The Tariq Iraqi pistol was first manufactured from 1949 until 1980 by Beretta as the M1951. After Beretta ceased production, the pistol found new life in 1981 as the Tariq, a licensed Iraqi-produced standard-issue handgun for the Iraqi armed forces and the Republican Guard. Production stopped in 2003 but resumed in 2009. The pistol is well-known for its ability to withstand heavy use in the extreme desert conditions of the Middle East. Internally the pistol is identical to the Beretta M1951, but notable external differences include a grip adorned with a medieval warrior emblem of Tariq ibn Ziyad, who invaded Spain in 711 A.D., and Arabic stamping on the side. It also retains some features that are considered outdated by today’s standards in 9 mm pistols. Learn what they are in this “I Have This Old Gun” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV. For more videos like this, please visit AmericanRifleman.org/artv.
Video—I Have This Old Gun: Iraqi Tariq Pistol
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom
In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.
Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners
From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.
Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR
Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.
Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest
There exists a zone within the New York City metropolitan area where law-abiding gun owners are not just imperiled but specifically targeted for exercising their rights. It is an outrage that has continued for far too long.
Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries
Wilson Combat has acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, uniting two of America’s foremost custom firearm manufacturers.
Bill Bachenberg Unanimously Reelected NRA President; Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO In Houston
Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), unanimously reelected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA, and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
