Anyone ever has a "good" Helwan/Maadi??

[Redcoat3340]

I've been on the lookout for a 1951 Beretta and not having a bunch of luck.

I've resisted even thinking about a Helwan for many years...but now, I'm wondering.

I'm pretty sure the commercial variety are pretty much a no-go, especially the Steyr-Secaucus and the Century ones.

The Egyptian-marked mil-surps are supposed to be okay; and the Interarms "useable." (As are the Beretta-made "E" serial number marked ones.)

So I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with any of these. And if they have a sure-fire way of identifying the mil-surps.

I've got a few Berettas, from the 1935 to today's FS....and would like to add a 1951 to the accumulation.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

Yeah if I were you, I'd avoid any civilian made repros. I'd stick to original Beretta and Milsurp made only. Egyptian made ones may not be too bad, i'd feel more comfortable adding that to my collection over Helwan.
I'd stick to looking around for Berettas; do you have any stringents against heel mag release verses near trigger release?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I had a Beretta 51 and would never have sold it, unfortunately it was stolen. I would not settle for a Helwan, there are several members here who have had problems with them related to poor metalurgey.

Stay strong, search Armslist and Gunbroker- 51s pop up once in a while. A real one is worth the wait.

 

[RON in PA]

If you hate yourself get a Helwan. The one I had was useful only as a rock. Get a Beretta only or if you can't find one consider the daddy, a post war Walther P-38/P1.

 

[adcoch1]

I have had two, an Egyptian helwan and a century arms. The centry I kept for a few weeks and sold it due to some finish wear on the barrel after about 200 rounds. Very accurate though. The Egyptian was actually an amazing little gun. Ran about 1500 rounds through it over a few years and sold it to fund something else. I wish I had THAT one back.

 

[Tallball]

For me, checking Gunbroker for something like that daily is a fun part of the hobby. If you are patient, you should be able to find what you want for a price you're willing to pay. I've found everything I really wanted so far. Sometimes it just took me a month or two.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

Didn't realize Helwan were the Egyptian made ones, however I still feel the same way; a Milsurp made gun is still worth to add to a collection so long as it's proven. But I still highly suggest a Beretta, believe me it's worth it to have a original brand gun. Like me and my Colts, they're worth every dollar even when they're hard to find.
I'd say finding a Beretta '51 isn't a question of what's the price, but of 'when and where'. Make a reasonable 'price cap' and don't go over that price when you're looking around.

 

[Whiterook808]

Check out AIM Surplus, they just sent out a flyer with real Beretta 951s.

 

[JONWILL]

If you hate yourself get a Helwan. The one I had was useful only as a rock. Get a Beretta only or if you can't find one consider the daddy, a post war Walther P-38/P1.

I agree on the Helwan. Terrible gun