Beretta 85 proof marks

[Waveski]

If anyone is able to interpret or explain the significance of the proof marks on my recently acquired (and sweet shooting) Beretta 85 , I would appreciate the help. Graci , 'Ski

 

[OregonJohnny]

According to this website:

http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940944/proofmarks.pdf

The P.S.F. with star inside circle above it is the "definitive proof for guns with smokeless powder" proofed by the Gardone and/or Brescia proof houses in Italy. The 2 long guns crossed over a shield with star inside circle above it is "provisional proof for all guns" proofed by the Gardone proof house. AU is a 2 digit Beretta code for the year of manufacture. I believe "AU" is 1989. Date codes here:

http://berettausa.custhelp.com/app/...sion/L3RpbWUvMTI5OTcwNTMyNy9zaWQvbUlUWUt3b2s=

 

[Waveski]

Excellent Johnny! That is great info. I am pleased to know the year of manufacture.

I wonder why Beretta used a code for the date instead of an 8 and a 9?

 

[Jim K]

I understand the date code was established by the government proof house, and who knows the reason for anything a government does.

FWIW, PSF stands for "polvere senza fumo" or "powder without smoke". The more common term is "nitro powder" with PN or NP in the proof mark.

Here is another site for those date codes: http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/IDC/idc.html

Jim

 

[usp9]

If the date is 1989, is the model a 85f then? Seems '89 is prior to the fs models.

 

[OregonJohnny]

I don't know about the 80 series pistols, but in the 90 series, 1989 was around the time of the upgrade from the 92F to 92FS. The change was simply a larger diameter hammer pin.

 

[scythefwd]

check your PM guy.. sent you some contact info for a buddy of mine that works at beretta. You get him the SN, he'll probably tell you what month it was made

 

[KeithR]

There is an FAQ page on all of the Beretta's on the Beretta forum website
from the Beretta forum website:
http://berettaforum.net/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40