Italian Beretta Model 92 SB 9mm 4.9” Semi-Auto 15RD Pistol Pre-92FS M9

LSB#: LSB250114KJ003

Make: Beretta

Model: Model 92 SB “Sicurezza Blocco”, meaning “safety block” in Italian

Serial Number: B68065Z

Year of Manufacture: 1981 “AH” date code.

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Exposed Hammer, Double Action-Single Action, Ambi Decocker/Safety fed by double stack magazines.

Markings: The Left side of the slide is marked “PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. – MADE IN ITALY PB”. The right side of the slide is marked  “MOD. 92 SB – CAL. 9 Parabellum – PATENTED BERBEN CORPORATION N.Y.-N.Y.”.  The right side of the frame is marked with several proofs and the date code “AH”. The left side of the frame is marked “B68065Z”.

Barrel Length: 4.9”

Sights / Optics:  The sights are open iron sights.  The front sight is a white dotted blade, integral to the slide.  The rear sight is a rectangular notched rear sight with a white aiming reference dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two panel checkered wood set with a Beretta trident medallion on the right and PB medallion on the left. The grips have sharp checkering with some scattered lines and minor compressions. The left panel near the bottom has a small rub mark. The right panel near the front strap has a notable compression. The front and backstraps are serrated. The grips have no visible chips or cracks. The grips are in Very Good to Very Good+ condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes 2 x 15 round Beretta magazines. One of the magazines has a flush fit metal floorplate, the second has a lipped metal floorplate. Both magazines are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The markings are clear, the screw heads are sharp and the pins are clean. The serrations on the grip have some minor nicks in the finish. The top of the barrel has a rub mark from where the slide hits the barrel when the slide is locked open. The right side of the frame has a rub mark from the trigger bar. The edges of the magwell have rub marks. Overall this pistol is in Very Good+ to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.  Delayed block safety.  Manual safety decocking lever that separates the firing pin from the hammer and interrupts the connection between trigger and sear.  Automatic firing pin safety.  Half-cock position of the hammer. Ambidextrous safety/Decocker. Lanyard Ring.  We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes two magazines, owner’s manual, paperwork and a Beretta Blue foam lined box.

Our Assessment: This Beretta 92SB, manufactured in 1981, is a significant evolution in the Beretta 92 series, one of the most iconic 9mm handguns in history. This model features 15-round magazines and Beretta’s signature open-slide design, which enhances reliability by reducing the chances of stovepipe malfunctions. The 92 series, first introduced in 1975, built upon previous Beretta designs, incorporating a double/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system and a double-stack magazine for increased capacity.

The SB stands for “Sicurezza Blocco”, which translates to “safety block” in Italian referring to both the slide-mounted safety/decocker and the internal firing pin block that were introduced with this model. The 92SB was an important improvement over the original Beretta 92, as it relocated the magazine release from the heel of the grip to behind the trigger guard, making magazine changes faster and more ergonomic. These enhancements made the 92SB the direct predecessor to the 92F (later the 92FS), which was adopted by the U.S. military as the M9 in 1985. The 92SB’s combination of safety features, improved handling, and rugged reliability made it a favorite among law enforcement and military forces worldwide, and today, it remains a sought-after model for collectors and Beretta enthusiasts alike. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.