American Tactical 92C Centurion

[LHRGunslinger]

I just got my CDNN catalog about an hour ago & right on the front page I saw an American Tactical 92C Centurion for $299.99 staring me in the face. I'm wondering how it stacks up against a Beretta. Or is it a Beretta? I have no idea.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I have one.

The standard AT92, which they appear to be out of, is an identical copy of a mid-1990's Beretta 92, with pretty much all interchangeable parts. I specify the year because it doesn't have the enlarged hammer pin that keeps the slide from coming off backwards if the slide breaks in half.

The AT92C is a variant for the US market. It does not perfectly match any Beretta in the slide and barrel length (4.3"). All other parts seem to be interchangeable.

Both use standard Beretta 92 magazines.

These pistols are made in Turkey and widely marketed in the 3rd world as the "Yavuz 16". They are made somehow under the umbrella of MKEK, a huge Turkish-government-owned arms maker. What I've discerned from posts and rumor is that these started as licensed copies of the Beretta 92 and became unlicensed somewhere along the way, much like the Taurus PT92. They are nonetheless copies and very good ones at that.

I compared my AT92 with a friend's real Beretta 92 side by side, and we both agreed that the AT92 seemed to have equal or possibly slightly better fit and finish, and a better trigger pull. You definitely aren't giving up anything but the brand name.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

For $299.99 & a comparable level of quality to a Beretta? Sounds like I should bust my hump & get it for this price.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I like mine! Just remember that the "C" model is a 4.3" barrel, not a standard Beretta length, so it won't fit perfectly in holsters made for a Beretta 92. It should fit in any holster that holds the standard 92 (4.9" barrel) but there will be some extra room. In some, but not most, holster designs it could be loose.

 

[hemiram]

For that same money, on the same page, the trade in S&W 5906's are a much better deal, for a much better gun, used and all.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

Here's the thing. I know I like how the 92 feels in my hand. I don't know how I feel about the 5906.

 

[Z-Michigan]

July 2010 issue of Guns magazine has a 2-page review of the AT92C, fyi. They like it. There was also a blurb posted on The Firearm Blog a while back, but not a review.

the trade in S&W 5906's are a much better deal, for a much better gun, used and all

The S&W auto is definitely a high quality pistol, but I don't think you can fairly say it's a "much better gun." The AT92 is an essentially perfect copy of a Beretta 92, made by a military arms maker. Turkish factories are up to world standards and have the same CNC machines you would find elsewhere. Stoeger and other western european companies source from Turkey.

 

[JR47]

Remember, too, that the Model 59s are classified as Good to Very Good, as opposed to NIB. When buying a used gun via Internet, you are getting literally a pig in the poke.

As much as I hate to say it, the Beretta balances better for me than a 2x4 with a handle on it like the Model 59 S&W. Your own experience may well vary.

By the way, Taurus bought the factory, and associated machinery, from Beretta. As such, they didn't need a license to produce the PT92, or any variants. It was included in the sales agreement that Taurus would be producing the old PT92. Beretta didn't much care, as they were changing several design features for the US Pistol Competition to the Army.

 

[yustinus1973]

I have been thinking very seriously about getting one of these. I have been doing alot of research on them, I like the Beretta platform, and the $300 NIB for a perfect clone made to NATO spec. for the Turkish armed forces is rilly calling to me.

 

[yustinus1973]

"Just remember that the "C" model is a 4.3" barrel, not a standard Beretta length." It is a standard Beretta length it is the same as the Beretta Centurion model with a 4.3 in. barrel made by Beretta from 1992-1997, and all the big holster manufacturers make holsters that specifically fit this model. If parts are interchangeable between the ATI 92 and the Beretta 92F, then they should be between the ATI 92C and the Beretta 92 Centurion.

 

[yustinus1973]

"For that same money, on the same page, the trade in S&W 5906's are a much better deal, for a much better gun, used and all." I have a cop trade-in 5903 in very good condition, (shot little, carried alot), the 5906's alloy brother, and i like it alot and highly recommend it, as well as all S&W 3rd gens. all very good pistols, thats one reason why i like the Beretta and why i would like to have a ATI 92C, because of the the ambi. slide mounted de-cockers, and alloy frame, just my thing i gess. The fact that this is NIB for $300 also helps, and the fact that it is made to NATO spec. It is also used by the Turkish armed forces, and the fact that it is also tested very thoroughly. Make this pistol at least IMHO a very good buy.

 

[yustinus1973]

"July 2010 issue of Guns magazine has a 2-page review of the AT92C, fyi. They like it." Looked at the article, alot of good information, thanks Z-Michigan. here is a link, http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/2010/05/19/guns-magazine-july-2010/.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

It's givin me a 404 error for your link Yustinus1973. Here's the complete link http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/GUNS/GUNS0710/

 

[yustinus1973]

Ok i got the link worked out it should work now, thanks LHRGunslinger, and thanks for starting this thread. I think the ATI 92C is a good choice in an affordable defensive pistol or just as a range pistol, just like the Beretta, at a nice price.

 

[yustinus1973]

Ok i got the link worked out it should work now, thanks LHRGunslinger, and thanks for starting this thread. I think the ATI 92C is a good choice in an affordable defensive pistol or just as a range pistol, just like the Beretta, at a nice price.