While coming out ahead in the U.S. military trials, some changes were required of the 92SB and this produced the definitive Model 92F. The mark featured a redesigned trigger ring to better serve a two-handed hold and a lanyard ring was added. The base of the magazine was extended for better reloading/general operation. The grip was also redesigned for the better and the barrel chrome-plated for improved wear-and-tear. The external surfaces of the gun were coated in a special substance for corrosion resistance. It was this Beretta mark that was adopted by the U.S. military as its standard sidearm through the "M9" designation (detailed elsewhere on this site).
The Model 92FS followed with a larger hammer pin and reshaped trigger guard for better two-hand operation. The former change was instituted to alleviate concerns of runaway slides from cracked frame rears revealed during the extensive U.S. military testing program. The Model 92A1 appeared in 2010 and was based largely on the 92FS but added an accessories rail under the forward frame of the gun for tactical flashlights and laser aimers. The Model 96A1 was the same gun though chambered for the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge.
The Beretta was also advanced along other lines including target competition pistols, compact versions, special collector marks, and specialized forms. The Model 93R was an automatic machine pistol form also based on the Model 951R. The Model 92 has also been extensively adopted or copied (sometimes illegally) all over the world. Special forces unit also rely on the type, giving the product a tremendous market endorsement. Its reliability under any condition makes it an ideal one-model solution for military army, navy, air force, and military police units as the last line of defense. Even Vatican City guards are armed with this dependable Italian pistol.
Variations on the basic Model 92 frame have also included the Model 92D with no manual safety and a self-cocking function. The Model 92DS is Double-Action Only (DAO) and based on the Model 92F. The Model 92FC is the compact form and the Model 92FCM is an even smaller offering. "Inox" marks were completed in stainless steel. The Model 92G was taken on by French Gendarmerie units (hence the "G" in its designation) and lacked the combo decoking lever/safety catch functionality. Versions were manufactured locally in France under the PA-MAS-G1 designation. The Model 92SB-C was the compact form of the Model 92SB proper while the Model 99 carried the 7.65mm Luger chambering.
Despite its 1970s origination, the Beretta 92 line should continue in widespread use over the next many decades simply because of its base pedigree, proven history, and availability of the 9mm cartridge. It certainly forms a standard for other semi-automatics to follow and will fulfill the sidearm requirement for its many users for the near future.
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