Beretta 92
The Beretta 92 (also Beretta 96 and Beretta 98) is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. The Beretta 92 was designed in 1975, and production began in 1976. Many variants in several different calibers continue to be used to the present.
| Beretta 92 | |
|---|---|
Beretta 92A1 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1976–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1975 |
| Manufacturer | Beretta |
| Produced | 1976–present |
| No. built | 3,500,000[1] |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length |
|
| Cartridge |
|
| Action | Short recoil, hinged locking piece assisted breechblock |
| Muzzle velocity | 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Feed system | Detachable box magazine:
|
The United States military replaced the .45 ACP M1911A1 pistol in 1985 with the Beretta 92FS, designated as the "M9."
History edit
The Beretta 92 pistol evolved from earlier Beretta designs, most notably the M1923 and M1951. From the M1923 comes the open slide design, while the alloy frame and the hinged locking block, originally from Walther P38, were first used in the M1951. The grip angle and the front sight integrated with the slide were also common to earlier Beretta pistols. What were perhaps the Model 92's two most important advanced design features had first appeared on its immediate predecessor, the 1974 .380 caliber Model 84. These improvements both involved the magazine, which featured direct feed; that is, there was no feed ramp between the magazine and the chamber (a Beretta innovation in pistols). In addition, the magazine was a "double-stacked" design, a feature originally introduced in 1935 on the Browning Hi-Power.[2]
Carlo Beretta, Giuseppe Mazzetti and Vittorio Valle, all experienced firearms designers, contributed to the final design in 1975.[3]
Evolution edit
92 edit
Production began in May 1976, and ended in February 1983. Approximately 7,000 units were of the first "step slide" design and 45,000 were of the second "straight slide" type.[4]
92S edit
In order to meet the requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame-mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in the 92S, which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The magazine release button is at the bottom of the grip as is customary in Europe. This model was produced from 1978 to 1982.
92SB (92S-1) edit
The 92SB, initially called 92S-1, was specifically designed for the USAF trials (which it won), the model name officially adopted was the 92SB. Features added include a firing pin block (thus the addition of the "B" to the name), ambidextrous safety levers, 3-dot sights, and relocated the magazine release catch from the bottom of the grip to the lower bottom of the trigger guard. The later relocation of the magazine release button means preceding models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas.[5]
A compact version with a shortened barrel and slide and 13-round magazine capacity known as the 92SB Compact was manufactured from 1981 to 1991.[5]
92F (92SB-F) edit
In 1984 Beretta introduced a version of the model 92SB slightly modified to create the 92SB-F (the "F" added to denote entry of the model in U.S. Government federal testing) by making the following changes:
- Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
- Squared off the front of the trigger guard. The squared-off trigger guard protects both the gun and the shooter during hand-to-hand combat.[7] Some have suggested that the square guard enables the shooter to grip the front of the trigger guard with the supporting forefinger to enhance aiming; however, firearms trainer and Beretta collaborator Ernest Langdon says that using the forefinger to grip the front of the trigger guard is improper technique.[8][undue weight? ]
- Recurved the forward base of the grip to aid aiming.
- Hard chromed the bore to protect it from corrosion and to reduce wear.
- New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which purportedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain blued finish.[9]: 16
The French military adopted a modified version of the 92F with a decocking-only lever as the PAMAS G1. These pistols have tellurium in the slide, making the French made steel brittle, and as such only have a service life of approximately 6,000 rounds. The French military fitted new Italian made steel slides to its PAMAS G1 pistols before they reached that round count.[10]
92FS edit
The 92FS has an enlarged hammer pin that fits into a groove on the underside of the slide. The main purpose is to stop the slide from flying off the frame to the rear if it cracks. This was in response to reported defective slides during U.S. military testing.[11] The 92FS also came as a 92FS Centurion model which featured the shorter barrel and slide of the 92 Compact on a full-size 92FS frame.
Design edit
The Beretta 92's open slide design ensures smooth feeding and ejection of ammunition and allows easy clearing of obstructions. The hard-chromed barrel bore reduces barrel wear and protects it from corrosion. The falling locking block design provides good accuracy and operability with suppressors due to the in-line travel of the barrel. This is in contrast to the complex travel of Browning designed barrels. The magazine release button is reversible with simple field tools. Reversing the magazine release makes left-handed operation much easier.
