What makes the Beretta so heavy?

[BerettaNut92]

The website says 35 ounces for the Brigadiers. What makes these things so heavy? It weighs more than an alum framed 1911. Where is there mass that the 1911 doesn't have?

 

[10-Ring]

I would guess the slide, barrel & mags...since everything else is either aluminum or plastic.

 

[cool45auto]

It's definitely the slide on my Vertec. When you're holding it in your hand before putting a mag in it you can tell how top heavy it is.

 

[DragonRider]

I agree completely with Cool9mm, I thought the same thing with my Vertec when I was looking at it in my safe.

 

[ChuckB]

Metal- God's gift to gun makers!

Chuck

 

[James Bondrock]

The Brigadier variant has a thicker and heavier slide than the standard M92.

 

[agtman]

"What makes the Beretta so heavy?"


It's simply a function of what's known as the size-to-caliber (STC) ratio, a problem found in overly large handguns chambered for diminutive calibers.

In the Beretta's case, say the model 92, there's way more metal, and therefore more weight and size, than there needs to be given the puny caliber for which it's chambered (.355/9mm).

This results in a structurally-inefficient pistol, one that's needlessly large and heavy for the tiny 9mm cartridge. And although it's possible to keep a straight face when telling the uninitiated that your Beretta is a "manly handcannon," those who've done their STC homework know otherwise.

Note that mag capacity is not a relevant justification for a sloppy STC ratio. The Glock 19, an example of a structurally-efficient 9mm pistol having a proper STC ratio, has a 15+1 capacity (or, with a +2 extention, 17+1).

 

[ProCharger]

i just took a look at the actual sizes on the colt and compared to my brigadier they are essentially the same. both guns are 8.5 in overall length, both have 5" barrels.


Brett

 

[berettaman]

"What makes the Beretta so heavy?"

Very simple. They're made that way!!!

 

[Top_Notch]

agtman, I have to agree. I think the Beretta 92 is too large a platform for the 9mm. Still, a good gun, but I prefer the G19...just like you stated...and have one.

 

[Tamara]

Skunk,

Beretta Brigadiers have absolutely massive slides...

 

[ProCharger]

according to berettas web site the brigadier is less than 2 ounces heavier than the 92fs in the same caliber.....so the way it looks its not just the brigadiers that are heavy guns but the whole model 92/96 series as well.

http://www.beretta.com/home_2002.asp

 

[9mmepiphany]

the dropping block locking system used by the beretta 92/96 family requires a more massive slide to begin with...the brig slide just adds additional metal to the slide

 

[clubsoda22]

They are way overbuilt. I have no qualms about shooting +P+ out of my taurus because of this.

 

[dsk]

They are indeed overbuilt, except for a design flaw in the manner of large, squared-off channels in the slide for the locking block.

 

[SnWnMe]

The locking system dictated the size of the slide.

 

[megatronrules]

I've always felt my beretta 92fs comfortable to carry and shoot yes it is massive for it's caliber,its a big gun no way around that but a great design. But there are good things that come out of this the beretta 92fs is without question the softist recoiling 9mm you can get maybe with exception to the browning hi power. But then again I'am not particularly recoil sensitive either. so maybe thats just my opinion on the beretta recoil thing? T any rate it is a great gun that if simply maintained and cared for will give years of reliable trouble free service. I'am a revolver man at heart and the 92fs is one of the few auto loaders I feel comfortable and trust for carry FWIW.