Everything about Beretta 20

About Beretta 20

Beretta 20 Facts & History The Beretta 20 a self-cocking pistol with external hammer and inertial system tip barrel. The very first gun of this type was named as the Model 20. This model came in 6.35mm (.25 Auto) chambering. A few earlier experiments were made with the standard model 950 frame. It got exactly the same tip-up barrel like the model 950, and also the double-action was accomplished with an external draw­bar on the right side of the frame. By the way, a double-action trigger was added to the model 950 about 1967. Instead of the previous torsion type wire spring a new model 20 was designed with a completely new system. On each side of the frame were designed quite heavy pivoting arms that contact the slide, and also lobes on each arm rest on nearly vertical coil springs which are in tubular housings attached to the frame. The 20 is a well constructed and designed pistol that became immediately a big success in European countries and other parts of the world as well. Unfortunately, the small size version of the 20 was prohibited to import into the United States after its introduction to the market. After the production of the Model 950BS was well under way at the Beretta facility in Maryland, so it was decided the Model 20 should be made in Maryland. Production of this model began in 1983 at Accokeek, Maryland. Pistols made in the USA are marked by their markings "MADE BERETTA USA CORP., ACKK, MD." and that’s way can be recognized quite easily. Shortly after the introduction also an almost identical pistol named Model 21A chambered in .22lr caliber was introduced on the market. Sights of the model are fixed on the frame. Finish of the gun is an alloy frame blackened or blued. Grips are usually made of plastic.