Some years before Beretta purchased Sako, Beretta needed a centerfire action for its sporting bolt action rifles. Many will remember the Beretta "Mato", some of which were made on the M70-type Dakota action. Less well-known is the Beretta 500 series (500, 501, 502), which was made on Sako A-series actions, but actions that were made expressly for Beretta. They featured a round top (no dovetails) and were marked with the Beretta logo.
I've acquired a 500 (AI .222), 501 (AII .308), and a 502 (AV .30-06). These are the only calibers I've seen in the 500 series, although I suspect that at least .243 and .270 were offered, and maybe .300 Win. However, I was totally surprised when I came across a Beretta 502 in 7x64 Brenneke. Luckily, no one else who participated in that auction appreciated its uniqueness, so I was able to buy it worth the money. Here are some photos:
The barrel is clearly Italian with Italian proofs and marked "Made in Italy". I have to assume that the stock, with its European-style hogback comb and Schnable fore end, is also Italian. The open sights appear to be Williams. The top of the receiver is round and it came with Buehler bases and rings -- my first experience with these finely-made mounts.
But the best is saved for last: From the auction photos I thought it simply had a trigger shoe on it. But once I saw it in the flesh I realized that a previous owner had mounted a Canjar set trigger! WOW! Now, I find the Canjar totally inappropriate for a hunting rifle, so (if my skills permit) I'll swap it out to one of my Sako bench/varmint rifles and replace it with the factory trigger from that rifle.
What a bonus! Now I suppose I should remove the buttplate to see if someone stuffed some $100 bills in the stock hole.
I've acquired a 500 (AI .222), 501 (AII .308), and a 502 (AV .30-06). These are the only calibers I've seen in the 500 series, although I suspect that at least .243 and .270 were offered, and maybe .300 Win. However, I was totally surprised when I came across a Beretta 502 in 7x64 Brenneke. Luckily, no one else who participated in that auction appreciated its uniqueness, so I was able to buy it worth the money. Here are some photos:
The barrel is clearly Italian with Italian proofs and marked "Made in Italy". I have to assume that the stock, with its European-style hogback comb and Schnable fore end, is also Italian. The open sights appear to be Williams. The top of the receiver is round and it came with Buehler bases and rings -- my first experience with these finely-made mounts.
But the best is saved for last: From the auction photos I thought it simply had a trigger shoe on it. But once I saw it in the flesh I realized that a previous owner had mounted a Canjar set trigger! WOW! Now, I find the Canjar totally inappropriate for a hunting rifle, so (if my skills permit) I'll swap it out to one of my Sako bench/varmint rifles and replace it with the factory trigger from that rifle.
What a bonus! Now I suppose I should remove the buttplate to see if someone stuffed some $100 bills in the stock hole.
)