Increasingly, it has become popular to reduce handgun weight and cost as well as increase corrosion resistance by using polymers. Starting around the year 2000, Beretta began replacing some parts with polymer and polymer coated metal. Polymer parts include the recoil spring guide rod (which is now also fluted), magazine floor plate, magazine follower and the mainspring cap/lanyard loop. Polymer coated metal parts include the left side safety lever, trigger, and magazine release button.[12]
Magazines edit
To keep in line with the introduction of laws in some locations restricting magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, Beretta now manufactures magazines that hold fewer than the factory-standard 15 rounds. These magazines have heavier crimping (deeper indentations in the side) to reduce the available space while still keeping the same external dimensions and ensuring that these magazines can be used on existing firearms. Beretta also produces 15-round "Sand Resistant" magazines to resolve issues encountered with contractor-made magazines, and 17-round magazines included with the A1 models. Both magazines function in earlier 92 series and M9 model pistols.
Italian magazine manufacturer Mec-Gar now produces magazines in blue and nickel finishes with an 18-round capacity, which fit flush in the magazine well on the 92 series. Mec-Gar also produces an extended 20-round blued magazine that protrudes below the frame by 3⁄4 inch (19 mm). These magazines provide users in unrestricted states with a larger capacity magazine.
Variants edit
The Beretta 92 is available in many configurations and models:
Models edit
- 92D
- The 92D is a double action only variant of the 92FS with no safety/decocker lever.
- Vertec
- (2001–2007, 2014–2018)
- The Vertec is a variant of the 92-series with a re-contoured, straight backstrap, removable sights, 1-slot accessory rail, flared magwell, and 4.7 inch barrel.
- 90Two
- (2006–2012)
- The 90two is a 9mm/.40 variant of the 92-series with a redesigned, thicker slide and frame to accommodate an accessory rail, fully dovetailed front sight and .40 S&W pressures. Other features added include a captive recoil spring, internal recoil buffer, user changeable monogrips and 17-round magazines.[13]
- 92A1 / 96A1
- (2010–present)
- The 92A1 and 96A1 were introduced in 2010, based on elements from the 92FS and 90two.[14]
- Centennial
- (2015)
- The 92 FS Centennial limited edition (500 units) commemorates adoption by the Italian Military of Beretta's earliest semiautomatic pistol, the Model 1915. This Centennial 92 is notable for its frame-mounted manual safety and single-action-only mechanism. The Beretta medallion in each wood grip panel displays the anniversary dates in Roman numerals, which are also engraved on either side of the steel slide. The pistol is packaged in a custom M2A1 ammunition can bearing the Centennial logo.[15][16]
- M9A1
- (2006–present)
- The M9A1 was adopted by the USMC in 2006. It adds a 1-slot Picatinny rail, more aggressive front and backstrap checkering and a beveled magazine well for easier reloading of the weapon. M9A1 pistols are sold with physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated magazines developed to better withstand the conditions in the sandy environments in Iraq and Afghanistan.[17]
- M9A3
- (2015–present)
- The M9A3 (the M9A2 concept never went into production) was released in 2015 as a potential upgrade for the US military, in response to the Modular Handgun System trials. The main updates to the M9A3 were a 3-slot Picatinny rail, thinner vertical grip, removable wrap-around grips that can be swapped between Vertec-style and 'old' M9 style,[18] fully removable tritium night sights and a universal slide, which makes the gun convertible from decocker-safety to decocker-only mode. The tip of the barrel is pre-threaded to facilitate addition of a suppressor.[19] Additionally, the M9A3 comes with 17-round sand-resistant magazines in a beveled shape for easier reloading.
- M9A4
- (2021–present)
- The M9A4 was released in 2021 as a direct upgrade for the M9A3. The main updates to the M9A4 include red-dot optic compatible slide and dovetailed tritium night sights, enhanced short reset Xtreme Trigger System, 18-round sand-resistant magazines, and texturized Vertec-style thin grips.
- Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical
- (2014 to present)
- Made in collaboration with Wilson Combat,[20] these pistols differ from the standard Brigadier in that they have a military standard 1913 picatinny rail, all steel controls (as opposed to the polymer coated steel), decock only feature (G-model), 4.7" target crowned barrel, fluted steel guiderod, thin profile G-10 grips, rounded trigger guard, the lighter hammer spring used in the "D" model, Elite II hammer, and their own unique serial number with a "WC" prefix among other features.
- Elite LTT - Langdon Tactical
- The Elite LTT was introduced by Beretta in 2018, in conjunction with firearms trainer Ernest Langdon. The LTT uses the Vertec slide with front cocking serrations on a modified M9A1 frame, and wears Langdon Tactical G10 grips. The pistol comes equipped with G-Model decocker, dovetailed front sight, steel trigger and guide rod, improved springs, and a 4.7 inch stainless barrel with target crown, just to name a few of the more prominent features.[21][22]
- 92X
- (2019–present)
- The 92x was introduced in 2019 as an update to the 92-series and standardization of the Vertec platform. Similar to the M9A3, it features a 3-slot Picatinny rail, thinner vertical grip, removable wrap-around grips that can be swapped between Vertec-style and 'old' M9 style, fully removable sights (High visibility orange dot) and a universal slide, which makes the gun convertible from decocker-safety to decocker-only mode. Unlike the M9A3, the barrel is not threaded. The 92x series comes in compact, centurion, and full size variants.
- 92X Performance
- (2019–present)
- The 92x Performance was introduced in 2019, alongside the 92x, as a competition pistol. Similar to the 92x, it features a 3-slot Picatinny rail, thinner vertical grip, removable wrap-around grips that can be swapped between Vertec-style and 'old' M9 style, dovetailed sights. The 92x Performance however includes a red fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, front and rear slide serrations, skeletonized hammer, competition hammer spring, steel spring recoil rod, extended beavertail, front and rear frame checkering, oversized magazine release, and match take down lever. The Vertec frame is made of steel rather than alloy, increasing the weight to 48 ounces. The 92x Performance utilizes a frame mounted safety compared to the slide mounted safety of the standard 92x. The Extreme-S trigger mechanism is utilized in the handgun, reducing trigger reset by 40%. The trigger is adjustable for pre-travel (in single action only models), as well as overtravel (in all models).
- 92xi
- (2023–present)
- The 92xi was introduced in 2023 as an update to the 92-series including a frame-mounted safety similar to the 1911 platform. Unlike prior models, the 92xi is single-action only, with no double-action trigger pull in the Extreme-S flat-faced trigger. This hybridization is behind the xi moniker, as XI is eleven in roman numerals, making the name ninety-two eleven. Similar to the M9A3, it features a 3-slot Picatinny rail, thinner vertical grip, Vertec-style frame and fully removable sights (High visibility fiber optic front). The 92xi comes in the base model as well as a Tactical model with a threaded barrel and DLC-coated trigger components, and a Squalo edition that brings a different color scheme and adds a Toni system magwell.
- 92 GTS
- (2024–present)
- The 92 GTS was introduced in 2024 as an update to the 92xi series, adding a double-action/single-action option to the platform through a newly designed "twin sear" and decocker-only configuration, hence the GTS name (G-series, Twin Sear). The 92GTS has a standard model as well as a Launch Edition that comes in a two-tone finish with wood grips.
93R machine pistol edit
The Beretta 93R is a significantly redesigned 92 to provide the option of firing in three-round bursts. It also has a longer ported barrel, heavier slide, fitting for a shoulder stock, a folding forward grip, and an extended magazine. Unlike other Berettas in the 90 series it is single-action only, does not have a decocker, and very few are around today.[9]: 12–13
Copies edit
The Beretta 92 was designed for sports and law enforcement use and, due to its reliability, was accepted by military users in countries all over the world.
- Brazil
- After a large order of original 92s for the Brazilian military had been completed, the factory was sold to Taurus, who continued to make the gun as the PT92.
- Egypt
- Egypt had produced the Beretta 92 under license as the Helwan 920 with the magazine release button at the bottom of the magazine.[23]
- South Africa
- Vektor Z-88 (see also Vektor SP1).
