The Beretta 950 is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Beretta since 1952. It builds on a long line of small and compact pocket pistols manufactured by Beretta for self-defense. It was intended to be a very simple and reliable pocket pistol.^[1]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Beretta 21A Bobcat is a semi-automatic pocket pistol designed by Beretta in Italy. Production began in late 1984, solely in the. The serial number chart that I found says it was produced in late 1943 or early 1944, but most experts say 1944. This was a WWII 'bring back' that my father-in-law brought home. He had the original holster and spare mag but over the years they became separated from the gun and now no one knows what happened to them.

Specifications[edit]

Beretta 21a Date Of Manufacture

Enter the serial number, without spaces or dashes, to search the database. If multiple models appear for your serial number simply match the date with the appropriate model, as certain vintage firearms can share serial numbers between different models.

Use our Technical Data Search form to enter your serial number and be automatically directed to the proper schematic, Beretta parts supplier, owners manual and more. Have a question regarding your Beretta, Sako or Tikka firearm? Serial numbers assigned in chronological order. For 1927-1944 year of manufacture date codes, see 'Spanish Year Of MFG. Date Codes' in this section. # end 1999Since 1968-1969 was a transition period in Browning 0001 1999 -1- 222509.

The Beretta 950 is a simple blowback pistol with a single actiontrigger mechanism and tip-up barrel. The frame is made out of aluminumalloy, the slide and barrel are carbonsteel.^[2]

Early models (*950* and *950B* Pre-1968) do not have a safety lever, employing an inertial firing pin for safe hammer-down carry instead (the half cock notch is not for carry and could cause the gun to fire if dropped on the hammer). Later models (*950BS* Post-1968) are provided with an external safety lever.^[2][3]

Intended market[edit]

The Beretta 950 Jetfire chambered in .25 ACP is a backup, self-defense pistol that is intended for undercover agents, police officers or individuals licensed to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense. The Minx version in .22 Short is not advised for such a role due to the caliber.^[2]

Advantages[edit]

Being light weight, low profile and easily concealable makes it ideal for concealed carry. The tip-up barrel makes it easy to make safe and at the same time, easy to make ready to fire, and being chambered in .25 ACP means it is more reliable than similar pocket pistols chambered in .22 LR.

Limitations[edit]

The .25 ACP round allows it to be a very compact, lightweight gun, but the cartridge is relatively short ranged and low powered, putting it in the same class as the .22 LR rimfire cartridge. The accuracy of the pistol is adequate, but the small grip and short sight radius may limit some shooters to being effective only at short ranges.^[2]

Beretta Serial Numbers Manufacture Dates

Users being timid about recoil can make it prone to bite (the slide can cut the top of the shooter's hand when fired) due to them holding the firearm too tightly. As the pistol lacks a shell extractor, relying instead on blowback pressure to clear the shells, misfires are removed manually by tipping up the barrel and pulling the shell out. This is usually viewed as a limitation but can also be seen as an advantage.^[2]

Beretta Serial Number Dates

Technical data[edit]

Beretta Manufacture Date Codes

• Type: Beretta 950 Jetfire
• Trigger system: Single-action only
• Caliber: .25 ACP
• Capacity: 9 total including an 8 rounds magazine and 1 round in the tip-up barrel.
• Frame material: Aluminium light alloy
• Slide and barrel material: Carbon steel
• Grip material: Plastic
• Barrel length: 60 mm
• Length: 120 mm
• Height: 87 mm
• Width: 23 mm
• Mass: 280 g
• Safeties: none (950B) or left-side thumb switch (950BS)
• Magazine release: Lower left grip heel pushbutton.
• Production years: 1952–2003.
• Production locations: Beretta Italy (pre 1968), Beretta do Brasil (late 1960s - early 1970s), Beretta USA (1970s to 2003)

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Ahern, Jerry (5 October 2010). Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Concealed-Carry Handguns. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 220. ISBN1-4402-1743-2.
2. ^ ^abcdeAyoob, Massad (2011). Gun Digest Book of Beretta Pistols: Function, Accuracy, Performance. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 12–18. ISBN1-4402-2653-9.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
3. ^Wilson, R. L. (2008). The World of Beretta: An International Legend. Book Sales, Incorporated. p. 57. ISBN978-0-7858-2104-5.

External links[edit]

Beretta Model 21a For Sale