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 It also retains some features that are considered outdated by today’s standards in 9 mm pistols.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
I Have This Old Gun: British Garate Revolver
World War I, as it would come to be known, rather took most powers by surprise. In 1914, Great Britain, which had not entered into a formal alliance with France and Russia, was expected by some to sit on the sidelines while the others went at it.
Beretta Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of 90 Series Pistol Family
Beretta's popular 90 Series handguns, including the iconic Beretta 92, celebrates 50 years of production in 2025, and to honor the milestone, the company has released a limited-edition variant.
The Armed Citizen® Nov. 24, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Ruger & Glenfield: Revisiting The Budget Approach To Firearms
Decades ago, no-frills firearms were offered within the sporting-goods departments of many popular retailers. Does the return of the Glenfield Firearms brand by Ruger signal a return to those days?
Preview: Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18X 56 mm
Introduced earlier this year, Leupold’s second generation of VX-6HD riflescopes adds not just several additional features to the line but also a versatile 3-18X 56 mm model.
Pietta Revives Its LeMat Revolver Reproduction
Following a hiatus from the reproduction market, Pietta Firearms announced that it has officially reintroduced its LeMat revolver, which replicates the famous Civil War-era design, down to its centrally located shotgun barrel.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