- Turkey
- Turkish companies MKEK and Girsan manufactured a copy of the Beretta 92F as the Yavuz 16 for the Turkish Armed Forces and General Directorate of Security.[24][25] There has been speculation that these were being made under contract from Beretta. Some of these pistols were imported into the United States by the company American Tactical Imports as the American Tactical 92 or AT-92. The Yavuz 16 was exported to Canada, Colombia, Georgia, Malaysia and Syria.[26]
Users edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "The US Army chooses Beretta". Excellence (10). Beretta S.p.A: 27. 13 July 2009. from the original on 2017-03-17. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
- ^ Gangarosa, Gene Jr. (1994). Modern Beretta Firearms. South Hackensack, NJ: Stoeger Publishing. ISBN 978-0-88317-174-5.
- ^ "Model 92FS: 15 years of evolution and success". Beretta Web. 2009. from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ Wilson, Robert Lawrence (2000). The World of Beretta: An International Legend. New York: Random House. pp. 207, 234. ISBN 978-0-375-50149-4.
- ^ a b Ayoob, Massad (2011). Gun Digest Book of Beretta Pistols: Function / Accuracy / Performance. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 59–60. ISBN 978-1-4402-2424-9.
- ^ "Beretta 92F 9MM Parabellum Pistol". DEA Museum. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
- ^ SmallArmsSolutions. "Beretta 92A1". YouTube. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
- ^ Langdon, Ernest. "Proper Handgun Grip - Drills and Training". YouTube. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
- ^ a b Thompson, Leroy (2012). The Beretta M9 Pistol. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84908-837-4.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "PAMAS G1 pistol". ARRSEpedia. from the original on 2018-02-09. Retrieved 2017-07-15.
- ^ Lawrence, Erik; Pannone, Mike (19 February 2015). Beretta 92FS/M9 Handbook. Erik Lawrence Publications. p. 10. ISBN 978-1-941998-55-7.
- ^ Ayoob, Massad (28 September 2007). The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 218. ISBN 978-1-4402-1825-5.
- ^ Cassell, Jay (7 October 2014). Shooter's Bible: The World's Bestselling Firearms Reference. Skyhorse Publishing Company, Inc. p. 1228. ISBN 978-1-63220-123-2.
- ^ . Beretta USA. Archived from the original on 2010-09-06. Retrieved 2010-09-10.
- ^ "Beretta Announces Limited Edition 92 Centennial Pistol". American Rifleman. National Rifle Association. 28 May 2015. from the original on 31 August 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
The original Beretta Model 1915 was adopted by the Italian forces one month after Italy entered World War I.
- ^ Shelton, Elwood (12 June 2015). "Beretta Celebrates Pistol Milestone with 92 Centennial". Gun Digest. F+W Media. from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
- ^ "Model M9A1 9mm". Beretta Web. from the original on 2010-03-12. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ Baker, Chris (January 20, 2015). "Beretta M9A3 – A First Look At The M9 Done Right". Lucky Gunner. Archived from the original on 2015-02-15. Retrieved 2017-07-03.
- ^ Mizokami, Kyle (25 November 2018). "Meet the Gun the U.S. Army Said No To". The National Interest. from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 12 December 2018.
- ^ "Beretta/Wilson 92G Brigadier Tactical". Wilson Combat. from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2015-05-04.
- ^ Marshall, Tom (June 19, 2019). "Beretta 92FS: Breathing New Life Into an Aging Warhorse". Recoil.
- ^ "Featured Products". Langdon Tactical. from the original on 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
- ^ Alberts, Kristin (5 February 2013). . Guns.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
- ^ . Girsan (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 24 April 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ "Yavuz 16". Modern Firearms. 22 October 2010. from the original on 22 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f . Girsan. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
- ^ . Special Operations. Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Diez, Octavio, ed. (2000). Hand Guns. Encyclopaedia of Armament & Technology. Barcelona: LEMA Publications, S.L. ISBN 84-8463-013-7.
- ^ Vivenot, Emmanuel (March 2013). "Prise d'otages massive au Sahara" [Massive hostage-taking in the Sahara]. RAIDS (in French). No. 322. Histoire & Collections. p. 56. ISSN 0769-4814.
