From my time using the pistol in the military, this was the locking block explanation I received. The locking block is the part most likely to fail due to design. In the field, it is much easier to have a spare locking block to get the pistol running again rather than a major pistol part. As a military firearms instructor, I have seen them break but usually after many thousands of rounds, and the military typically "over cleans" which shortens its life. It's a good idea to inspect the locking block closely during maintenance to look for hairline cracks and if you're not sure, run a pencil across the surface and you'll be able to feel any cracks. If you feel a crack it's cheap and easy to replace.
Last week I went to my LGS and traded in a gun on a Wilson Combat Beretta 92G Centurion. I went into the range and put some rounds through it, very smooth action and fun to shoot. I feel that it was money well spent. Now if the ammo supply will get back to normal, I will be putting a lot of rounds through it.
I just purchased the 92X Centurion by Beretta it has basically the same features that the Wilson Combat model has,and the price is several hundreds less, I carried it to the range and it shoots great very accurate and low recoil...just a wonderful firearm...
What an awesome video! I do have BOTH the Beretta 92 FS and I converted it to a decocker (G) model and use many of the Wilson Combat upgrade parts. I do all the modifications myself. I also have the CZ75 SP-01 Tactical (decocker) and upgraded everything with Cajun Gun Works parts. Both are AWESOME. But IMO the CZ75 SP-01 is the better gun PERIOD! Shoots better and just feels better in my hand. THAT IS ME. But to let you know howmuch I like the Beretta, it is the ONLY pistol that I have never traded and it has been with me since the 90's. Just an FYI and not that important but I had a FULL head of hair then. Today not so much!...LOL KEEP ON ROCKING and great review!
Thank you CJ! That’s awesome that you have both and they sound like they are very dialed in. I will agree that it’s tough to beat the SP-01, but stranger things have happened, lol. Keeping a gun that long absolutely speaks volumes for it. Cheers as always brother!
It's a masterpiece! I've got a 1995 Centurion, they are hard to find, it has the DIY Wilsonization. The locking block drops down so the barrel doesn't tilt, improves accuracy, so they say, they are accurate! I would like a M9A3 to send to Mr. Bill Wilson and crew, it would be the all out best Beretta 92 made, IMHO. 92X should be coming out soon I would think. Thanks KS for another goodun! Peace!
I carried the 92 I absolutely love it. Did a trigger job on mine and have a 5lbs. pull for a double action and a little over 3lbs. for single action. Great gun
Fantastic review, as always! I love my 92 compact. It had not gone to Wilson. That's something I'll never be able to afford on a teacher's salary. I did help remodel a bathroom and used the money to buy all the WC parts I could install myself. I also ordered the decocker from Barretta. It's the poor man's version. Ha!
Thank you brother! Your version is every bit as good my friend. It's all about the parts and you got the experience of working on it. That's priceless! Cheers!
The dream gun. One day, I’ll own and shoot it. For now, I’m glad you are one of the first to review it and relay back to us the beauty of its design and function.
I love the 92, never owned one, but fired a few. Looking to pick up my own, but currently can’t decide between the WC, LTT, or the M9A3 versions. Each have their pros and cons. Would love to see a comparison video on those models in particular. I’ve also considered buying a milserp and getting sights(not all models can swap sights though) and a trigger job. Great video and keep it up!!
KSGunGuy your pending comparison video may heavily influence that choice! Can’t wait for it. From my perspective, the threaded barrel/barrel length, the mag capacity, overall feel of the grip, and ability to change sights/which sights come standard, are the main points I’m going back and forth on. I know they’re all nice, with nice triggers, just depends on the use as to which is “best”. For me, it’ll be a range toy and possibly bedside gun.
