P. Beretta Mod. 70 New Puma .32 ACP Compact SAO Pistol, 1968 Italian-Made, 3.5 in Barrel, Blued
This 1968 P. Beretta Mod. 70 New Puma is a compact .32 ACP from the 70 Series with U.S.-market 'NEW PUMA' grip branding and Italian slide markings. It is a single-action, straight-blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol with a 3.5 in barrel, an open-top slide, and a pre-70S frame-mounted safety configuration. The blued finish, lanyard ring, and fixed sights complete a classic 1960s Beretta profile.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is visible surface rust and there are scratches on the firearm.
What's Included
- Soft zippered pistol rug/case (gray)
- 1x 7-round single-stack steel magazine with finger-rest base and witness holes
A single-action, straight-blowback semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP). The standard 90 mm (3.5 in) barrel and 7+1 capacity align with the compact 70 Series format and make this example a practical size within its era.
Controls follow the pre-70S configuration with a frame-mounted manual safety and a heel-type magazine release. It uses an external hammer with a spur, and sighting is via a fixed rear notch and an integral front blade. The open-top slide with vertical rear serrations is characteristic of the series and aids reliable ejection.
Branding and markings include 'NEW PUMA' on the brown checkered plastic grip panels with the Beretta logo, plus slide legends 'MOD 70 - MADE IN ITALY' and 'PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. CAL. 7.65'. A lanyard ring is fitted at the rear of the frame. The pistol wears a blued finish on both slide and frame.
This New Puma variant was produced in Italy in 1968 for the U.S. market, combining recognizable 70 Series features with model-specific grip branding. The included 7-round magazine features a finger-rest base and witness holes, matching the pistol’s intended compact carry role.