beretta 92fs

The frame cracking stories came out of endurance tests that the SEALs were doing with their new Berettas. What they did was use test ammo that was rated about 50,000PSI (SAMMI specs for 9mm say 35,000) in long endurance tests.

Manufacturers use these loads to make sure that their weapons are safe. They were never intended to be used for anything other than tests...and the SEALs fires several thousand of them. No wonder the frames cracked...any other weapon would have had problems as well.

However, the "S" of the "FS" was adopted to make sure that the slide wouldn't hit the user. If you're worried about it still, buy a Brigadier. The slide is a little beefed up, and teh front sight is adjustable, so it's far easier to add night-sites.

For what it's worth, I have about about 8,000 rounds through my 92, and much of it's +p+. I've had no problems, and I'm still on my original locking block.

They're a great weapon. You won't regret getting one.
 
1. Beretta examined the pistols used in the SEAL "endurance tests" and found that the chamber pressures had reached 70,000psi--about twice that recommended for the standard 9mm. Beretta attributed the astronomical pressures to lead buildup in the barrel and the area just forward of the chamber. If you have a current Beretta 92 series manual you will see various cautions regarding the use of lead bullets for this reason.

2. The 'FS' fix involved installing a hammer pin with an oversize head and machining a small track in the underside of the slide for it to ride in. The track only extends partway down the slide so if the slide separates, the oversize pin will jam the slide to the pistol preventing it from flying back and striking the shooter. The modification is not visible unless the pistol is disassembled, and even then is quite esthetic and not obtrusive at all. IIRC, the lefthand grip must also be modified slightly to accomodate the hammer pin--again, the mods to the grip are not visible unless the gun is disassembled.

3. The Brigadier slide is a heavier model which is beefed up in the areas where the slide separations took place. The heavier slide also reduces recoil a bit.

4. If you're worried about frame cracks, use a buffer (available through Brownell's) during range practice and remove it for carry (to prevent any possible reduction in reliability from the installed buffer). The buffer will help reduce impact to the frame and should extend the life of the frame almost indefinitely.

5. The locking blocks has been redesigned to make breakage less likely. Beretta states that the lock is designed to break in such a way as to not damage the pistol. Replacements are easily installed by the user. If you're really paranoid about this, replace them every 10,000 rounds.

In short?

Slide separations--ain't no thang unless you plan to try to tear up the gun. Even then, Beretta has redesigned the gun so you won't be injured if it happens.

Locking block breakage--replace every 10K rounds if you worry about it.

Frame cracks--use a buffer and "Don't worry, be happy!"
 
Just got back from holding a Brigadier... if this gun shoots anywhere as near as it feels, I'm sold!
 
I've got a Betetta 92SB that I bought used from a cop in Chicago Heights back in the late 80's. I've put 10,000 plus rounds through it, no problems at all, I think it had 5000 rounds on it when I bought it. It's one of those keepers because it was made in Italy before they built the US factory. It's a real gem.
 
The "F" in Beretta speak denotes a DA/SA pistol where the safety acts as a decocker as well.

The "G" denotes a DA/SA pistol that only has a decocker: The saftey returns to the "off" position when released by the user. Pull the trigger, gun goes bang.

The "D" denotes a DAO pistol.

The model originaly adopted by the military was the "F." After the problems encountered by the SEAL's overpressure loads, Beretta re-made the slide with all of the changes so aptly described by JohnKSa and denoted the new pistol "FS." The "S" denotes the addition of a "Slide stop"

So no, FS doesn't mean "Fixed Slide" but you might as well think so. :)
 
Try to rent one first. I found them to be a little fat for my hands and for that reason did not get one. Just didn't feel right. I have several friends with them and the love them. No frame cracking stories from them. If it fits your hand and you like it, go for it. From all I know, first rate guns.
 
Fat Guns!

If you aren't a midget I suspect you won't have any trouble with the full size grip/frame. My scrawny 13 year old shoots my 92FS like a champ.
 
Have you thought about the 92G Elite II? If you have an extra $150 or so, you may want to consider one instead of the 92FS.
 
The Beretta 92fs is the leader of the wundernine pack. All kinks that have been unearthed have been ironed out! Beretta has always been open and honest about any problems discovered with the gun and have resolved them.

I wish other manufacturer's would follow suit and not try to BS us.

You can't go wrong with it.
 
IMO you can get a lot more for the 92G Elite II. I prefer decock only (I don't like manual safetys unless it's cock & lock), the 92G shoots a lot better out of the box, is prettier and has more whistles and bells on it.
 
"So no, FS doesn't mean 'Fixed Slide' but you might as well think so. :) "


Good. That sorta had me worried there. :eek:

You know, if a gunmaker has to reassure prospective buyers that's their pistol's been "fixed" (especially by putting it in writing somewhere on the slide), well, it's likely to be self-defeating: you're sure to lose the customer to another brand that didn't need so much "fixing" in the first place. :D :D :D :cool:
 
A run of the mill Beretta will outshoot most autos and even some revolvers!
I bought one back in the early 80s, and the only thing wrong with it was that it was not stainless. I bought an Itallian stainless model when it hit the market and was pleased. The ultimate DA nine.
I hated to subject it to the rigors of a carry gun in industrial security so I bought a Glock for a beater. I never much cared for the Glock but what the hey, when it got dropped on concrete it did not matter to me.
Later, I traded the Glock on the current Beretta Vertec which has a beefed up frame for night sight attachments. Thats my main carry auto now.
I've never heard of a frame cracking problem on the B-92. Colt had to modify the Delta Elite 10mm to avoid frame cracking and the frames still cracked.
Some runs of Browning High Powers were known to suffer cracked slides as well, before FN moved its make to Portugal.
The Beretta slides that cracked were probably from a combination of .454 Casull level chamber pressures AND the use of silencers which pressed the locking block down and retarded the action. However, the Brigadier models ar e beefed up in that area if it concerns you.
Ive never heard of a Taurus slide cracking, and the designs are nearly identical. It would appear that the users did something to the Berettas that the Tauri did not undergo.
 
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