The G, or FS configuration does not effect the trigger pull at all. The G is preferred because the gun is always ready to fire and can't accidentally be put on safe. Stock 92/M9 Berettas come with a 20lb hammer spring. The D Spring is 16lbs. You can run a 13lb or 14lb and be reliable. With a 12lb only with high quality ammo/primers (not recommended for carry/duty competition only). This is from Ernest Langdon. He has a video on hammer spring weights for 92s and PX4s. The Elite II hammer is reduced mass, so it takes less force to pull the trigger back and it cycles faster due to less mass. All of my Beretta 92s have: Factory G or G Conversion, 14lb chrome silicon hammer springs, Elite II skeletonized hammers, extended mag releases, Wilson Combat fluted steel guide rods and VZ Grips. Just adding the Elite II hammer and a 14 or 16 pound hammer spring will make your Beretta feel like a new gun and much easier to shoot. I shot them in stock configuration for many years and never had any issues shooting/qualifying.
I really love the 92 series. The LTT version I really had a nice time shooting and couldn't have been much happier with. I hope that the Scottsdale Gun Club gets the Wilson Combat soon.
I actually bought the FDE Archon from Scottsdale Gun Club. They were very easy to work with. Small world! Hopefully the LTT 92 will be every bit as good as the Wilson and my suspicion is that it will be. Thank you and cheers King!
Nice review of a great pistol! You’re referencing the ‘locking block’ which Beretta uses on the 92/M9 rather than the typical tilting barrel Browning-Petter system. Beretta borrowed the locking block arrangement from the Walther P38.
The M9A3 had me with the Vertec grip and became my favorite 92 and favorite handgun, the the Langdon Elite LTT dropped with the LTT VZ grips, and It surpassed the A3/Vertec in my opinion. Since Mr. Wilson and Mr. Langdon worked together on the Wilson Guns and development, they are great units and you can’t go wrong with any of them; though put me in the Langdon camp as far as preference. The CZs are fantastic guns too, maybe it’s just my “I want to be different” peaking out again, but I prefer the 92 series (overall favorite platform) for a metal gun and then the HK P2000/P30 LEM and PX4 for plastic guns. Now Mr. Langdon has brought us an Elite compact and centurion...
Iam getting one. I know you said its too heavy for CCW but Iam going to give it a go. I know fully loaded it comes in at 40.7 OZ. but like I said I'm going to give it a go. I've been waiting for 7 weeks because its been on "back order" from Wilson Combat but after watching and listening carefully to your video it looks like Iam going to be very happy with the purchase. Also I would like to say to you a "BIG THANK YOU" for making this video and don't be so hard on yourself as you did a great job with the whole video. Thank You again and take care.
Full disclosure, I cant carry in my state, but from what I've seen and heard, it's the width that affects carry, not the weight. It weighs as much or less than a full size 1911, but its wider and that affects concealabilty.
That’s awesome Chuck! No shame in carrying it. I’m anxious to hear what you think. I do think you will be happy. This is an exceptional firearm. Lol, I am my worst critic for sure. Keeps me trying to do better. Thank you and cheers!
I have a 92x centurion gr rdo and a 92x compact g conversion rdo I love them both. I ordered a 14 pound hammer spring from langdon tactical for the compact. the 92x is the closest you'll get to a wilson combat or langdon tactical without breaking the bank.
Beautiful gun KS. I shot the WC Brigadier Tactical and was awesome. I wish I would have bought it (brain fart)... Thanks for the another informative video!
Very nice review. Interesting, in that I was at my LGS today and held the Wilson Combat Beretta 92 Centurion, it felt solid, the grip was very nice and the trigger was smooth, but not as smooth as my Wilson EDC X9.That being said, I would like to own a 92 Centurion someday.
Whether it's a G or F configuration, you can't carry cocked and locked either way. The F configuration decocks and puts the gun in safe with a dead trigger until you put it on fire. The G just decocks and springs back up into the fire position.
Looks like Harry's Holsters just uploaded a video of his failing, MAC just uploaded yet another 365 video as well. Haven't got to watch either yet though
My guide rode had a blue piece on it I have looked all over the net to see what this is and why don't see on other guns just like this one in the video thanks in advance!!
Great review! Have you/ do you want to sell that black and grey grip panels? As far as I know, The G model has nothing to do with the trigger pull. The lighter hammer spring does make the trigger lighter.
Great video sir, and your dialogue is very professional. I have to say that you have to have some Michael Jordan or Larry Bird hands. You make that Beretta look like a Glock 42 in your hands. I have a 92A1 fitted with a fair amount of Wilson Combat parts plus the G-Decocker kit all of which were installed by my Gun Smith. No it isn't an actual Wilson Combat (complete package) however, it is an improvement over the standard and it shoots really well. I'll be using it for ASI competition asi-usa.org/ great video and keep up the good work.
