Beretta 92S slide issue...

[late08]

Hi! Quick questions. I have an older (not sure how old, but the mag release is on the bottom of the grip) Beretta 92S that I was given as a gift. I have read some places that there are issues with the slide actually breaking off during shooting and striking users in the face. It looks like it has something to do with the slide lock.

Here are my questions:

Is there a way to fix this? Maybe a retrofit?

How can I tell if my gun is vulnerable to this?

Any more info would be appreciated....

 

[vellnueve]

These were issues with the early M9s issued by the military (believe it was the early American production). Not sure if civilian versions were affected although no reason they wouldn't be.

 

[strangenh]

http://www.gunjunkie.net/index.php/Armory/Beretta-92FS.html

See the "Early Problems" section. The short answer is you can't change it to protect against it.

The long answer is, replace the locking block now, and then every 25,000 or so rounds and you don't really have to worry about it. A block is about $39. You can often find an entire new (pulled) block/barrel assembly for $100.

Additionally, if you really have one of the really really early production ones with an inferior slide, you have a collector's item anyhow and you're better off selling it as a collector's item.

ETA: If that's really a 92S, then it actually isn't one of the series that had the weak slide breakage problem anyhow. So just get a refreshed locking block and enjoy.

 

[M1911]

Very unlikely to happen to you: http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/true_story_m9.htm

 

[late08]

Date of manufacturing?

Thanks for all the info guys! Is there a way I can tell the date of manufacturing from the serial number? I know with glock it can actually be checked online...

 

[strangenh]

Thanks for all the info guys! Is there a way I can tell the date of manufacturing from the serial number? I know with glock it can actually be checked online...

Supposedly there's a proof mark on the frame (not part of the serial) on Italian models. See this link to the Beretta customer support FAQ for more info:
http://www.berettausa.com/customer/support.html (#6)