- ^ a b . 2016-11-24. Archived from the original on 2016-11-24. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
- ^ a b Jones, Richard D., ed. (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- ^ . World Infantry Weapons. Archived from the original on 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2018-01-15 – via Google Sites.
- ^ . Ministère de la Défense (in French). 2011-12-13. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ a b c Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Miami, FL: Lewis International, Inc. ISBN 1-930983-14-X.
- ^ "PAMAS G1". Groupement de Gendarmerie Départmentale du Rhône (in French). from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ . Sinlung. 2010-09-14. Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ [Kopassus & Kopaska – Special Forces of the Republic of Indonesia]. Hrvatski vojnik (in Croatian). Archived from the original on 2010-08-22. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
- ^ a b Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. London, UK: Salamander Books. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
- ^ Anders, Holger (June 2014). (PDF) (in French). Small Arms Survey and United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire. p. 15. ISBN 978-2-940-548-05-7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-09. Retrieved 2018-09-05.
- ^ Kakitani, Tetsuya; Kikuchi, Masayuki (2008). Japanese counter-terrorism units (in Japanese). Sanshusha Co., Ltd. pp. 18–26. ISBN 978-4-38404-225-2.
- ^ Thompson, Leroy (20 September 2011). The Beretta M9 Pistol. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 88–. ISBN 978-1-84908-837-4.
- ^ . Unofficial Website of Unité Spéciale, Officially Endorsed. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
- ^ (PDF). RAIDS (in French). No. 238. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- ^ Lasterra, Juan Pablo (2004). (PDF). ARMAS (in Spanish). No. 285. pp. 66–74. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- ^ IBP USA (May 2007). Malaysia Army Weapon Systems Handbook. International Business Publications USA. pp. 71–73. ISBN 978-1-4330-6180-6.
- ^ . Malaysian Road Transport Academy (in Malay). Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
- ^ Agius, Matthew (14 July 2018). "Personnel reveal shortcomings inside Maltese armed forces". Malta Today. from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Giletta, Jacques (2005). Les Gardes Personnelles des Princes de Monaco du 16e siècle à nos jours [The Personal Guards of the Princes of Monaco from the 16th century to the present day] (in French) (1st ed.). Taurus Editions. ISBN 2-912976-04-9.
- ^ "Pakistan's SSG". Specwarnet.net. from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
- ^ Felongco, Gilbert P. (2013-07-16). "Philippines police officers warned not to pawn new pistols". Gulf News. from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
- ^ Marques Pinto, Renato Fernando (2010-05-28). [Military Industries and Small Arms in the Portuguese Army]. Revista Militar (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ "Прокуроров и следователей вооружат новыми пистолетами" [Prosecutors and investigators to be armed with new pistols]. Lenta.ru (in Russian). 2009-02-09. from the original on 2012-01-12. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ "Polavtomatska pištola 9mm". Slovenskavojska.si (in Slovenian). from the original on 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ Scarlata, Paul (2010-03-01). "Military & police handgun cartridges of South Africa". Shotgun News. from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2012-03-04 – via Thefreelibrary.com.
- ^ "อาวุธประจำกาย และอาวุธธประจำกายทหารราบ" [Body armor and weapons for the infantry]. Thai Army (in Thai). from the original on 2019-03-24. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
- ^ Wheddon, Chris. . Royal Bermuda Regiment. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ^ . Maryland State Police Training Academy. 2008-01-02. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ "Maryland State Police to Carry Beretta's Px4 Storm". Tactical Life. May 8, 2008. from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ^ Hoover, Jeff (2019). "You Never Forget Your First". American Handgunner. American Handgunner. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (21 February 1988). "P.G. Police to Boost Firepower". Washington Post. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "LAPD Equipment". City of Los Angeles. from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
- ^ "Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Uses Beretta Pistols on Duty and Off Duty". Police1. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
Further reading edit
- Fjestad, S. P. Blue Book of Gun Values (26th ed.). Minneapolis: Blue Book Publications. ISBN 1-886768-55-2.
External links edit
- Official Beretta 92 page 2021-02-27 at the Wayback Machine
- Beretta USA page
- Details on the Beretta 92
- Free videos of Beretta 92/96 disassembly
- , Performance Shooter, October 1997