Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a BM59. It wasn’t this Paratrooper model, but a standard rifle, and the thought immediately hit me: “What if this thing folded?” Well, Beretta answered that question for the Italian military, and now you can own that answer. The Beretta BM59 Paratrooper 7.62/308 Win Folding Stock, Bipod, 2- 20rd Mags & Hard Case is a piece of living history—a select-fire battle rifle adapted for the modern semi-auto civilian market, retaining its iconic folding stock and integral bipod. It’s a robust, historically significant firearm chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, designed for collectors and shooters who appreciate Cold War-era engineering and undeniable presence on the range.
Look, this isn’t your average modern sporting rifle. It’s a direct descendant of the M1 Garand, re-engineered by Beretta for NATO and paratrooper use. The folding stock is the star of the show, transforming a full-length battle rifle into a surprisingly compact package. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of various .308 loads through this platform, and the heft and design soak up recoil in a way that’s both authoritative and manageable. The included bipod, which stows neatly into the handguard, makes it a solid platform for supported shooting, though it’s not a lightweight—expect a rifle that feels every bit of its historical role.
Key Features & Handling
The heart of this package is the folding stock mechanism. It’s robust, locks up tight with a satisfying clunk, and is the defining feature of the Paratrooper model. When folded, the overall length shrinks dramatically, making transport or storage in the included hard case a breeze. The bipod is not an aftermarket add-on; it’s built into the front end, deploying with a simple pull and twist. It’s a genuine military feature that adds to the authenticity and utility. The two 20-round magazines are a must, as the BM59’s magazine system is proprietary. Feeding it is straightforward, and the action is that familiar, reliable Garand-style operation, just scaled up and refined. At $1879.99, you’re getting a complete, ready-to-shoot kit.
One of the best things about this offering is that it’s drop-in ready. You take it out of the hard case, and you have a fully functional, historically configured rifle. No gunsmithing required to appreciate its intended form. The .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO chambering means ammo is widely available, from affordable FMJ for plinking to precision rounds if you want to see what it can really do. The rifle’s gas system is adjustable, a feature carried over from its military lineage to handle different ammunition types. This one is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Operation | Semi-Automatic, Gas-Operated |
| Overall Length (Stock Extended) | Approx. 44.5 inches |
| Overall Length (Stock Folded) | Approx. 33.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | Approx. 19 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 Rounds (2 included) |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 9.5 lbs |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unmatched historical cool factor and conversation piece. The folding stock is incredibly functional and iconic. The integrated bipod is a genuine, useful tactical feature. Comes as a complete kit with case and magazines. Built on the famously robust Garand action, scaled for .308. It’s a rifle with a story.
Cons: It’s heavy—this is not a rifle for long-distance hikes. Magazines are proprietary and can be harder to find than standard AR-10 mags. The design is decades old, so it lacks modern ergonomic touches like a pistol grip or rail space for optics (without modification).
Who Is This For?
This rifle is for the collector who shoots. It’s for the enthusiast who sees a firearm as a historical artifact and wants to experience its function firsthand. It’s for the shooter who already has a safe full of modern platforms and wants something with soul, weight, and a tangible connection to mid-20th-century infantry design. If you appreciate the engineering of the M1 Garand but want the power and magazine capacity of the .308, the BM59 is the logical—and fascinating—next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are BM59 magazines interchangeable with other .308 battle rifles like the M1A or AR-10?
A: No, they are not. The BM59 uses its own proprietary magazine design. The two included 20-round magazines are a key part of the value of this package, as sourcing additional ones can require dedicated searching.
Q: Can optics be mounted on this rifle?
A: Not easily in its stock configuration. The BM59 Paratrooper retains its classic military sights. Mounting a scope typically requires aftermarket solutions, such as a receiver-mounted scope mount that replaces the standard rear sight assembly, similar to solutions available for the M1 Garand.
Q: Is the folding stock sturdy when locked open?
A: Yes, absolutely. That was my first concern when handling it. The locking mechanism is substantial and military-grade. When extended and locked, the stock provides a solid cheek weld and shoulder contact—there’s no wobble or flex during firing. It’s built for paratroopers to rely on.
If the idea of owning a functional piece of Cold War paratrooper history, complete with its unique folding stock and bipod, speaks to you, this Beretta BM59 Paratrooper kit is the way to do it. Check its current availability on our site.
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