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 It also retains some features that are considered outdated by today’s standards in 9 mm pistols.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
Latest
Deciphering (Mostly Nonsensical) Cartridge Nomenclature
If you’re perplexed by the naming practices used by our wildcatting forefathers and cartridge makers but are still curious about what they mean, read on.
The Armed Citizen® Jan. 19, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor
The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.
Revisiting A World War II Marine’s Story
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his speech to 800 assembled generals, admirals and senior enlisted at Quantico, Va., on Sept. 30, 2025, quoted Eugene Sledge from his timeless classic With The Old Breed published in 1981.
Review: Leupold Rendezvous Soft Cases
Looking for something better than a cheap nylon bag, but don’t need it armored for air travel? Leupold has you covered.
Preview: Hiperfire Hipertrain
Hiperfire’s Hipertrain is a cast aluminum housing into which the AR-style trigger system, safety selectors and pistol grip of the user’s choice (none of which are included) can be installed to create a trigger demonstrator/dry-fire trainer
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
