Beretta’s 500th Anniversary Marked as IWA Gets Under Way

February 26, 2026
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As the world's firearms enthusiasts converge on Nuremberg for the 2025 IWA OutdoorClassics, Beretta is stealing the spotlight by commemorating its monumental 500th anniversary—a milestone that underscores the Italian icon's unyielding legacy in the shooting sports and self-defense world. Founded in 1526 by Bartolomeo Beretta as a humble barrel maker for the Venetian arsenal, the company has evolved into a global powerhouse, arming everyone from Renaissance soldiers to modern Olympians and everyday concealed carriers with timeless designs like the 92 series and the ultra-reliable A400 shotgun. This isn't just a corporate pat on the back; it's a vivid reminder of how deep-rooted craftsmanship endures amid regulatory headwinds, with Beretta's survival through five centuries of wars, empires, and now EU bureaucracy serving as a blueprint for resilience in the firearms industry. Timing couldn't be more poetic, as IWA kicks off alongside the World Forum on Shooting Activities' Plenary Session, where global leaders debate the future of our sports amid rising anti-gun sentiments. For the 2A community, Beretta's sesquicentennial is a rallying cry: in an era of ATF overreach and import bans, this Venetian dynasty proves that innovation and heritage can coexist, pumping out suppressor-ready pistols and precision rifles that keep American shelves stocked despite political storms. Expect show floor reveals of anniversary editions—perhaps a limited-run 92X or silver-plated 1301—that could become collector's holy grails, boosting morale and market value for pro-2A investors. It's a shot across the bow to gun-grabbers: 500 years strong, and Beretta's just warming up. The implications ripple outward, signaling stability for U.S. shooters reliant on Beretta's imports and a nod to the transatlantic alliance that bolsters our Second Amendment fight. As competitors like Glock and Sig scramble to match this longevity, Beretta's milestone reinforces why we champion family-owned legacies over faceless conglomerates—fueling everything from range days to home defense. If IWA delivers as promised, this anniversary won't just mark history; it'll arm the future.

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As the world’s firearms enthusiasts converge on Nuremberg for the 2025 IWA OutdoorClassics, Beretta is stealing the spotlight by commemorating its monumental 500th anniversary—a milestone that underscores the Italian icon’s unyielding legacy in the shooting sports and self-defense world. Founded in 1526 by Bartolomeo Beretta as a humble barrel maker for the Venetian arsenal, the company has evolved into a global powerhouse, arming everyone from Renaissance soldiers to modern Olympians and everyday concealed carriers with timeless designs like the 92 series and the ultra-reliable A400 shotgun. This isn’t just a corporate pat on the back; it’s a vivid reminder of how deep-rooted craftsmanship endures amid regulatory headwinds, with Beretta’s survival through five centuries of wars, empires, and now EU bureaucracy serving as a blueprint for resilience in the firearms industry.

Timing couldn’t be more poetic, as IWA kicks off alongside the World Forum on Shooting Activities’ Plenary Session, where global leaders debate the future of our sports amid rising anti-gun sentiments. For the 2A community, Beretta’s sesquicentennial is a rallying cry: in an era of ATF overreach and import bans, this Venetian dynasty proves that innovation and heritage can coexist, pumping out suppressor-ready pistols and precision rifles that keep American shelves stocked despite political storms. Expect show floor reveals of anniversary editions—perhaps a limited-run 92X or silver-plated 1301—that could become collector’s holy grails, boosting morale and market value for pro-2A investors. It’s a shot across the bow to gun-grabbers: 500 years strong, and Beretta’s just warming up.

The implications ripple outward, signaling stability for U.S. shooters reliant on Beretta’s imports and a nod to the transatlantic alliance that bolsters our Second Amendment fight. As competitors like Glock and Sig scramble to match this longevity, Beretta’s milestone reinforces why we champion family-owned legacies over faceless conglomerates—fueling everything from range days to home defense. If IWA delivers as promised, this anniversary won’t just mark history; it’ll arm the future.

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