BM 59 Overview, Shooting Impressions, and Surplus Appeal
The video opens with an introduction to the Italian BM 59, presented as a battle rifle that bridges the gap between the M1 Garand and the M14. Chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308 and fed by a detachable 20-round box magazine, the JRA BM-59 is shown firing 150-grain Aguila 7.62x51 ammunition. The host emphasizes how surprisingly soft and smooth the rifle shoots for a full-power 7.62 NATO platform, crediting the integrated muzzle brake and flash hider for keeping recoil and muzzle rise very manageable. Viewers see the classic wood stock, Beretta-style markings, and the attached bipod, all contributing to a strong surplus and Cold War aesthetic. The rifle is compared to modern 7.62 battle rifles like the FN SCAR, with the BM 59 framed as a more traditional yet highly capable alternative. Accessories such as extra 20-round magazines and bayonets are mentioned, and the segment closes with the opinion that the BM 59 may actually represent what the M14 should have been in service.
Design Lineage, NATO Conversion, and Grenade Features
The next portion explores how the BM 59 evolved from the M1 Garand during NATO standardization. Italy took existing M1 rifles and, with American engineering assistance, adapted them to the 7.62 NATO cartridge. This involved using U.S. M1 parts and tooling while adding a detachable 20-round magazine, an integrated flash hider and compensator, and a grenade-launching apparatus at the muzzle. The host explains that this design allowed Italy to modernize its service rifle without abandoning the proven Garand operating system. The BM 59 is described as smooth, controllable, and fun to shoot, with recoil characteristics that make it feel more refined than many shooters expect from a 7.62 NATO battle rifle. The segment reinforces the idea that the BM 59 is, in many ways, what the M14 could have been, combining classic Garand ergonomics with updated features for mid-20th-century NATO requirements, including rifle grenade capability and improved handling.
Bayonet System, Bipod, and Cold-Weather Winter Trigger
Attention then shifts to the BM 59’s military accessories and field features. The bayonet system is demonstrated, showing how the bayonet’s ring slips over the barrel and locks onto a dedicated lug, with a simple clasp mechanism that makes attachment and removal quick and secure. The rifle’s standard bipod is highlighted, designed to fold neatly against the stock and provide stability without excessive bulk. A distinctive grenade sight or aperture is integrated near the front, supporting the rifle’s grenade-launching role. The video also covers the unique winter trigger arrangement, intended for harsh European climates. The trigger guard can fold down and act as an extended trigger, allowing soldiers to fire the rifle while wearing thick mittens or gloves. This cold-weather adaptation underscores the BM 59’s practical, soldier-focused design, combining traditional Garand-style controls with thoughtful enhancements for real-world battlefield conditions.
Trigger Feel, Controls, Sights, and Build Quality
The host provides a closer look at the BM 59’s controls and shooting characteristics. The safety lever operates in the familiar M1/M14 style, positioned inside the trigger guard for intuitive use. The trigger is described as having a bit of take-up, followed by a clean break in the 5–6 pound range, and a very short reset that supports fast follow-up shots, especially when paired with the effective muzzle device that keeps the barrel flat. The bolt catch location and operation are demonstrated, showing how the action locks open on an empty magazine. The rear sight offers windage and elevation adjustments similar to the M1 and M14, giving precise control for distance shooting. The wood stock bears BM 59 and PB Pietro Beretta markings, while the receiver is marked “7.62 millimeter BM 59” by James River Armory in North Carolina. Their refinishing work is praised, and the bipod’s interface with the stock is shown, with notches that lock the legs in place to prevent movement and scratching.
Accuracy, Accessories, Collector Stories, and SCAR Giveaway
In the closing segment, the video references an earlier Classic Firearms feature where Ben shot the BM 59, joking about his eyesight yet producing impressively tight groups that demonstrate the rifle’s inherent accuracy. Viewers are encouraged to read Ben’s detailed write-up on the BM 59 product page for additional insights. The host highlights available accessories, including extra magazines and bayonets, and mentions a customer who purchased two BM 59 rifles—one to shoot regularly and another to preserve in like-new condition for future generations, underscoring the rifle’s appeal to both shooters and collectors. The focus then shifts to a current giveaway: a gold FN SCAR chambered in 7.62 NATO, with a recommendation to watch Texas Plinking’s video on that specific rifle. The video concludes with reminders about safe firearm handling, keeping rifles clean and maintained, and an invitation to visit ClassicFirearms.com for more information and products.
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