I am considering purchasing a Beretta 92FS but was wondering if there is any significant difference between the Italian and the American version. I believe that the Italian version has a plastic guide rod, whereas the American version has a steel guide rod. Are there any other differences? Is one more reliable than the other? Any opinions would be appreciated.
Beretta 92FS - Italian vs. American Version
- Thread starter TexRanger
- Start date
Over on the Beretta forum (http://www.berettaforum.net/vb/) in the FAQ section, there is something about the Comparison of USA/Italian/M9.
I have an Italian from 1995 and have never owned an American 92 so I can't really compare. My guess though is that they're quite similar.
I have an Italian from 1995 and have never owned an American 92 so I can't really compare. My guess though is that they're quite similar.
Thanks for the info. Also, thank you for the link to the Beretta Forum. Prior to posting the question, I looked for a Beretta Forum but could not find one. The FAQ answered the question regarding the guide rod. I am a lot more comfortable now with the idea of a polymer rod and will happily purchase the Italian model.
As far as I know, the difference is that one says made in Italy and the other says made in the US. There may be some other differences in the way the pistols are marked.
Afficionados seem to prefer the Italian made guns. As far as I can tell the main reason that they seem to prefer them is because they are Italian made. I think lots of folks believe (have convinced themselves?) that the Italian guns are a little better made. Maybe it's true, but I've not seen anything conclusive along those lines.
I've had a couple from both countries (though not at the same time) and I couldn't honestly come up with anything that I noticed was different between them.
Afficionados seem to prefer the Italian made guns. As far as I can tell the main reason that they seem to prefer them is because they are Italian made. I think lots of folks believe (have convinced themselves?) that the Italian guns are a little better made. Maybe it's true, but I've not seen anything conclusive along those lines.
I've had a couple from both countries (though not at the same time) and I couldn't honestly come up with anything that I noticed was different between them.
Part of the reason for the Italian guns being valued more may have to do with the proofing. Italy alongwith 14 others (Austria Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Slovakia and Spain, UAE, UK) is member of the "Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing" (CIP). American arms are NOT 'proofed' by any national oversight body.
The standard proof of pistol, revolver and rimfire weapons is performed with overloaded cartridges that produce 30% more chamber pressure than the CIP maximum pressure limit for the same cartridge in its commercial version.
So maybe that is considered as some kind of special endorsement. Otherwise the American and Italian guns are the same, practically.
The standard proof of pistol, revolver and rimfire weapons is performed with overloaded cartridges that produce 30% more chamber pressure than the CIP maximum pressure limit for the same cartridge in its commercial version.
So maybe that is considered as some kind of special endorsement. Otherwise the American and Italian guns are the same, practically.
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I think the guide rods are both the same. About 7 years ago an Italian was considered premium, mainly because they slowed Italian production down and increased U.S. production, so the Italians became a little rare. Recently, they increased production back up in Italy. I think, because the Akkokeek, MD plant is ramped up filling the U.S. military order for 400,000 pistols. I had a choice last summer, brand new U.S or Italian at the same price and I went with the Italian for no particuler reason. They appeared identical in fit and finish.
Citizen Carrier
New member
This is just me...but if given a choice between a pistol that is brand new, in the box, with one test-fired round to make it legal for sale in New Jersey (or whatever) OR a pistol that has had 30 +P++ overpressure rounds through it before I even lay a hand on it...I'm going to go with the less abused pistol.
SundownRider
New member
I've owned both and couldn't tell the difference even if it was pointed out to me.
One was made in Italy and the other USA. You decide, they're both Berettas.
One was made in Italy and the other USA. You decide, they're both Berettas.
I know you qualified this theory with may but I would have a very hard time accepting the idea that proofing standards plays any role in a customer deciding which country he wants his pistol made at before buying it or that it makes any difference at all in terms of intrinsic value. Maybe it does but it seems like a long reach.
I think JohnKSa is on to something when he opined that some people seem to have "convinced themselves" that the country of origin has something to do with the quality of manufacture. I see the same mindset when some SIG aficionados swoon over German-made pistols vs American-made ones. I've seen, handled and owned many Beretta Model 92s as well as certain SIG pistols made here and overseas and I would defy anybody to discern any real difference in terms of workmanship, material or finish based solely on where the pistol was made, at least on the ones I've been acquainted with.
Cheapshooter
New member
I posted this same question about a year ago. Right after I bought my 92fs. I looked at the display gun in the case at BPS, it was Italian made. The one they brought out of the back room for me was a USA built. I bought the US made one, and am not one bit sorry. The answers I got was that the only difference is as mentioned the US has a polymer guide rod & trigger. I have not had any trouble with either. It is thought that the Italian built Beretta may have a little higher re-sale value, but that is a mute point to me. Cheapshooter rule of gun ownership #1: Don't sell of trade ANYTHING!
Cheapshooter
New member
Not smart, just stubborn!
And learned from mistakes.jersey_emt
New member
Citizen Carrier said:
It is only 1 proof (overpressure) round fired. And I would think of that as preferable, because it is a good test for manufacturing flaws. If a critical part has cracks or other flaws, the proof test might show it before the gun leaves the factory. I would feel more comfortable using a gun for self-defense knowing that it was tested with an overpressure round and proven to properly built.
Although digressing a bit from the thread, here is what CIP member proofing houses do:
"The standard proof of pistol, revolver and rimfire cartridges is performed with overloaded cartridges that produce 30% more chamber pressure than the C.I.P maximum pressure limit for the same cartridge in its commercial version. There are only two overloaded firings to avoid excessive stress to the arm, especially the barrel which is the main part suffering this overload beside the chamber (when not part of the barrel) and the locking mechanism. After the test, the arm is disassembled by the proof house technicians for nondestructive testing looking for Magnetic flux leakage through fluoroscopic lamp in a dark room".