My First Pistol

Published on August 3, 2021
Duration: 11:55

This video details the author's first pistol, a Beretta 92FS, acquired in 1990 at age 17 in New York State. It covers the unique process of obtaining a pistol permit at a young age, the rationale behind choosing the 92FS (influenced by movies and its adoption as the US M9), and extensive personal experience with the firearm. The author shares insights from thousands of rounds fired, including maintenance lessons learned from an armorers course and a 20,500-round endurance test, highlighting the pistol's reliability and durability.

Quick Summary

The author's first pistol was a Beretta 92FS, acquired in 1990 at age 17 in New York. He navigated unique permit laws and chose the 92FS due to its military adoption and pop culture influence. Extensive testing, including a 20,500-round endurance test, highlighted its reliability, with lessons learned on maintenance like avoiding upside-down breech face cleaning.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: My First Pistol
  2. 00:13Acquiring a Pistol Permit at 17 in NY
  3. 01:39Choosing the Beretta 92FS
  4. 02:05Early Experiences and Shooting Volume
  5. 02:28Addressing Slide Failure Concerns
  6. 03:52Slide Refinishing and Barrel Replacement
  7. 04:56Beretta 92FS vs. M9 Differences
  8. 05:08Frame Wear and Original Parts
  9. 05:41Detecting Slide Cracks
  10. 06:02Frame Wear and Trigger
  11. 06:1720,500 Round Endurance Test
  12. 06:45Locking Block Failure Analysis
  13. 07:21Lesson: Cleaning the Breech Face
  14. 07:57Extractor Channel Maintenance
  15. 08:31Appreciation for Beretta Pistols
  16. 09:05Carrying Smaller Berettas
  17. 09:27Love Affair with Beretta
  18. 09:36Berettas in Law Enforcement
  19. 09:44Work with Laser Max on Beretta Sights
  20. 10:15Beretta Reliability and Durability
  21. 10:32Returning the Pistol to Dad
  22. 10:49Getting the Pistol Back
  23. 11:06Working at a Gun Shop
  24. 11:16Turning 21: Glock 17 & HK USP40
  25. 11:29Soft Spot for Beretta
  26. 11:35Conclusion: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the author obtain a pistol permit at 17 in New York?

In 1990 New York, the author obtained a pistol permit at 17 by navigating specific state laws. While the age restriction was generally 21, exceptions were made, and he was one of few in his county to get a permit at that age. His parents' approval was also a crucial part of the background check process.

Why did the author choose the Beretta 92FS as his first pistol?

The author chose the Beretta 92FS primarily due to its adoption as the US M9 military sidearm. Influenced by action movies and his military aspirations, he saw it as a symbol of reliability and a weapon he would likely use in service. Its presence in popular culture also played a significant role in his decision.

What are common maintenance concerns for the Beretta 92FS?

A common concern was slide failures. However, through an armorers course, the author learned to detect cracks by sound: a ring indicates a sound slide, while a thump suggests a crack. Another lesson learned was to avoid cleaning the breech face with the slide upside down to prevent firing pin channel contamination.

What was the outcome of the author's 20,500-round endurance test on a Beretta 92FS?

The author's extensive 20,500-round endurance test on a Beretta 92FS revealed its robust nature. The pistol experienced a locking block failure around 19,300-19,400 rounds, which was attributed to the original style locking block. Despite this, the pistol demonstrated remarkable reliability over its lifespan.

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