Its certainly got my vote, anyway...
I’m not as big a Beretta 92 fan as some others are on the forums. I think it’s a great looking, iconic service pistol with some nice history to it. I just never found them to be overly accurate or ergonomic (for me), though many folks, including some of my good friends, shoot them extremely well. I think possibly the sheer amount of them available has always been a bit of a turn-off for me as well, as I’m more drawn to exclusivity. One thing I've always admired about the Beretta 92 is the smoothness in which it operates. In fact, they are likely the smoothest pistols in my entire collection except for perhaps the Pardini GT9.
Beretta has made some rare and very high quality guns over the years based on the standard 92 Series. These are the models that peak my interest and the models I seek out to add to the collection. Beretta has made some nice variants in Italy and the USA, but as many here may also know, I prefer guns from their original country of origin. Thus, the special USA models, such as the 92 Elite and Elite II are out for me. I’m also not for commemorative variants such as the Billenium or the more recent Centennial. They are high quality guns, but just not my taste. What really appeal to me are the high end Italian 92 variants, namely the 92 Stock, 92 Combat, and the outstanding 92 Steel I.
While the Stock and Combat are accurized sporting variants that utilize a barrel bushing, the Steel I was basically built by Beretta to push the limits of their ability. To me, it’s the highest quality pistol Beretta ever built. The fit, finish, and attention to detail are way off the charts. The gun feels like one solid piece of steel in hand. Shake it vigorously and there is total silence, despite the fact that it’s a full 43oz of tiny parts. In that sense, it reminds me of the Sphinx 2000, which is quite a complement to Beretta. They basically made the Steel I their masterpiece.
As far as history is concerned, there really isn’t much. The Steel I was produced and imported in 2004 and 2005 only. I’m not exactly sure when production started in 2004 or when it ended in 2005, but it was likely less than two years. During that short time, the gun was produced on a rather limited basis, making it increasingly difficult to find today. Value has been steadily going up and I’ve seen them trade hands on Gunbroker for over $3000 in the last year or two. Quite honestly, I’m not sure why they aren’t bringing more by now, as they really are a work of art built by the oldest name in firearms history.
From a specification standpoint, the Steel I is special. It features a thick Brigadier slide and a steel frame, giving it the aforementioned hefty weight. The Vertec grip frame is used to some folk’s delight and other’s dismay. I happen to really like the vertical grip, which I prefer ergonomically other the standard grip frame. The grips are thin plastic that are tastefully designed and a nice contrast on the steel’s finish. One note to be made is that the Steel I is not an Inox pistol. There are no stainless parts. It utilizes a special nickel-alloy finish on carbon steel. It’s a great looking finish that is supposed to be very durable as well. The configuration is either DA/SA or SAO. The models imported were the 92 Steel I and 96 Steel I, each coming in both configurations. Regardless of the configuration, the Steel I features a frame mounted thumb safety instead of the standard slide mounted safety/decocker. As mentioned previously, the Steel I was built with the highest level of craftsmanship that the company is capable of along with the utmost attention to detail. Even the roll marking is done extraordinarily well, as shown in the pictures below. Its just a shame Beretta marred the right side of the slide with those hideous warning labels.
This example is in like new condition. Its been fired a small amount, but remains LNIB. It came with everything from the factory, as you can see. Its date coded “BU” for 2004. This is the 92 version, which is the 9mm. Its also DA/SA, unlike my other Steel I. One of my complaints about my SAO 96 Steel I was the heavy trigger. The DA/SA model actually has a better single action trigger pull than my SAO model, so I’m thrilled!
At any rate, what do all you Beretta fans think of the Steel I?
Thanks for reading. Please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Here is my 92 and 96 versions together. The 96 is SAO. The 92 is DA/SA.
Here's Beretta's own description of the gun.
