Beretta 92 Extended Mag Releases

[rd62]

Since my recent Langdon class I've been investing more time training with my 92A1. (I've always had a thing for the 92).

The increased time on the gun has revealed a couple things to me. First, it could really use a bevel on the mag well. Second, I think I could benefit from an extended mag release for more positive activation with less shift of the grip. But which one?

I've looked at both the Beretta factory and a couple of the Wilson offerings. Unfortunately, I don't have the option to try before I buy. While not a significant investment if I don't care for whichever I choose, gleaning some insight from the hive is never a bad thing.

So is one appreciably different, i.e. better than another or are they pretty much the same?

[DAB]

Have a 92G on order from Wilson. Then I can compare it to my 1988 92F. About 4-6 weeks. Sigh.

[ReverendMeat]

I use this one:

http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92-96-oversize-steel-magazine-release-button/c86992/

Installed easily, no fitting required. 100% easier to hit than the stock button but does not stick out so far that I can unintentionally drop the magazine with my support (left) hand.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I've used the Beretta factory part, and it is definitely much better than stock IMO.

[OlongJohnson]

If IDPA rules matter, the Beretta factory extended button is larger in area, so it isn't legal in the class that limits you to a stock size but allows a taller button. I've contemplated just soldering a brass button to the stock release. A bit of heat would take it right off if you decided you didn't like it.

[357carbine]

Like this one myself.
http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/92-96-steel-oversize-mag-catch-catch-mag-assy-elite-ii/eu00044/

[Edwin]

If IDPA rules matter, the Beretta factory extended button is larger in area, so it isn't legal in the class that limits you to a stock size but allows a taller button. I've contemplated just soldering a brass button to the stock release. A bit of heat would take it right off if you decided you didn't like it.

Uh...no. Here are the rules outlined below.



8.1.6 Legal Modifications for All Divisions

8.1.6.4 An extended magazine release button may not be oversize in diameter or protrude more than 0.2” (5.1 mm) out from the frame. The measurement is taken at the rear most part of the magazine release, where it exits the frame. When the magazine release area is recessed into the grip frame, the grip frame to the rear of the recess is used as the base of the measurement

8.2.1.3.3 Magazine releases, slide stops, safety levers, de-cocking levers, hammers, and triggers, that are stock on one SSP legal firearm may be used on another SSP legal firearm from the same manufacturer provided they are drop in replacements. Parts in this list must come factory installed on standard production firearms. Special parts that are available installed only from a factory custom shop are not eligible in SSP.


This isn't a modification as it comes standard from factory on some models. It's also explicitly approved for SSP.

[backtrail540]

I wasn't fond of the oversized/extended release that came on my brig tac initially, but i can't recall a good reason why now as it has grown on me and i find it perfectly suitable. I think initially it was stiff and took some breaking in, but i haven't had any issues with mags dropping prematurely or not dropping when needed. Nor does it interfere with my hands while gripping the gun.

When i get another beretta this spring, I'll use it again if it doesn't already come with something similar.

[Hizzie]

I like the factory extended release.

[farscott]

For me and my short fingers, the winning combo is the Wilson ultra-thin grips with the Wilson extended release than extends over the grip. That combination allows me to positively release the magazine without totally compromising my grip due to the lessened shift required. The ultra-thin grips make a huge difference for me.

[OlongJohnson]

Uh...no. Here are the rules outlined below.

This isn't a modification as it comes standard from factory on some models. It's also explicitly approved for SSP.

Oops, shoulda clicked the link. It's been awhile since I was shopping Beretta parts, and wasn't aware of the tall-button option. All that was available from Beretta last I was aware was the one with the checkered, extended flag. http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92-96-oversize-steel-magazine-release-button/c86992/ The tall-button clearly passes the not oversize in diameter test, and presumably was made to pass the protrusion test, so it wouldn't need to be on a production model.

2015 rules:

8.2.1 Stock Service Pistol Division (SSP)
8.2.1.1 Handguns permitted for use in SSP must:
8.2.1.1.1 Have a minimum annual production of 2,000 units. Discontinued models must have had a total production of 20,000 units.

I wasn't aware of any special models that had either extended release and passed the production volume tests. Can you edumacate me on that?

[Edwin]

Oops, shoulda clicked the link. It's been awhile since I was shopping Beretta parts, and wasn't aware of the tall-button option. All that was available from Beretta last I was aware was the one with the checkered, extended flag. http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92-96-oversize-steel-magazine-release-button/c86992/ The tall-button clearly passes the not oversize in diameter test, and presumably was made to pass the protrusion test, so it wouldn't need to be on a production model.

2015 rules:


I wasn't aware of any special models that had either extended release and passed the production volume tests. Can you edumacate me on that?
Both mag releases were on production models. The tall, round one was on the Elites and the checkered, wide one is on the Brig Tac.

