Beretta is the oldest gun maker in the world still run by the same family, celebrating 500 years in 2026. Its 92 series pistol served as the U.S. military M9 for more than three decades.
Company at a glance
| Founded | 1526, Gardone Val Trompia, Italy (first documented contract) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Master gunmaker Bartolomeo Beretta |
| Headquarters | Gardone Val Trompia, Italy; Beretta USA in Tennessee and Maryland |
| Ownership | Private and family-controlled, through Beretta Holding |
| Status | In operation |
Locations and moves
Beretta USA was set up in Accokeek, Maryland in 1977. After Maryland passed new gun laws in 2013, Beretta announced a move to Gallatin, Tennessee, and its 100-acre plant there opened in 2016. All U.S. manufacturing is now in Gallatin.
- Gardone Val Trompia, Italy: headquarters and main factory
- Gallatin, Tennessee: U.S. plant, opened 2016
Timeline
- 1526 The Republic of Venice orders 185 arquebus barrels from Bartolomeo Beretta, the company’s founding document.
- 1915 Model 1915 pistol adopted by Italian forces.
- 1934 M1934 pistol.
- 1951 M1951 pistol.
- 1977 Beretta USA founded in Accokeek, Maryland.
- 1985 The 92F is adopted by the U.S. military as the M9.
- 2014 Move from Maryland to Tennessee announced.
- 2016 Gallatin, Tennessee plant opens.
- 2017 The U.S. Army picks the SIG P320 to replace the M9.
- 2026 500th anniversary. Beretta Holding becomes the largest shareholder in Sturm, Ruger.
Major pistols
| Model | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 92FS, M9, 92X | DA/SA 9mm | The iconic service pistol |
| 96 | DA/SA .40 S&W | 92 in .40 |
| PX4 Storm | DA/SA | Rotating-barrel pistol |
| APX, APX A1 | Striker-fired | Modern polymer service pistol |
| 80X Cheetah | DA/SA .380 | Compact .380 |
| Tomcat, Bobcat | Pocket pistols | Tip-up barrel |
| Nano, Pico | Carry pistols | Slim 9mm and .380 |
Also makes: shotguns, rifles and optics through group brands including Benelli, Franchi, Sako, Tikka, Stoeger, Uberti, Burris and Steiner.
Important people
- Bartolomeo Beretta: founding gunmaker, 1526
- Ugo Gussalli Beretta: led the 1977 U.S. expansion
- Pietro Gussalli Beretta: Chairman of Beretta Holding
- Franco Gussalli Beretta: President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta
Notable events
- The 92F won the U.S. military trials in 1985, and more than 600,000 M9s were delivered.
- Beretta left Maryland after the 2013 gun law and opened its Tennessee plant in 2016.
- In 2026 Beretta Holding became the largest shareholder in Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- The company marked its 500th anniversary in Gardone in September 2026.
Videos
Beretta gallery
Beretta pistols from the Gun Websites collection.
More makers: Pistol Brands · New to pistols? Start with Where to Start.
Company details change. Information current as of October 2026.