History of Beretta

The name Beretta (Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta) is synonymous with guns. The company has been in the firearms manufacturing business for centuries now and is one of the most reliable names in this sector. Beretta offers different kinds of firearms mainly for recreational and defense purposes. The products offered include rifle, pistols, carbines, shotguns and premium guns. Beretta firearms are manufactured from the best quality materials and are designed to perfection by the most skillful hands. Beretta guns are known all over the world for their durability, quality and accuracy.

How and when Beretta became popular

The history of Beretta dates back to early 16^th century when in 1526 Maestro Bartolomeo Beretta manufactured and supplied 185 arquebus barrels to the Arsenal of Venice and received a payment of 296 ducats in return. Firearms were still in their infant stage in the early part of the 16^th century.

By supplying reliable and performance oriented firearms, Bartolomeo Beretta gained a name that soon crossed the borders of Italy. Bartolomeo’s successful deal with the Arsenal of Venice marked the beginning of a long tradition of firearms business that continues even today. Thus, the year 1526 can be considered as the beginning of Beretta history.

Over the next three centuries, Beretta continued to manufacture and sell firearms all over the world. Throughout this period, the company invested in research and development to ensure that it manufactures guns that function without a glitch and have an edge over others.

All in the family

Being a family business, the company was consistently managed by the descendents of Bartolomeo Beretta— first his son Giovannino, then his grandson Giovan Antonio and so on. In the early nineteenth century, Pietro Antonio Beretta undertook an extensive marketing campaign throughout Italy in order to increase the brand value of Beretta guns. His son Guiseppe followed his footsteps, thus creating new business opportunities for the company.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution

Like other industries, the industrial revolution had a profound impact on gun making as well. As a result, the early 20^th century saw a wave of modernization in the factory of Beretta. The implementation of new manufacturing methods as well as technological developments gave a boost to the overall production and the quality of guns.

Impact of the Second World War

The Second World War played a crucial role in Beretta history. Throughout the war and the German Occupation of Northern Italy Beretta continued to produce firearms for the use of the army. Though the guns lacked the external beauty due to pressure on the factory workers to meet the deadline, their operation and performance still remained excellent. In the post war years, Beretta mainly focused on modernizing some older firearms to meet the requirements of the Italian military. However, it gradually entered into the realm of civilian firearms; and in the 1980’s, it found a renewed popularity in the US market where it started producing firearms for the US military and law enforcement authorities. In the late eighties, Beretta purchased a number of its competitors in the domestic and overseas market.

Beretta guns are preferred worldwide

Today Beretta is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world and supplies guns to a large number of law enforcement agencies, military as well as civilians. Beretta guns are the first choice of millions when it comes to purchasing firearms.