BERETTA BL-4
Posted May 19, 2023
The Beretta BL-4 is one of the more iconic handguns ever produced. This classic Italian semi-automatic pistol was designed and manufactured in the early 1970s and was one of the first polymer-framed pistols made for sale to the general public. The Beretta BL-4 was the successor to the successful model BL-3, and it quickly became the pistol of choice for many military and law enforcement personnel around the world. Over the years the Beretta BL-4 has been improved, upgraded, and refurbished to create a dependable, reliable, and powerful handgun.
When many people think of a Beretta pistol, they think of the classic M9. The Beretta BL-4 is not an M9, but it is an extremely popular variant of the classic Beretta design, and it has been used by many militaries around the world, as well as law enforcement personnel.
The Beretta BL-4 is a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a 4.9" barrel. It can hold a max of 15 rounds in the magazine, although an extended 20-round magazine is also available. The gun is made mostly of a lightweight polymer frame, with the exception of the slide, which is made of a heat-treated steel alloy. The gun has an ambidextrous safety/decocker and a unique feature in that it has a slide-mounted hammer. This allows the shooter to manually cock the hammer when needed, which is a useful feature if you're ever in a self-defense situation where you need to get a round off as quickly as possible.
The Beretta BL-4 has also been updated over the years to include a host of features that make it an even more powerful and reliable gun. For example, many models feature a 4-inch barrel, which provides a bit more velocity on the rounds shot. The pistol also features a two-stage trigger mechanism, which allows for more precise shooting. The hammer has also been updated to provide a smoother pull and release, which makes the gun easier to operate.
One of the most major criticisms of the Beretta BL-4 is the recoil, which can be a bit sharp. This is due to the fact that the recoil springs on the gun don't create enough buffer to help absorb the recoil, and so the gun can be a bit uncomfortable when firing. This can be mitigated to some extent by using lighter loads when firing the gun.
One of the most notable aspects of the Beretta BL-4 is its overall dependability. This gun has been relied upon by militaries and law enforcement personnel around the world for decades, and it is often praised for its resilience. It is made from durable materials that allow it to withstand the rigors of regular use without too much trouble. It is also worth noting that the Beretta BL-4 is relatively easy to maintain, as the gun is easily taken apart and put back together with not too much difficulty.
In conclusion, the Beretta BL-4 is a dependable and reliable gun that has been used by many militaries and law enforcement personnel around the world for decades. The gun is made of lightweight materials, has a compact frame, and is relatively easy to maintain. It features a unique design in that it has a slide-mounted hammer, which can be manually cocked when needed. While it is prone to being a bit snappy with recoil, this can be mitigated by using lighter loads. Overall, the Beretta BL-4 is an ideal handgun for those looking for a dependable and reliable option for the range or home defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight and well-balanced design for easy handling.
-Uses standard 12g CO2 cartridges.
-Integrated weaver rail for attaching optics and accessories.
-Shoots .177 bb or .177 pellet.
-Fixed open sights with adjustable rear sight.
-Good accuracy from up to 30 meters away.
Cons:
-Limited magazine capacity of only four rounds.
-No blowback action, so no realism or added kick when firing.
-No adjustable hop-up feature for improved accuracy of BBs.
-CO2 cartridges can be expensive and need to be changed often.
-Limited aftermarket support for accessories and upgrades.
Who Should Buy
Beretta BL-4s should be bought by those looking for a reliable, shotgun-style semi-automatic pistol. It is lightweight and made of durable materials, so it should suit the needs of recreational shooters, hunters, home defense, and competitions.
However, the Beretta BL-4 should not be bought by those who don't want to shoot a shotgun-style semi-automatic or those who cannot legally purchase firearms since it is a firearm.
Comparisons
| Product Name | Action | Barrel Length | Caliber | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BERETTA BL-4 | Single | 20" | 12 GA | $1050 |
| Stoeger Uplander | Single | 28" | 12 GA | $709 |
| Mossberg 500 | Pump | 20" | 12 GA | $428 |
| Franchi Affinity | Semi-automatic | 24" | 12 GA | $699 |
| Benelli SuperNova | Pump | 24" | 12 GA | $529 |
Features / Specs
• Action type: Single/Double Action
• Length: 6.6 in (167 mm)
• Weight: 1.83 lb (0.83 kg)
• Barrel length: 4.4 in (112 mm)
• Caliber: .25 ACP
• Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
Popular Accessories
Shotgun
The most popular accessories for the BERETTA BL-4 Shotgun include:
- Sling Attachments: These help securely hold the gun in place and provide a comfortable carry option.
- Choke Tube: This helps to adjust the pattern of bullets exiting the barrel when shooting.
- Recoil Pad: An additional piece of padding that helps reduce felt recoil, making it easier and more comfortable to shoot the gun.
- Flashlight: A tactical flashlight can be used to help the shooter see in low light scenarios.
- Magazine Extensions: These increase the capacity of the gun without having to purchase another magazine.
- Stock: A more specialized stock can help with the ergonomics of the gun.
Accuracy
The BERETTA BL-4 is a reliable and accurate semi-automatic pistol. It is a double-action, short-recoil operated handgun chambered in 9mm Luger. This pistol offers good accuracy due to its short barrel and excellent trigger pull. Its sights are adjustable for accuracy and elevation, and the gun has a good weight distribution for handling. The BL-4 has a good track record in terms of accuracy and reliability, making it a great choice for target shooting, plinking, or carry.
