The Beretta 1918, like the OVP, is little more than the VP mechanism presented in a more convenient form. Beretta was approached at the same time as OVP with the request to convert the cumbersome VP into a more practical weapon. The Model 1918 was designed by Tuillio Marengoni.

The modifications consisted of fitting a new trigger mechanism based on that of the standard Italian service rifle of the day, a long wooden stock with an ejection slot underneath and a folding bayonet similar to that used on Italian carbines. The result was a most practical and handy weapon. The mechanism remained unchanged, still using the rotating bolt system and the slotted curved magazine fitted into the top of the action.

The Model 1918 was issued to the Ardite regiments of the Italian Army early in 1918 and thus became the first submachine gun to be standard issue, predating the German Bergmann by a few weeks. The Model 1918 remained in service until World War II, but because of the carbine like appearance, they were frequently unrecognized for what they were. Numbers of the Model 1918 were used during the Spanish Civil War and the Abyssian war and were frequently encountered in the early phases of the Libyan campaign in 1941.

Article by: JDG

Sources:
Ian Hogg, Encyclopedia of Infantry Weapons of World War II, Bison Books, 1977.
Chris Bishop, Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Barnes & Noble Press, 1998.