Sam C
Member
Why do a lot of folks prefer Italian made beretta's over American mad guns? Aren't the guns used by our military made in the US?
Italian made Beretta's
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George Hill
Member
It's about quality. And it's also about the Italians not using any plastic parts.
WonderNine
member
I'm an avid reader of Beretta Forum and from what I've gathered over their the Italians do in fact use some plastic parts now in the past couple years. And believe it or not, it seems some Italians guns were the first ones to come with these parts!
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge advocate of the Italian guns over the American ones.
I had a made in Maryland (in 2002) stainless Beretta 92FS and while it was competely reliable had a crooked lockup. Shot WAY left. You could even see how bad it was by visually inspecting it. I'm sure with a trip back to the factory they would have corrected the problem with a new barrel or whatever they deemed was wrong with it, but I decided to sell it instead when a BHP caught my eye. I was just disgusted that gun had passed their QC. And before anyone chides me on that, I put nightsights on the gun at my own expense for $100 and I also sold the gun for $100 less than I originally paid for it.
But there is a happy ending to the story. My father bought an unfired (made in 1994 according to the date code) stainless Italian Beretta 92FS last summer with one normal capacity factory stainless mag for $550 and it's like a night and day difference. It just looks quite a bit nicer as well. Very accurate gun and of course has functioned perfectly with factory and Mec-Gar mags.
Eagle mags are another story, but I told him not to buy them! Live and learn....
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WonderNine
member
Yea, they are creeping up in price a little. Still I don't actually see them *sell* for much more than USA ones.
George Hill
Member
No plastic in my Cougar. 
Mastrogiacomo
Member
Don't overlook the most obvious answer -- the thrill of owning an Italian made gun.
www.berettaforum.net
www.berettaforum.net
natedog
Member
Are the Italians still imported, or do you have to get a used one?
Mastrogiacomo
Member
You have to buy Italian models used. Italy stoped importing them a while back which is when they set up shop here -- Beretta USA. You're best bet is to look online. Unfortunately, in my state I can't do that unless the gun was registered to a Massachusetts resident prior to 10/21/98 -- I've got to move....:banghead:
George Hill
Member
The Cougars and the Cheetahs are all still made in Italy from my understanding.
WonderNine
member
I saw a list on Beretta forum, I believe there were about 8 or so models still being made only in Italy according to it.
I'm sure that what Mastrogiacomo was referring to was 92's.
After all 9X19 is banned in Italy, so it doesn't make very good financial sense to make 9X19 Beretta 92's in Italy and import them when they have a factory here now.
All of the Italian Beretta's are now 9X21 to get around Italian laws against civilians owning "military calibers". I understand the 9X21 round is still basically the same pressure, just a little longer case. And the standard 9X19 mags are the same as the 9X21 mags. Only difference would be the barrel as far as I know.
I'm sure that what Mastrogiacomo was referring to was 92's.
After all 9X19 is banned in Italy, so it doesn't make very good financial sense to make 9X19 Beretta 92's in Italy and import them when they have a factory here now.
All of the Italian Beretta's are now 9X21 to get around Italian laws against civilians owning "military calibers". I understand the 9X21 round is still basically the same pressure, just a little longer case. And the standard 9X19 mags are the same as the 9X21 mags. Only difference would be the barrel as far as I know.
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Mastrogiacomo
Member
Guns still in production that are Italian made include: the Cheetah, 9000S, Cougars, possibly Bobcats and Tomcats -- but certainly the CX Storm. The Italian made 92FS standard and compact models are a rare and much sought after find. Those that have been lucky enough to own these firearms claim the finish is superior to the U.S. models -- some argue the guns shoot better as well but that's largely opinion. I own the compact M, standard 92FS and Brigadier -- they're all fine guns and equally well made. Owning an Italian made 92 -- is really more a status symbol among Beretta collectors.
Hemicuda
member
My 8040F Mini-Cougar is all-metal, and all-Italian... but I'da grabbed up this little beauty if she'd been american too... too nice a gun not to own one!
George Hill
Member
Feel the same way about my .45 Mini Kitty. These Cougars are indeed very worthy handguns, but very quiet. You don't see much about them even on Beretta Forums.
George Hill
Member
Ugly?
Looks good to me.
Looks good to me.
natedog
Member
To each his own. I think the Beretta series has that bit of European finesse and class, like a well tuned sports car.
Waxed Canvas
Member
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- Feb 11, 2004
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My experience has been that Beretta weapons be they the M9 or the AL 390 Semi Auto or the Blackwing O/U are superb. That having been said, my experience with the folks at the Beretta gallery has not been so stellar. In fact, I will come straight to the point and say that during a recent transaction, I found them to be rude, arrogant and unwise in judging a book by it's cover. In fact as a business owner, I would never treat anyone like I was treated.
They do not represent the grass roots guy or even someone above average as if among the brotherhood and sisterhood of firearms owners, one's stature in this world matters. Recently I bought a Benelli and I must say the guys at Benelli have changed and are much easier to deal with. Even so, no weapon attached to Beretta in any way will be purchased by me or with any funds I generate. When I can steer someone away from sopending money on a Beretta or any product attached to Beretta I will.
Nonetheless no Beretta will be used by anyone in my family and stored in my home or at the hunting camp as long as I pay the bills. What my kiddos do with their own money is there deal.
Those in Beretta marketing would do well to realize that the very reason they have jobs and are able to sell firearms in this nation, this great nation, is due to the blood sweat and tears of the average man and woman not the blueblood in Highland Park, Beverly Hills or Manhattan whose old man made it possible for them to skirt combat duty.
Anyway, they make nice products.
They do not represent the grass roots guy or even someone above average as if among the brotherhood and sisterhood of firearms owners, one's stature in this world matters. Recently I bought a Benelli and I must say the guys at Benelli have changed and are much easier to deal with. Even so, no weapon attached to Beretta in any way will be purchased by me or with any funds I generate. When I can steer someone away from sopending money on a Beretta or any product attached to Beretta I will.
Nonetheless no Beretta will be used by anyone in my family and stored in my home or at the hunting camp as long as I pay the bills. What my kiddos do with their own money is there deal.
Those in Beretta marketing would do well to realize that the very reason they have jobs and are able to sell firearms in this nation, this great nation, is due to the blood sweat and tears of the average man and woman not the blueblood in Highland Park, Beverly Hills or Manhattan whose old man made it possible for them to skirt combat duty.
Anyway, they make nice products.
George Hill
Member
The other day I called Beretta and placed an order with them for a little 8 dollar out the door total... the grip adapter to make 8045 mags fit the 8045 mini better for a pinky hold. Anyways...
The guy on the phone was not the most pleasant fellow... Kind of like he was bothered with having to talk to someone making a small order... but he wasn't rude. But I could guess some might think so.
I've not been to a Beretta Gallery... but it sounds like most of the gunstores I've been to.
The guy on the phone was not the most pleasant fellow... Kind of like he was bothered with having to talk to someone making a small order... but he wasn't rude. But I could guess some might think so.
I've not been to a Beretta Gallery... but it sounds like most of the gunstores I've been to.
WonderNine
member
I went to the Beretta Gallery a long time ago and it was just a bunch of pictures. I didn't see any discussion of any kind.
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