Description

Beretta Model 948 .22 LR – Classic Italian Semi-Automatic Pistol

A Vintage Beretta with Timeless Italian Craftsmanship

The Beretta Model 948 .22 LR pistol represents an important chapter in the development of Beretta’s compact semi-automatic handguns. Manufactured in Italy from approximately 1949 through 1958, the Model 948 combines traditional European styling with a lightweight design and the recognizable open-top slide construction associated with Beretta firearms.

Developed during the post-World War II period, the Model 948 was designed as a civilian sporting and recreational pistol chambered in the economical .22 Long Rifle cartridge.

In the United States, the pistol was marketed under the names Beretta Featherweight and Beretta Plinker.

Classic Beretta Design

The Beretta Model 948 features a compact aluminum-alloy frame paired with a slim steel slide. Its distinctive open-top slide provides the recognizable appearance of early Beretta semi-automatic handguns.

An exposed external hammer and single-action trigger reflect the traditional mechanical design of the era.

The pistol incorporates a frame-mounted safety lever, fixed iron sights, and a detachable single-stack magazine with a heel-style magazine release.

Its original black plastic grip panels typically feature Beretta lettering along their upper section.

Beretta Model 948 Specifications

Historical Background

Following World War II, Beretta continued expanding its civilian firearms offerings. The Model 948 emerged from design work associated with the earlier Beretta Model 1934 family.

Early development reportedly began in 1948, followed by regular production around 1949.

The lightweight construction and .22 LR chambering helped distinguish the Model 948 from Beretta’s larger centerfire pistols.

Approximately 76,000 examples are estimated to have been manufactured during the production period.

The Model 948 preceded the later Beretta Model 70-series pistols and remains an interesting transitional design in Beretta’s firearms history.

Collector Appeal

Several characteristics distinguish the Beretta Model 948 from more modern rimfire handguns:

• Authentic mid-century Italian design
• Original Beretta open-top slide configuration
• Lightweight aluminum-alloy construction
• Traditional external hammer and single-action operation
• Historical connection to the Beretta Model 1934 family
• Limited historical production compared with modern mass-produced firearms
• Vintage Featherweight and Plinker marketing heritage

Collectors may place additional importance on examples retaining their original factory finish, matching components, original grip panels, correct magazines, and period accessories.

The longer-barrel Model 948 variation is also of interest to Beretta collectors.

Beretta Model 948 at Coastal Firearms

Coastal Firearms provides information about collectible, discontinued, and modern firearms to help customers better understand their specifications, historical background, and distinguishing features.

For a used Beretta Model 948, the individual firearm’s condition, originality, accessories, and mechanical condition should be evaluated separately from the model’s published factory specifications.

Visit Coastal Firearms for additional information about historic Beretta firearms and our firearm evaluation services.