The Taurus PT92 is essentially the classic Italian Beretta Model 92 (M92) semi-automatic pistol produced in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the original Beretta M92 machinery. After the Brazilian military accepted the M92 as its standard sidearm, Beretta moved to set up a production facility in the capital city of Sao Paulo, Brazil for local manufacture of the weapon. In 1980, after the commitment had ended, the facility was sold off to gun-maker Taurus and the company began production of the firearm under its own brand label as the related patents had expired. In 1983, the Taurus "PT92" was introduced and eventually adopted as the standard-issue sidearm of the Brazilian Army (as the "M975") and its national police force. Other operators of this reliable weapon include Argentina (police), Dominican Republic, Israel (police), Libya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Paraguay and Peru (Army and special forces.
In both form and function, the PT92 is the Beretta M92 - it even features the cut-out section of slide exposing the barrel, a telltale marker of the M92 series. The primary chambering is the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge and this is fed through a 17-round detachable box magazine inserted into the grip base. All controls are neatly arranged along the slide and within easy reach of the operating hand. Overall weight is 960 grams with a length of 216mm and a barrel assembly measuring 127mm long.
Beyond the standard 9x19mm chambering are models in 7.65mm (.32 Auto) and .40 Smith & Wesson to satisfy market need. The PT57 is in 7.65mm and the PT100 and PT101 are .40 S&W forms. There are various 9mm Parabellum marks ranging from the PT92 and PT92AF to the PT917C and PT917CS.
Throughout the production run of the PT92, several modifications to the base design have been made including adoption of accessory rails, changes to the trigger guard and revised magazines.
Argentina; Brazil; Dominican Republic; Indonesia; Libya; Paraguay
