What's the difference between a Beretta 92F and a Beretta 92FS?  

This is probably basic/common knowledge. However it is knowledge that I am lacking.

*  Beretta 92
- basic model, no longer in production. Beretta 92 is a blowback operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistol. It features Walther P38 style, vertically tilting locking block system and external trigger bar, located at the right side of the frame (also Walter P38 style). Beretta 92 had double action trigger with frame mounted safety. The extractor also worked as a loaded chamber indicator. The frame is made from aluminium alloy, the slide is made from steel. The magazine release button was located at the bottom of the grip. The grip panels were made from the wood. front sight is of fixed blade type, rear sight is dovetailed.

* Beretta 92S
- Model 92 with modified safety: frame mounted safety was replaced by slide mounted hammer drop safety/decocker lever. In all other aspects the model 92S is similar to early model 92. Model 92S has been used by Italian Army and police, as well as by other forces. No longer in production.

* Beretta 92SB
- further modification of the model 92S. Fetaures ambidextrous safety/decocker switch on the slide, firing pin block and hammer half-cock. Magazine release button was relocated to the spot just behind the triggerguard. In all other aspects model 92SB is similar to the model 92S.

* Beretta 92SB-C
- Compact version of the model 92SB, with shortened slide and grip. Overall lenght reduced to the 197 mm, barrel lenght - to the 103 mm, magazine capacity - 13 rounds, but originall 15 rounds magazines also can be used.

* Beretta 92SB-C type M
- similar to model 92SB-C except that it uses single stack, 8 rounds magazines, and has slimmer grip profile. No longer in production.

* Beretta 92F
- also known as model 92SB-F. Developed in 1983, this model is a further modification of the model 92SB, that featured slightly re-shaped grip, plastic grip panels and new, more durable finish.

* Beretta 9xFS
- model 9xF, submitted for USA XM9 Army Pistol Trials in 1985. Adopted by US Military as a M9 pistol, 9mm. Manufactured both in Italy and in USA, by Beretta USA company. Also adopted by many other military and law enforcement forces. Features crome lined barrel, recurved triggerguard for improved two-hands grip, new grip panels and lanyard ring, 'Bruniton' finish, trigger bar disconnect safety.

* Beretta 9xFS Brigadier
- modification of the Model 9xFS with redesigned, heavier slide. Overall weight is 1kg empty. Also features removable front sight blade.

* Beretta 9xG Elite
- modification of the Model 9xFS Brigadier that features slightly shortened barrel (down to 119 mm; overall lenght is 211 mm), as well as some "customisation", such as bevelled magazine veil and skeletonized hammer.

* Beretta 9xG Elite II
- Modified Elite model which comes with a fully checkered front and back strap grip. Stainless steel slide and barrel. Recessed muzzle crowned 'target' barrel. Extended magazine release. Plain black Novak sights.

* Beretta 9xFS Centurion
- modification of the Model 9xFS with shortened slide and barrel. The frame size is the same as of model 9xFS. Overall lenght is 197 mm, barrel lenght is 103 mm, magazine capacity - 15 rounds.

* Beretta 92FS-C
- compact version of the model 92FS, with shorter frame and slide, and magazines for 13 rounds. Dimensionally similar to model 92SB-C (see above).

* Beretta 92FS-C type M
- version of the model 92FS-C with single stack magazine that holds 8 rounds.

* Beretta 9xDS
- Similar to the model 9xFS except that it has Double-Action Only trigger. The safety, when applied, only disengages the trigger from the hammer, and has no direct effect on the hammer itself.

* Beretta 9xD
- Similar to the model 9xFS except that it has Double-Action Only trigger and no external safeties. Hammer spur is removed.

* Beretta 9xG
- "Gendarmerie" variant, adopted by Gendarmerie Nationale de France in 1989. Manufactured in France by GIAT Industries. Similar to the model 9xFS except that it has decocker only, that safely lowers the hammer when applied but does not lock the trigger.

* Beretta 96
- modification of the model 92FS, chambered for .40SW cartridge. Magazine capacity is 11 rounds. Modifications of the model 96 are similar to those of the model 92 (D, Brigadier, Elite etc.) except for caliber.

* Beretta 98
- originally, it was a 7.65mm Parabellum variation of the model 92SB-C, but this version is out of production now. Currently, Model 98 is a variation of the Model 92F, chambered for 9x21mm IMI cartridge, and intended mostly for the European civilian market.

Most of the info was copied from:
world.guns.ru/handguns/hg07-e.htm
Pictures are on that site too. For even more info about Beretta's, try:
www.berettaforum.net
Hope this helps,
-Steve

Great info...Thanks!!

The biggest difference between the 92 & 92FS is the slide mod. Beretta apparently had a bunch of slides break & hit the shooter in the face. Ouch!

I know of a guy who took his boss shooting for his first time & he used a 92 & yep, you guessed it, it broke & knocked out teeth & all sorts of bad stuff.

I own a 92FS, damn good gun. I don't recall if Beretta did a retro fit for 92F owners or not. You might want to check their web site?

The ONLY difference between the 92F and 92FS is the safty device that keeps the slide from comming back and hitting you in the face.


BKVic

That "safety device" is simply an enlarged hammer pin head which rides in a groove cut into the slide. It requires a slide mod a new pin and a different grip panel. The "S" stands for "safety" model.

Very helpfull info, thank you all.