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 It also retains some features that are considered outdated by today’s standards in 9 mm pistols.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
by
Support NRA American Rifleman
DONATE
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Review: GForce Arms GF9 Rapture
In a market filled with Glock 19 clones, the GForce Arms GF9 Rapture decided to be a Glock 26 clone instead.
New for 2026: Rost Martin RM1F Pistols
Rost Martin offers a larger version of its RM1-series pistols with the RM1F and RM1F Tactical.
Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat in .380 ACP
Springfield's latest Hellcat chambering makes the small pistol easier to shoot.
New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun
Stoeger adds a new sporting model to its M3000 semi-automatic shotgun line.
New for 2026: Shadow Systems Axio Pistol Platform
A duty-size handgun platform joins the Shadow Systems family of 9 mm pistols.
The Armed Citizen® Jan. 30, 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.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
