Beretta 92A1

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 locking block barrel, 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 9mm FN/Browning “Hi-Power”.

The 92A1 was introduced in 2010, based on elements of 92FS and 90two. The overall shape and styling builds on the 92FS, with an accessory rail on the underside of the frame. Internal design reflects the 90two. Model 96A1 is a 92A1 variant chambered for .40 S&W.^[7] The A1 models utilize a heavier slide construction combined with a slightly altered frame to accommodate the slide and tactical light rail. While most internal components are compatible with the standard and Brigadier models, the slide and frame of the 92A1 and 96A1 are not compatible with the non A1 models.