beretta 92g-sd/96g-sd

The Beretta 92G-SD and 96G-SD Special Duty handguns are semi-automatic, locked-breech delayed recoil operated, double/single action pistols, with the addition of the tactical equipment rail, chambered for the 9 mm Parabellum cartridge (92G-SD) and the .40 S&W cartridge (96G-SD), designed and manufactured by Beretta.

History

First appearing in 2001, the Beretta 92G-SD and 96G-SD models evolved from the 92G version which was designed specifically for the French "Gendarmerie Nationale" and used also by the "Arme de l'Air" (French Air Force) and other law enforcement agencies.

Operation

Upon discharge, the pressures created by the expanding gases actuates the slide-barrel assembly in the following manner: after traveling rearward a small distance, the locking block stops the rearward movement of the barrel and releases the slide, which continues its rearward movement. The slide then extracts and ejects the spent cartridge case while compressing the recoil spring (positioned horizontally, directly below the barrel between the parallel guides of the receiver), and simultaneously cocks the hammer. The magazine spring forces the next cartridge up into line. At the apex of the recoil stroke the recoil spring acts to reverse the direction of the slide, chambering a fresh cartridge.

Specifications

Similar to a Beretta 92FS Brigadier and fitted with its heavy, wide slide that has removable front and rear night sights. Because of the heavier slide, the guns balance is enhanced and felt recoil is reduced, improving accuracy for follow-up shots. The trigger spring has bends on both ends, so if it breaks in the field, it can be taken out, put it in "backwards". It acts as its own spare spring. The 92G-SD & 96G-SD are fitted only with a decocking device (no safety), which, when pressed down, disconnects the trigger, rotates the firing pin away, allowing the hammer to drop without causing an accidental discharge. When released, the decocker levers return to their normal firing position. The pistol is ready to fire at all times. Until recently, the Beretta "G" configured guns were sold only to government law enforcement and military agencies. The 92G-SD & 96G-SD use a frame based on the standard Beretta 92FS frame with the addition of the tactical equipment Weaver rail mount. 300px 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. 300px Checkered Grip. The front and back grip straps are machine checkered (25 per inch), whereas the 92FS is vertically serrated. 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. 300px Double and Single Action. This pistol model fires double action on the first round and single action on the subsequent rounds. Squeezing the trigger will cock and trip the hammer, firing the pistol. After the initial shot the pistol will continually fire in single action. 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. The ejector of the 92G-SD has an angle cut into it to eject the empty brass to the right side of the gun. The engineering of the 96G-SD will not allow this design of the ejector, so occasionally a brass will be ejected in a back direction. 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 this model easy and quick to disassemble. 300px Finish. The exterior finish is called Bruniton which is a Beretta corrosion resistant non-glare matte finish. Open Slide Design. The primary role of the open-top slide is to provide a 180 ejection port. Open top slide virtually eliminates jamming or stovepiping. The slide retention device, which causes the slide and barrel assembly to remain open after the last cartridge has been fired and ejected, allows the user to load the chamber one cartridge at a time (emergency tactical loading) should the magazine be lost or damaged. The pistols were designed so that the extractor will not be damaged by direct chamber loading. These models operate on the short recoil, delayed locking block system, which yields a faster cycle time. 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 and 96G-SD were designed for elite police forces that require a high quality special duty pistol that can be fitted with a tactical light or laser, but have also found a market in the home protection area.

Design advantages

  Beretta 92G-SD  and 96G-SD with the slide mounted decocking lever is quick into action, but somewhat less safe than a Beretta 92FS during unloading. The added advantages of night sights and an equipment rail make it an attractive home protection/law enforcement pistol. The barrel is made of stainless steel to protect it from wear and corrosion.

Limitations

The Beretta 92G-SD and 96G-SD have 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 wears down quickly which leads to corrosion and more slide to frame play.

Technical Data 92G-SD

Type: Beretta 92G-SD
Trigger system: Double/Single action
Trigger Pull: Single Action: 4.0 to 6.4 lbs Double Action: 9.9 to 16.1 lbs
Caliber: 9 x 19 mm Parabellum (9 x 19 mm NATO, 9 mm Luger)
Locking system: falling locking block
Capacity: 10-15-17 rounds (staggered) depending on magazine
Frame material: Aircraft quality aluminium alloy
Slide material: Carbon steel
Grip panels: Plastic, checkered
Barrel length: 125 mm (4.9 in)
Barrel material: Stainless steel
Sights: Removable Trijicon 3-dot pressurized tritium gas, self-luminous iron sight
Rifling: R.H, 6 groove, pitch 250 mm (approx 1 turn in 10 in.)
Bullet weight: 8.036 grams
Muzzle velocity: 381 meters/sec (1250 ft/sec)
Muzzle energy: 583 joules (430 ft lbs)
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)
Weight 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

Technical Data 96G-SD

Type: Beretta 96G-SD
Caliber: .40 (x 21 mm) S&W
Slide material: Carbon steel
Bullet weight: 10.0 grams
Muzzle velocity: 347 meters/sec (1138 ft/sec)
Muzzle energy: 606 joules (446 ft lbs)
Weight Unloaded: 1005 g (35.1 oz)