Beretta is celebrating 500 years in the gunmaking industry this year. It was Oct. 3, 1526, when the Arsenal of the Republic of Venice ordered 185 barrels for its arquebus firearms—a musket forerunner—from Bartolomeo Beretta. The transaction signaled the beginning of the longest-standing company in the history of firearm manufacturing.
“From that moment on, there has always been a member of our family guiding the company,” Pietro Gussalli Beretta, president and CEO of Beretta Holding, and Franco Gussalli Beretta, president and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., said in a joint statement on Dec. 29. “Today, we stand at the 15th generation, and we are still here, in Gardone Val Trompia, loyal to our legacy, proudly Italian and strongly bounded to the valley and its people, but with eyes toward the world… and the future. All these centuries have passed but that fire, that passion that moved us then, is still burning today, not only in our family, but in all the people that have worked to make this company a world-renowned brand—and a state-of-the-art manufacturing company.”
In celebration of the five-century milestone, in 2026, Beretta will open its doors and reveal the secrets hidden in its long history—the achievements and the challenges that marked its legacy, and the projects to keep the company at the forefront of research, technology and manufacturing. Events will be held around the world to welcome as many enthusiasts as possible into Beretta’s celebrations. Some will have the chance to visit Beretta headquarters in 2026.
“This is not just a celebration of our 500 years; this is a window on our next five centuries, a view on the future of firearm industry,” said Carlo Ferlito, general manager and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. “This anniversary gave us further boost to work on projects never seen before. The solid Beretta team has been working extremely hard, combining what we’ve learned from the past with our vision and the upcoming developments in other industries, to create some of the most unexpected products in firearm history—in every field, and for every passion Beretta can support.”
This year the fabled firm will unveil 10 unique pieces that magnifying design, art and innovation. There will be seven special editions that celebrate Beretta’s past icons and future ones. New platforms will also be introduced, along with exclusive apparel, commemorative accessories, collaborations with leading brands from other industries and more.
Carlo Gussalli Beretta, a member of the 16th generation of the family said, “…and we are going to celebrate all year long, with the goal of involving as many people as possible—making them feel part of this anniversary. This is not just a celebration of our family and our people, this is a tribute to every single hunter, shooter or outdoor lover that made Beretta what it is today, and to the ones that will make Beretta what it will be tomorrow.”
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