Interesting question about the Mato.
I have Beretta's 2002 and 2003 catalog. The 2002 catalog has the Mato Synthetic for a retail price of $1,117 and the Deluxe for $2,470.
The catalog states the following:
"Taking its name from the Dakota Indian work for "bear," the Mato rifle is designed with the finest bolt action ever created: the Mauser 98. It's just one of many features that lets the Mato raise the standard for high quality performance rifles."
The rifle has the following:
1. 3-position safety
2. ergonomic bolt handle
3. drop-out box magazine
4. internal aluminum bedding block on the synthetic stock.
As stated, the acion is a Mauser 98 style with positive feed claw extractor. The barrel length is 23.6" and the barrel is black satin. The stock is dark grey with spiderwebbing. The stock is also fiberglass, kevlar and carbon fiber composite. The trigger is single but adjustable. The synthetic weighs 8.0 pounds, and the deluxe weigts 7.9 pounds.
Now, while the Mato is in the 2002 catalog, it is NOT in the 2003. As such, it would appear that it is no longer produced. I wonder why? As for whether Dakota Arms made the Matos - I'm not sure. I know that I read an article - some years back - about the Mato. I think that, with the Sako and Tikkas, Beretta already covers part of the rifle segment and decided to drop the Mato.
Zachary