with the M14, G3, and FAL. Over a three month development period, Beretta engineers Domenico Salza and Vittorio Valle led work on tweaking the gas system for the 7.62x51mm NATO, adding a 20rd detachable magazine, and modifying the trigger group for selective fire. While unveiled in 1959, the BM59 did not enter Italian military service until 1962.
Only 100,000 BM59 rifles were actually completed by Beretta; however, Springfield Armory (commerical) offered a semi-auto version using Beretta parts.
[This message has been edited by Daniel Watters (edited November 01, 1999).]
