BerettaWeb - Beretta Revolver Made in Brazil

In the 70s, Beretta SA Brasiliana based in Porto Alegre produced a series of revolvers strongly inspired by similar models from the much more titled Smith & Wesson, but of very low quality, with the intent of marketing them in Italy at more advantageous prices than American revolvers.

Initially sales had a certain success, but over time they collapsed precisely because not so much of the mechanics, but of the very rough finishing to lower the production cost of the cylinder were finement this factor could have a long bust.

In the mid-70s the revolvers, following a commercial agreement with Forjas Taurus, were produced by the latter with its own brand.

Fabbrica d'armi Beretta SpA, after receiving the order from the Brazilian government for the supply of the 92 in 1977, sold its plants to Forjas Taurus in 1980.

The Audax models in 32LR and Velox in 22LR, as well as the Tenax in 38 sp. with a 101 mm barrel they had a light tapered barrel with a length 76 or 101 mm with the exception of the model in caliber 38sp (Tenax) also produced with a heavy barrel in the length of 76 mm.

There is also a model in caliber 38 special with a 101 mm barrel. with "sporting ambitions" since it is equipped with a conspicuous front sight and a rear sight adjustable for elevation and drift.

This last one was the revolver that had the best sales result together with the Velox in 22 with a 101 mm barrel.

 

Today the Brazilian revolvers with the Beretta brand are collector's items of relative availability. Those still with the original box are not common.

A special thank you to Lukasz G. for let me using the picture of his own Beretta Revolver.

 

All the models were produced in forged and burnished steel (even if the Beretta folder speaks of nickel-plated models, which have never been seen even at the Beretta Museum in Gardone V.T.).

The Beretta logo with and the writing MADE IN BRAZIL on the right side of the frame.

The revolver was never a target for the Italian Beretta Factory, so much so that the beautiful Revolver n.1 in caliber 357 magnum produced and even catalogued in 1981 was never marketed even if - perhaps it is an urban legend - it seems that some revolvers were sold or give to some body for testing. Americans writers declared that it was the best revolver ever produced outside the States.