Beretta 92G-SD/96G-SD
The Beretta 92G-SD, 96G-SD Special Duty is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Beretta.
History
First appearing in 2001, the Beretta 92G-SD model was designed for law enforcement/special operations use.
Specifications
Similar to a Beretta 92FS Brigadier and fitted with its heavy slide that has night sights. The Beretta 92G-SD is only fitted with a decocking device. Unlike the Beretta 92FS Vertec, the Beretta 92G-SD uses a frame based on the standard Beretta 92FS frame with the addition of the tactical equipment Weaver rail mount.
Open Slide Design. Open top slide virtually eliminates jamming or stovepiping. Allows the user to load the chamber one cartridge at a time should the magazine be lost or damaged. These models operate on the short recoil, delayed locking block system, which yields a faster cycle time
Ambidextrous Manual Decocking Lever. Accessible by the thumb of a right- or left-handed shooter, it is spring loaded. When pushed down, the rear part of the firing pin (striker) is rotated out of alignment with the front part of the firing pin.
Automatic Firing Pin Block. The front part of the firing pin is blocked from any forward movement until the trigger is pulled completely back. Even if the pistol falls and strikes the ground, muzzle-down, the firing pin will not strike the primer.
Checkered Grip. The front and back of the grip strap are checkered (25 per inch), and the grip frame is flared slightly at the base to enhance pointability and control.
Extended/Reversible Magazine Release Button. Positioned next to the trigger guard for either right- or left-handed shooters. Allows rapid reloading. Magazine drops clear when released.
Double and Single Action. 92G pistols fire double action on the first round and single action on the subsequent rounds.The longer, heavier trigger pull of the double action makes inadvertent discharge less likely, while the lighter, shorter single action trigger pull allows faster, more precise discharge of subsequent rounds.
Chamber-loaded indicator. The chamber-loaded indicator is visible or can be felt by touch.
Disassembly Latch. Located to simplify field stripping and maintenance, the latch makes the 92G, 96G an easy gun to disassemble.
Finish. The exterior finish is called Bruniton which is an exclusive Beretta corrosion resistant non-glare matte finish.
Plastic parts. Guide Rod, Hammer Spring Cap (w or w/o lanyard), Trigger, Hammer (metal internals), Magazine Release, Take Down Lever, Mag Base.
Intended market
The Beretta 92G-SD was primarily designed for elite police forces that require a high quality special duty pistol that can be fitted with a tactical light or laser.
Design advantages
The Beretta 92G-SD with its slide mounted decocking lever is quick into action, but somewhat less safe then a Beretta 92FS during unloading. The added advantages of night sights and an equipment rail make it an attractive law enforcement pistol. Like all newer Beretta pistols not made out of stainless steel, the barrel bore is hard chromed to protect it from wear and corrosion.
Limitations
The Beretta 92G-SD has similar limitations as the Beretta 92FS. It is not well suited for use in deserts, jungles and arctic areas. While it will perform quite well in such harsh environments, any negligence in spring maintenance and cleaning will reduce its reliability. The Bruniton finish applied on the Beretta 92G-SD, 96G-SD wears down quickly which leads to corrosion and more slide to frame play. The barrel, unprotected in the open slide is prone to corrosion.
Technical Data
- Type: Beretta 92G-SD, 96G-SD
- Trigger system: Double/Single action
- Caliber: 9 mm Luger, .40 S&W
- Capacity: 10-15-17 rounds depending on magazine
- Frame material: Aircraft quality aluminium alloy
- Slide and barrel material: Carbon steel
- Grip material: Rubber
- Barrel length: 125 mm (4.9 in)
- Overall Length: 217 mm (8.5 in)
- Overall Height: 140 mm (5.5 in)
- Overall Width: 39 mm (1.3 in)
- Sight Radius: 160 mm (6.3 in)
- Mass Unloaded: 1010 g (35.3 oz)
- Safeties: Slide mounted decocking levers. Loaded chamber indicator. Firing-pin safety. Slide retention device.
- Magazine release: Lower trigger guard, extended, reversible.
- Production years: 2002 - present day.
- Production location: Beretta USA