I thought the first Bruton guns were the Fs ?????....... I've got 2 SBs Compacts and two Ms (round trigger guard) that are all bright blue
That gray military type finish is called Bruniton, not Bruton, and I agree: no 92S pistols were made in the USA.
I could be wrong. I'm on the Beretta board, too, and will try to ask there later.
Until the US adopted the M-9, Beretta had no reason to build a plant here. And they sold their Brazilian plant to Taurus after filling the Brazilian order.
I understand that the current improved locking blocks will fit M-92S pistols, and would advise installing one.
My M-92FS is quite accurate and has been totally reliable. It and the CZ-75B are, in my opinion, the best buys in a full size 9mm pistol. My limited experience with S&W 9mm's did not endear them to me. Accuracy was appalling and many proved unreliable.
BTW, if the M-9 grip is too fat for your hand,try the M-92FS with the shallow scallop at the rear of the handle. Doesn't look like much difference in photos, but in the hand, it matters a lot.
I suggest using milder 9mm ammo for most practice or shooting small game. The Federal No.9BP is an effective standard pressure JHP with a good street rep. I load Federal's HST 124 grain Plus P for defense or Speer's equivalent Gold Dot , but see no reason for Plus P ammo in routine use. Ditto for the Browning Hi-Power. Both guns last a lot longer if not pummeled with hot ammo. Changing the locking block after every 5,000 or so rounds and keeping springs updated will see your Beretta endure well. I used to avoid them due to the cracked slides in the 1980's, but latest info says the tips here will see the gun lasting well. Those cracked slides were due to SEALs using very hot ammo in astonishing quantities. Unless you're a member of the special warfare units or an action pistol shooter, your Beretta will hold up fine. In fact a guy who shoots the M-92 in action matches has had his guns last over 100,000 rounds, in spite of the abuse they encounter in such heavy use. The ordinary shooter will never fire them that often.
