Description

Bob Dunlap is a renowned expert on most of todays and yesterdays important AND obscure firearms. He has been a warranty station for most manufacturers, both large and small. He understands the design, function, and repair of firearms in general, and the Beretta pistols in particular. We use a cut-away gun to let you actually see how the pistol and all of its components operates. Does not cover disassembly of the slide mounted safety on S versions of the gun. We have J. B. Woods Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly: Auto-Pistols, which show the disassembly of that version. In addition, the course is applicable to the Beretta 96 and the Taurus PT-99.

If you want the quick course on how to get Berettas contribution to the U. S. militarys small arms arsenal apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course,” look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith Course.)

Among the items covered are:

History

• Beretta began its firearms manufacturing history in 1526, and is the oldest manufacturing company in the world in terms of its continued existence. It is still owned and operated by the Beretta family
• Beretta firearms have always had a reputation for high quality.
• The gun is very popular and highly refined, although large for its calibers
• The M-92 is a take off from the Walther P-38 in its locking system, although its fire control system is different
• The pistol is descended from the single action, single row magazine, Beretta Brigadier, the military sidearm of Italy, Egypt, etc.
• Slide breakage problem was overblown and has been cured

Design & Function

• Short recoil, locked breech operating system explained and demonstrated
• Demonstration of the operation of the plunger actuated unlocking system
• How the locking system works during the firing cycle
• See how the locking block rises in the slide cutouts as the slide closes
• The reason the locking block rises is demonstrated
• The parts arresting the slide in its fore and aft motions are shown
• The operation of the trigger and its drawbar is shown
• Interaction of the trigger bar and the hammer is shown
• How the trigger bar causes the lever which deactivates the firing pin blocking safety to rise and do its job
• How the frame mounted, sear blocking safety works
• Mention made of the other safety types (slide mounted, hammer dropping) and how they operate
• Demonstration of the firing pin blocking safety operation
• Demonstration of the operation of the extractor and the reason for its arched face explained
• Why the firing pin hole in the breech face is chamfered
• Slide stop activation demonstrated
• Operation of the disconnector shown, it is only a vertical tab on the trigger bar
• Firing pin and the blocking plunger are removed from the slide so that their interaction can be seen
• Extractor removed from the slide and its operation in the recoil/extraction shown
• Why the extractor does not really work hard extracting, since the case essentially extracts itself
• What the extractors job really is
• Coil binding of the recoil spring, what it is and why you do not want it. Beware of poorly designed aftermarket springs
• Trigger bar lifter spring and trigger return spring have their operation demonstrated
• How the tiny ramp in the frame helps prevent stub jams resulting from magazine surge

Disassembly

• Extensive disassembly, with discussion of what the various parts do
• Does not cover disassembly of the slide mounted safety on S versions of the gun.
• U. S. military F version with mag release behind the trigger guard is covered. Both Beretta and Taurus versions explained
• You get a good look at how the various parts fit together and interact (particularly the springs) after they are removed from the gun and Bob “explains” things

Cleaning & Lubrication

• AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use
• After cleaning, dry with air gun, or in the oven on Warm ~185-200 degrees (metal parts ONLY)

Reassembly

• Pins, slave and tapered, hook, punches, etc. Helpful tools to help you get this Chinese puzzle back together easier
• Pay close attention to the firing pin and safety plunger installation
• Barrel and frame ramp relationship (the 1.5 1 rule) shown
• WHICH RAMP NOT TO TOUCH. HEED!
• Extractor configuration and rules shown and explained
• Sear and hammer assembled on the outside of the gun in order for you to view their relationship and operation
• Explanation given of the positive sear and hammer notch engagement
• How to do the easy trigger job. If you do not understand this portion completely, get the Trigger Jobs course or take the gun to a qualified, professional gunsmith. Be safe, not sorry!

Accessories

• Grips, Bob tells you which he likes
• Springs, are the after market items a good idea?

If you noticed how often the terms “explanation” and “demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is necessary for any Beretta 92/Taurus PT-92 owners, or someone who intends to be.