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[Sal Picante]

I've got huge hands - the paddle-style buttons are a bit too big.

The Wilson Small round/checkered version isn't USPSA or IPSC legal, so I just use these:

http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/92-96-steel-oversize-mag-catch-catch-mag-assy-elite-ii/eu00044/

[OlongJohnson]

Both mag releases were on production models. The tall, round one was on the Elites and the checkered, wide one is on the Brig Tac.

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Since neither of those is made every year, have there been 20,000 of either of them made in total?

[Edwin]

The Elites yeah probably (just a guess). The Brig Tac is still in production so that doesn't apply to it.

[DAB]

8.2.1.3.3 Magazine releases, slide stops, safety levers, de-cocking levers, hammers, and triggers, that are stock on one
SSP legal firearm may be used on another SSP legal firearm from the same manufacturer provided they are
drop in replacements. Parts in this list must come factory installed on standard production firearms. Special
parts that are available installed only from a factory custom shop are not eligible in SSP.

since larger slide releases were sold on some models, they are legal on other models since they are drop in parts.

[Sal Picante]

The Elites yeah probably (just a guess). The Brig Tac is still in production so that doesn't apply to it.

I dunno... 20,000? That's a stretch. Even if you combined E's, E2's and E1A's... I dunno. Good luck trying to "enforce" that, tho... LOL...

[DAB]

20,000 92s and variants. don't have to make 20,000 of any given model.

[Edwin]

I dunno... 20,000? That's a stretch. Even if you combined E's, E2's and E1A's... I dunno. Good luck trying to "enforce" that, tho... LOL...
Globally? Maybe? US? No way.

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[DAB]

not just Es. surely there have been 20k 92f, 92fs, M9 and variants made. parts are drop in parts, so they are legal for IDPA.

Wilson wrote these rules, surely he wrote them so he could run his version of a 92 that he likes best.

[rd62]

Thanks guys. Ordered the Beretta factory release today.

[Clobbersaurus]

I've got huge hands - the paddle-style buttons are a bit too big.

The Wilson Small round/checkered version isn't USPSA or IPSC legal, so I just use these:

http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/92-96-steel-oversize-mag-catch-catch-mag-assy-elite-ii/eu00044/

This is also my favourite mag release. My Elite II came with it and it is IPSC production legal.

I also like the Wilson oversize checkered, and have that on my Beretta clone.

[Welder]

I know the Elite II came with the factory extended release, but I don't think the original Elite or the 1A did, because it's commonly known as the "Elite II release." Don't forget the original 92G-SD and 96G-SD came with that extended release also. Probably the batch of 92G-SD's from last year as well, but not 100 percent sure without looking at the one in my safe. The guns from that batch do have some differences from the originals -- primarily on the Brig slide contouring. Very easy to tell an original from a second-batch gun.

I like the Elite II release personally; have them on several of my non-Elite / non G-SD guns.

[Sal Picante]

I know the Elite II came with the factory extended release, but I don't think the original Elite or the 1A did, because it's commonly known as the "Elite II release." Don't forget the original 92G-SD and 96G-SD came with that extended release also. Probably the batch of 92G-SD's from last year as well, but not 100 percent sure without looking at the one in my safe. The guns from that batch do have some differences from the originals -- primarily on the Brig slide contouring. Very easy to tell an original from a second-batch gun.

I like the Elite II release personally; have them on several of my non-Elite / non G-SD guns.

I think some of the old E 1's had 'em. Some of the G-SD's had 'em too... I don't think that last years batch did, tho.

[LangdonTactical]

20,000 92s and variants. don't have to make 20,000 of any given model.

This

[OlongJohnson]

So if they made 50 of some snowflake version of the 92, then every snowflake part on it would be legal for use on any other 92? I've never seen a rule of that nature interpreted that way.

[Sammy1]

Like this one myself.
http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/92-96-steel-oversize-mag-catch-catch-mag-assy-elite-ii/eu00044/

Looks good, I just ordered it! I'm going to try my 92fs in IDPA next spring. Now I need a decent holster for IDPA.

[DAB]

So if they made 50 of some snowflake version of the 92, then every snowflake part on it would be legal for use on any other 92? I've never seen a rule of that nature interpreted that way.

yes.

as long as it's a factory part, and drops in, it's legal. i encourage you and others to read the rule book. carefully. Wilson wrote it. don't you think he wrote it to accommodate his favorite ideas too?

[rd62]

So my mag release came in. What's the trick with this part?!?!

The old one popped right out, but after several attempts I simple can't monkey fist the new one in. Ive tried a couple of YouTube videos and they make it look easy enough, but "and just pop the new one in" is obviously not detailed enough instruction for this knuckle dragger.