92 Maximized

The big da beretta is good, but you can make it awesome with this diy project

- Bob Campbell

I admit it. I can never seem to leave well enough alone. Take the issue of best battle-proven handguns.

If there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest in this century, it is the Beretta 92. However, I set out to see if I could make this handgun even better.

First, I took a look at the outstanding Beretta/Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical, a full-blown customized gun with all the bells and whistles. But I’m a hands-on guy, so I ordered some Wilson Combat aftermarket parts and super-charged my own Beretta.

THE 92 AS-IS

Like all handguns, the Beretta has endured some controversy, but the bottom line is that it has served for well more than 30 years with no end in sight. What impressed me is that soldiers returning home from overseas often choose a Beretta for their personal sidearm.

My daughter-in-law did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and emailed home in the middle of an Afghan tour, “I want my own Beretta!” She got it when she returned home. My son Captain Matthew Campbell carried the Beretta in Kosovo, Korea and the Middle East.

Soldiers have gone through my training classes with the Beretta and a military competitor went through an instructor’s class with the Beretta and showed many of us how to shoot accurately. That was enough recommendation for me. I have kept a Beretta 92 on hand for some time to demonstrate the Beretta for classes with military shooters.