The MAB Modello 38 (Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938), or Model 38 and its variations, were a series of official submachine guns used by the Royal Italian Army from 1938 onwards during World War II. Designed by Tullio Marengoni in 1938, it was promptly adopted by the Italian fascists. Initial slow production meant that the MAB 38 only became available in large numbers in 1943. Modifications were made to reduce production costs, resulting in the MAB 38A which became the standard army variant, which included changes to the recoil compensator and the removal of the bayonet lug and magazine dust cover. During the later stages of the war, a simplified version known as the MAB 38/44 was introduced featuring cheaper internal components, a smaller bolt, and the omission of the perforated barrel jacket to expedite production, notably, the MAB 38/44 was around 2 pounds lighter and had a slightly higher rate of fire at 550 rounds per minute. Production of the MAB 38/44 commenced in February 1944 and continued until 1955, with the majority manufactured post-war.
It should be noted that all submachine guns up to and including the MAB 38/43 model were made before the surrender of the Kingdom of Italy. The release of the M1938/44 sample was already established by the Italian Social Republic.
Following the Italian armistice of September 8, 1943, and the subsequent reconstruction of the Italian armed forces in northern Italy under German control, this submachine gun quickly gained popularity not only in Mussolini’s Italy but also within the German Army. The Germans utilized this firearm extensively, assigning it an official designation: the Machinepistole 739 (MP 739). Firing 9mm parabellum rounds, it shared the same cartridge as the German MP 28, MP 34(o), and the renowned MP 38/40 Schmeisser SubMachine Guns. Despite the decline in quality of Italian weapons as the war progressed, the M-38/42 and M-38/44 stood out as exceptions, remaining highly regarded by the Germans, as evidenced by numerous WW2 photographs.
Post-war, M38/44s were exported to Costa Rica, Iraq, Pakistan, and Syria.
A notable feature of this weapon is its double trigger mechanism, with the front trigger enabling single-shot mode and the rear trigger facilitating fully automatic fire.
*Accessories*
Comes complete with a spare stock, a leather magazine bag with two further 40 round magazines and a sling.
