Beretta 92FS - Italian vs. American Version

[Sturmgewehre]

I guess it depends on what you want to do with the pistol. If you want to collect it and put it away as a family heirloom, buy the Italian gun. If you want to shoot it, buy either. The American guns run every bit a good as the Italian guns. They are made on the same machines by the same company just in two different locations. There might be some minor differences as there will be when you have multiple teams making things, and the American plant is gear towards manufacturing military M9's which have different specs than the original Italian 92's. Whether or not the Italian plant is manufacturing to the same specs as the US plant, I can't really comment. This is pure speculation on my part.

The important thing is they are both very well made and will give the same performance. But if you want to buy one as a collectible/investment piece, get the Italian gun as it will likely retain its value better.

 

[Coltman 77]

I have a 1989 Italian 92F and it's finish is a bit better than on my American 92FS's, it's a bit more accurate too.

Other than that, there are no differences.

 

[TexRanger]

Thanks again. I really appreciate the feedback. In looking around recently, I have noticed more Italian-made models than American-made models on the market. Initially, I was put off somewhat by the polymer guide rod but given the comments received on this thread and the information on the Beretta Forum FAQ, I feel quite confident in both versions. Simply because of the availability, I will likely end up buying the Italian version.

Now stainless or blued??? I know that is another thread.

Thanks again,

John

 

[dgludwig]

My advice is to buy which version is cheaper and/or from which dealer offers the best customer service.

 

[Giorgio]

IMO this, Tex.

 

[Cheapshooter]

Blued! Way too classic beauty for shiny metal! IMO.

 

[JohnKSa]

Currently made non-stainless Beretta 92FS pistols are finished in Bruniton which is a coating rather than a traditional blued finish.

 

[Cheapshooter]

Blued, bruinton, whatever. It's a flat black finish that just BELONGS on a 92fs

 

[Snub357]

Ciao baby

 

[rogelk]

both!...one of each! ...(SS contols on the inox is a must)

 

[JohnKSa]

It's a flat black finish that just BELONGS on a 92fs

Dunno 'bout that...

 

[Snub357]

Don't take this personally, but IMHO, white grips on stainless guns look silly.

 

[JohnKSa]

Well, they're actually not white, they're clear anodized aluminum. In person they have more of a metallic look.

I like the effect, but I'm ok with the idea that not everyone does. If they did I would have had to pay a lot more for the grips.

 

[rogelk]

Nothin' silly about an Elite II, I don't care what color it is