The Italians made a Way Better M-14

The Beretta BM59 took the M1 Garand into the Cold War—but how much did Italy improve the legendary American rifle? In this BM59 review, we explore the history, design, and performance of Beretta’s 7.62 NATO battle rifle, examining what changed from the original Garand and how the Italian approach compares with the American M14. Familiar lines hide a very different military rifle, built around a detachable 20-round magazine, selective-fire capability, and the demands of a new era.

We dig into the BM59’s development, its service with the Italian military, and the engineering decisions behind its evolution from the M1 Garand. From its magazine-fed action to its bipod and distinctive combination muzzle device, we examine what those features contributed—and the compromises that came with them. How successfully did Beretta modernize the Garand, and where does the BM59 belong among the Cold War’s classic battle rifles? This is a closer look at an overlooked chapter in military firearms history and Italy’s answer to the changing infantry battlefield.

Would you choose the Beretta BM59, M14, or original M1 Garand? Tell us your pick and why in the comments, and subscribe for more historic firearms, military rifle reviews, and small-arms history.

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