History:
A double-action trigger was added to the Model 950 somewhen around 1967.
The first gun of this type was was named as Model 20 and came in 6.35mm (.25 Auto) chambering. The earliest experiments appearently were made with the standard Model 950 frame. It got the same tip-up barrel like the Model 950, and the double-action was accomplished with an external drawbar on the right side of the frame.
Instead of the torsion type wire spring, the Model 20 now got a new system. Heavy pivoting arms on each side contact the slide, and lobes on each arm rest on nearly vertical coil springs that are in tubular housings attached to the frame.
The Model 20 is a well engineered pistol, and it was immediately big success in Europe and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, its srnall size prohibited its importation into the United States after its introduction.
After production of the Model 950BS pistol was well under way at the Beretta facility in Maryland, it was decided that the Model 20 should be made here. Production began at Accokeek in 1983. The U.S. made pistols can be recognized by their markings "MADE BERETTA USA CORP., ACKK, MD.".
Shortly after it's introduction also a nearly identical pistol named Model 21A in .22lr caliber was put on the market.
Technical Data:
SYSTEM: self-cocking pistol with inertial system, tip barrel and external hammer
CARTRIDGES : 8
CALIBER : .25 ACP
BARREL LENGTH : 60.5 mm , 6 grooves right hand twisting
WEIGHT EMPTY : 290 g
TOTAL LENGTH : 119 mm
TOTAL HEIGHT : 86 mm
TOTAL WIDTH : 25 mm
TRIGGER : Double Action
SIGHT : fixed
SAFETY : hammer safety-rest, level safety
FINISH : alloy frame blackened/blued
GRIPS : black plastic