Nice review! Did you have any issues with the takedown lever digging into your left thumb? I love the way my 92 shoots, but can only do so many rounds before the takedown lever bothers me.
92fs Inox, 90-two, 92A1.. among other models from other series of the same manufacturer, you could say I'm a fan. Can't wait for the 92x.. No Wilson's yet, just a matter of time.
The Inox version is fantastic. I had a compact years ago and it was a fantastic gun. The 92x looks sweet as well! I think you’d really like the Wilson. Thank you and cheers!
Haha! Frank, you are the first to notice it and thank you for that!! It will be the static intro going forward I think. Thank you and cheers as always brother!
To the best of my knowledge, there aren't any 92 series pistols that you can carry "cocked and locked" - as the safety lever/de-cocker is designed to SAFELY de-cock the pistol when used. You can load a round, de-cock it and carry it on "safe" (lever down) or simply de-cocked (lever back up). The Wilson Combat has the "G" model spring loaded de-cocker only (won't stay down on safe as demonstrated in this video). The 92 series has a slightly different safety and/or de-cocker design vs. Sig, a 1911, or a CZ, but is easily understood with just a little bit of training/experience. I use the term "forward is fire" and "down is dumb" for the Beretta safety lever. If the lever is down when you want to shoot it - that's dumb. If it's forward it can be fired. The hammer spring is located in the back of the grip - just like other hammer fired pistols. The "D" spring is an excellent, cheap, and easy modification that can be made to any "base" 92 series pistol that significantly improves the DA pull while retaining 100% reliability.
I like the “forward is fire, down is dumb” saying. Makes perfect sense! I agree about the modification of the D spring. I actually took the frame of this one completely apart and it was very easy. I can see why so many people upgrade them! Thank you for sharing and cheers David!
Do they use the 92's magazines? I'm looking forward on getting this model without the Wilson combat uprades. I can upgrade it at my own pace as my budget allows. I already have the. 92.
KS while the exposed barrel might be questionable as appropriate as a combat sidearm not being a revolver, it does serve to make for a very flat shooting pistol due to less reciprocating mass when cycling. It could also be misconceived as possibly promoting more muzzle flip because of less weight out front but suprisingly it doesn't. I have owned 3 different Beretta pistols a 1989 model 92, a 1993 96c in 40cal, and a Cheetah 380 model 86 with the flip up barrel that allowed to load a cartridge manually. All of which were fantastic firearms that performed flawlessly. Beretta DA/SA triggers are extremely smooth although much heavier than the WC in stock configuration. I only ever had one issue with the exposed barrel and that was my 96c took a fall from the pouch of my truck's seat cover and landed on the hinge section of a two post 4 arm vehicle lift dinging the barrel. Now just to explain my truck had 12" suspension lift and an 8 " body lift with 44" super swampers on it so the fall was from nearly 5.5' above the lift arms. My cousin is a gunsmith and said that it would not affect the functionality of the firearm but my OCD said it would affect my functionality knowing it was there Lol, so it got a new barrel and all was well. Although my favorite DA/SA is a CZ-75 or any variant thereof the Beretta would definitely be my second choice. The Beretta instills great confidence when shooting and granted by today's standards it is not ideal for EDC but if the plasti-pistol revolution with Glock had never taken place it would be a viable carry option in a compact version. There is a reason why Beretta was the second longest running autoloader sidearm in our nations Military history it is an exceptional platform that isn't prone to malfunction, it is highly accurate, and was easy to maintain. Great video but I can't wait to see the Langdon Tactical review and what the outcome of a head 2 head "If I could only have one" showdown with the WC would render as a winner.
Wow! That truck sounds absolutely huge, lol. The Cheetah is actually high on my list to review. I hear nothing but good things about them. I hear you about CZ versus Beretta, but I’m curious to get them head to head. I do agree about the longevity of the 92 platform. Seems that many really enjoyed running them and counted on their reliability. Thank you and cheers Coiler!
