"Older" Italian Beretta 92FS Reliability?

[Verci0013]

I've read some mixed reviews about the slide cracking on the 92FS, And i'm curious to hear the input of any 92FS owners here...particularly those who own the older ones?

Reason why I ask is because my Father's Friend bought his Beretta 92FS around the mid-80s, Shot 50 rounds through it, never cleaned it, and stored it. Just recently he was asking my opinion about it and I couldn't give him a straight answer. But I did end up cleaning it for him though lol

[UserM4]

Is it a 92F or a 92FS?

"The FS has an enlarged hammer pin that fits into a groove on the underside of the slide. The main purpose is to stop the slide from flying off the frame to the rear if it cracks. This was in response to reported defective slides during US Military testing."

"According to numerous accounts from founding members, the first US military unit to field the Beretta 92 was SEAL Team Six, however due to the extensive use of the pistol by SEAL Team Six (3000-5000 rounds per week, per operator), problems that were later evident with other US military users became apparent as slides started breaking and being flung back towards the shooter (reportedly due to use of over-pressure ammunition as described above).[citation needed] After these incidents the SEALs switched to the SIG-Sauer P226. The P226 later became the standard sidearm for all of the SEAL Teams.[citation needed]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_92

So if the slide does crack, it shouldn't be dangerous to the user.

[Old4eyes]

Link to Beretta M9 / 92F history:

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/true_story_m9.htm

Link to FAQ on the Beretta forum:

http://www.berettaforum.net/vb/faq.php?faq=bf_faq_bhandguns#faq_bf_faq_bh_diff

[Mr. Beretta]

As I've posted many times in the past, I still have my first 92F purchased new in 1985. A minimum of 100,000 rds, down range. Never a problem. Never. 100% original except grips & slide refinished in the 90's.

Keep it clean and well lubed. It will out last both of us put together.

[Verci0013]

As I've posted many times in the past, I still have my first 92F purchased new in 1985. A minimum of 100,000 rds, down range. Never a problem. Never. 100% original except grips & slide refinished in the 90's.

Keep it clean and well lubed. It will out last both of us put together.

Thank you very much for the input!