Posted: 6/20/2010 4:53:04 PM EDT
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Howdy,
I recently picked up a Beretta 92F that has a Z after the serial number. It looks like the Z was not stamped at the same time as the serial number. Anyone have any idea what it means? Thanks! Bad cell phone pic: 
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I'm reasonably certain the 'Z' suffix means the frame for the pistol was made in Italy rather than Beretta USA in Maryland, regardless of whether the pistol itself was assembled in Italy or the US.
I think this is true for Italian made frames intended for pistols sold in the US market, which explains why it looks like it was added 'after the fact'. In the highly unlikely event you will ever encounter an Italian made Beretta 92 with an Italian made frame on a model intended for a non-US market I don't think it would have the 'Z' suffix. 
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I have a 1989 Italian 92 F with a serial number ending in Z –– "Made in Italy" is written on the slide and the pistol has a lot of proof marks.
I also have a 1990 American 92 FS with a serial number ending in Z –– "Made in USA" is written on the slide for this one. FWIW. |
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It would seem. Sorta like Sig does now. Slides made in USA and the frames are marked "Made in Germany". Helps keep the labor cost down.
Beretta most likely needed more frames than they could make and Italy made up the shortage. This is not a uncommon practice in mfg. |