Accordingly, we had to make some accommodations for these guns’ age. A horse worked a century and a half ago but now we (can) drive Hummers. In past issues we have tested some old-school combat pistols and found them lacking, which makes sense. The Beretta 85F is a smaller version of the 92FS and is the most modern of the pistols tested. The 92S is a lot more of a European gun than the 92FS, which definitely has US influence. The Beretta 92S is a second-generation 92, which evolved into the 92FS.
The Star Model Super B looks like it is ready for the scrap yard and the older Model B looked well used, but as we found out, both still had some teeth. Beretta S.P.A., and two are Star pistols, made in Spain by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A., a Model Super B and Model B. We chose four pistols that are fairly common and easy to find online to go bargain hunting: Two are Berettas, a Model 92S and Model 85F, made in Italy by P. By definition, all surplus weapons have been used, and some used more than others. The problem with older surplus pistols is the lack or scarcity of spare parts, including magazines. We wanted to look at these pistols through the lens of an inexpensive pistol that would be suited as a sand pit plinker, but in a pinch, it perhaps could be called on to defend the ranch. We try to avoid the latter, but we are always on the lookout for a diamond in the rough, and thought we’d look at a few surplus 9mm Luger and 9mm Kurz (380 Auto) pistols. In other countries, it could mean one step away from scrap metal. The idea of what constitutes a “surplus firearm” has different meanings depending where you are in the world.