@@KSGunGuy01 the Cheetah depending on caliber is rather snappy mine was the 84 in 380 which wasn't too bad but my stepdad had the model 86 which was 9mm and it would jump around a bit depending on the rounds you were running. All in all though it was a fun pistol like a shrunk down 92 so to speak. I think if nothing else you will find it intriguing.
As I have a CZ75 and a Shadow 2 plus a Tristar T 120. For a vs it's CZ for me. And I have a safe queen 92. PS. Loving the P10F. Picked up 2 more mags and a gun show for a good price. Past the 1000 round mark without a problem.
I’m excited for the vs with the CZ. I have my assumptions but that doesn’t always pan out, lol. That’s awesome on the P10! I’m not surprised about the 1000 rounds. That’s just a warm up for it, lol. Thank you and cheers Steve!
You know how the Centurion has a smaller, lighter slide? Does it track even better than a standard sized 92 slide like your LTT? I have a Brigadier which doesn't track as well as a standard model, too much slide mass makes for slower sight settling and more recoil, A/B'd it. Never shot a Centurion but it's back in production now, so now I've been wondering.
Very nice pistol over-all, though I'm tending towards higher quality and price pistols I still don't own a Beretta 92 and though Wilson is a gold standard I'm resisting buying one. I do own a P X 4 Storm that is pretty fantastic so I'll use that as an excuse for not buying a Wilson Beretta 92.
I own one but noticed that my grip has a rounded palm to it (like a Glock) than the straight up and down one being reviewed. Admittedly I won mine, but I’m wondering if that’s a difference that can be elected for when being built custom.
Beretta's are very nice guns. I will never own one as I can't justify spending big money for them? Same reason why I will never own a Glock. Thanks for a cool overview.
If you consider Glocks and Beretta’s high priced handguns then you just don’t love guns. No one will ever be able to call you a gun nut. I on the other hand would be proud to be called a gun nut or better yet 2nd Amendment nut.
Beretta vs CZ... now that’s a highly underrated duel but still hard to beat a shadow I do love me some berettas. Have yet to get a newer model with the vertec grip. Been debating on the m9a3, WC, LTT, etc. too many to choose and prices are VERY high locally. I like to get hands on before I drop the funds Also about reliability and debris due to the exposed barrel.... carried it overseas... love/hate relationship.... as with all our gear proper maintenance was key especially after those damn sand storms. Imagine dusting everything you own with dirt colored powdered sugar. Best I can describe the majority of ones I was in. Anyway never had an issue with reliability myself. Proper holster goes a long way
If the hump back grip suits you, you can get spring kits crim wilson for pretty cheap. I even have that magazine guide to replace the lanyard loop. Not necessarily custom quality, but I made it what I needed.
I though that mix up would be very interesting. That CZ is crazy good. The Vertec grip is fantastic. You can really crush the thing. They are definitely pricey. Lol, good analogy on the dirt colored powdered sugar. I can only imagine. Glad it hear the exposed barrel wasn’t an issue! Thank you and cheers Rooster!
Nice gun! To expensive though...don’t you think? I aso thought about the exposed barrel but if it was good for the armed forces it should be good for the civilian world too. Great vid KS
Thank you! It’s pricey for sure and probably just over the line for what it is, but the quality and shooting experience are right up there too, so for many... it’s a wash. Me included. Good point on the exposed barrel and I agree. Cheers Ricky!
My 92 has been and still remains the best looking and most reliable gun I own. I'd say it's maybe the best combination of utility and looks out there for a magazine handgun. If we're talking revolvers then sorry lads, I gotta say Colt python. There's just something sexy about a quality steel pistol. Ignoring the size and weight. It'll serve you well at the range, on a shelf, or on a battlefield. That's utility in strides.
I want a Beretta so bad! My hands aren’t that big though. I shot a P229 and the pad of my finger just barely reaches the trigger. I think the M9A3 would fit me better but there’s no way in hell I’m paying $1,000 just for cool factor.
Do u kno or doea anyone else here know if wilson modified the 20rd mag to work with the wilson mag guide? Cause the extended mags do not work with the wilson mag well on my ltt elite