James River BM59 7.62×51 Italian M14 Naval Rifle w/Bayonet M1 Garand
SOLD FOR: $1850
WOA#: WY230113RB001
Make: James River
Model: MB59
Serial Number: 0509
Year of Manufacture: Modern, New receiver built with original M1 Garand and Beretta Parts.
Caliber: .308 / 7.62×51 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Auto
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “7.62MM BM59 JAMES RIVER ARMORY BURGAW, NC 0509”. The bolt catch is marked, “PB-BM-59”. The top of the bolt is marked, “D28287-2SA C13”. The side of the Winter Trigger is marked, “PB-BM-59”. The left side of the grenade launcher sight is marked, “PB BM59”. The right side of the front sight is marked, “PB BM59”. The bottom of the Bipod Lug is marked, “PB BM59”. The front of the Gas Block is marked, “PB BM59”. The right side of the buttstock is marked, “303”. The left side of the buttstock is marked, “BM 59 FAL 1982”. The buttpad is marked, “P.BERETTA ITALY”. The right side of the Chamber is marked, “BULA DEFENSE SYSTEMS MADE IN USA 3/17”. One bayonet is marked, “A.E.T. 1957”.
Barrel Length: 23.5” inches with fixed muzzle device. 19” without.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade sight within two protective ears dovetailed to the gas block. Attached to the gas block is a flip up grenade launcher. The rear sight is an adjustable peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a modified M1 Garand pattern wood stock. The LOP measures 12.5 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The BM59 is cut to receive detachable box magazines. Features a foldout Bipod, grenade launcher sights, winter trigger for gloved use as well as firing grenades without breaking fingers, safety in front of trigger, ambi mag release in front of trigger guard, bayonet lug, and bolt catch on the left side of the receiver. There are no chips or cracks in the stock. There are cutouts in the stock for bipod feet to rest in. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition as factory refurbished original parts. There are some light scratches on the buttpad.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2 BM59 Steel Factory Box Magazines, 20rd, in Excellent Condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Factory Original Receiver and Refurbished Parts
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is clean. There is no notable erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light scratching on all of the metal parts, but most prominently on the Bipod, Front Sight, and on the barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a James River BM59 rifle. The inside of the receiver has trace amounts of grease on the action and carrier.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its Hard Case, total of 2 magazines, Bayonet Sheath, Bayonet still wrapped in Surplus wrap, another bayonet with sheath (TOTAL of 2 Bayonets Factory Manufacture Inspection Sheet, James River Owners Manual.
Our Assessment:The BM59 is a historic battle rifle developed in Italy in 1959 that is based on the M1 Garand platform. The rifle is chambered in 7.62×51 NATO and features a 20-round detachable box magazine, as well as a folding bipod and a combined muzzle brake/flash suppressor/rifle grenade launcher. The original military configuration was select fire, but the James River Armory version is a semi-automatic only model.
The BM59 is an improvement on the M1 Garand, with several upgrades including a straightened operating rod, a shorter barrel, and a more pleasant shooting experience due to the long action receiver. The magazine was also improved to accept detachable box magazines, which the M14 took nearly a decade to accomplish.
The rifle has an iconic status due to its use by the Italian military and its appearances in many movies and TV shows. The James River Armory version is built with new US-made parts and surplus BM59 parts originally made by Beretta, and features a cast receiver. The rifle is said to work best with modern milspec 7.62×51 NATO (M80) brass ammunition, although it has been tested with steel case ammo and ran well.
Overall, this BM59 is a unique and interesting rifle with a historic legacy. It is a great option for those looking for something different and enjoyable to shoot.