Beretta model 74

[dogknott]

Can someone tell me what years this gun was made? and what does the value run?

[Smilin' Jack]

I saw a Beretta Model 74 - for sale on-line, described as:

"Rare Pre-War Beretta Model 74 22LR, used, minor wear, $595." (I doubt the accuracy of this description.)
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Also I find other (more accurate?) information on line:

"The Beretta Model 70 series Pistols replaced the Beretta Model 1935 pistol in the early 60's and continued production through the the eighties ."

"The Beretta Model 74 was one of the several varients of the Model 70- and is a splendid target pistol with oversized grips, a longer barrel, and adjustable target sights."

Also, I saw a model 74, selling on an auction site where $285 was the high bid at closing.
I also saw 3 or 4 nice Model 70 type pistols  in Scheels just a few years ago, selling for under $400.

[Chickasaw Hunter]

I hoped someone would have the answer your question. I just picked one of these up out of an estate sale. Mine is a Model 70s. In my internet searches trying to find out about this little pistol I found some great articles about it and it's use by the Israeli Mossad. Seems they issued it to their agents and was also used by their sky marshals. There are several documented incidents of its use on attacks against airliners. Some of the articles inferred that maybe some not so document incidents across Europe dispatching some of the Munich terrorist. So the pistol I bought because it felt good in the hand and looked to be of exceptional quality got a little more interesting. I hope some one comes along can give us all some more info. Ch

[Chickasaw Hunter]

I'm still hopeing someone will come along and have some info on these little pistols. From what I've learned the difference between a lot of the 70's series model numbers is just the sight configeration and barrel length. I'm am hopeful that the magazines interchange between them. The searches I've done just for my 70s haven't been successful. So here's hoping a Beretta guru will share some wisdom, below is a picture of my 70s and the holster I made for it. The other pistol is a Kahr K40. CH

[kauphycup]

I spotted this and although I'm far from an expert on the 70 model I can give a brief on the models and if anyone has any specific questions they can email and I'll give it a stab.

They were first introduced in 1960 as a successor to the model 1935 the roman numerals on the trigger guard indicate date of manufacture but are actually numbered from 1954 starting with an X therefore XXI would be 1965. The date codes change at XXX 1974 and go to the alphabet AA 1975, AB 1976, AC1977, AD 1978, AE 1979, AF 1980, AH 1981.

The first model 70 was in 7.65 with the sights, front and rear, fixed on the frame.

The first 22 was the model 70s with the front sight on the barrel and an adjustable rear sight on the frame and 90mm barrel steel frame or alloy frame, I have steel frame.

The 71 had fixed sights front on barrel and rear on frame with a 90mm barrel, mostly alloy frames.

The 72 is the same with the exception there was a 150mm and a 90mm barrel mostly alloy frames usually came as a kit.

The 73 has both sights mounted on a 150mm barrel, unusual configuration with the rear sight on the barrel, used a lot for target, mostly alloy frames.

The 74 has a 150mm barrel with adjustable rear sights, mostly alloy frames.

The 75 has a 150mm barrel with fixed front and rear sights, mostly alloy frames

There are other small iterations of the models but this is probably more than you wanted to know. The 70s is also made in .380 but I don't care for that particular caliber in that pistol even though it is the most plentiful.

[Hillbilly Jim]

I bought a new Mod 70 alloy frame  22 in 1964.   Still own and use the pistol and it has never had any kind of problem in the 46 years of ownership.   
I had a longer barrreled target version Mod 74 and like an idiot I let a friend talk me out of  it some 20 years ago.