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After World War II, Italy adopted the US-designed M1 Garand rifle in .30-06 Springfield (7.62×63mm) and also manufactured it under license. This semi-automatic rifle proved itself well during World War II, but in the late 1950s it was considered outdated and obsolete and the Italian military also wanted a new rifle chambered for the NATO-standard 7.62×51mm round. To meet these requirements, Beretta designed the BM 59, which was essentially a re-chambered M1 Garand in .308 modified to accept a removable 20-round magazine. The XM1E2 carbine version is shorter and lighter, and lacks the grenade launcher/muzzle break of the full rifle, but retains the bipod and latter sight. The barrel is shortened to 17", creating a highly maneuverable carbine that still maintains the firepower of the full rifle. Imagine a tanker version of a magazine fed Garand that runs like a Italian sports car. Built using original Italian parts on a new US receiver, a new US barrel and new modified M1 Garand walnut stock. The craftsmen at James River have done an outstanding job and these are amazing looking rifles! We have had a lot of success with the BM59's and think you will like these carbine versions even more. They are a piece of history that can be both looked at and admired, and also taken into the field and enjoyed!
