Lot 458: Beretta/Knight's Armament Slide Lock Model 92F Silenced Pistol

Manufactured in America by Beretta U.S.A., this Beretta Model 92F Pistol has been modified to work in conjunction with the Knight's Armament "Snap-On" silencer (described in B). Originating in the 1970s, the base design was destined for the U.S. military, with an emphasis on special forces operations. The intention was to make a weapon that would be as close as possible to absolutely silent, while still able to work as a close-in defensive weapon if stealth failed. Chief among the intended targets for the pistol was enemy sentries and guard dogs, the latter of which led to the nickname given to the weapon: the "Hush Puppy". Starting with a typical Model 92F, an unrifled extension has been installed on the barrel, which is compatible with the silencer's spring-loaded mounting gear. The slide is notched twice on the underside, and mounted to the frame is a one-piece steel yoke. This yoke, which is hinged at the front of the frame and bears against a specially extended takedown mechanism, controls the motion of the slide; when down, the pistol cycles as normal, but flipping it up firmly locks the breech closed. When engaged the mechanical noise is limited to the hammer and trigger, and the discharge gases are left with nowhere to go but forward into the silencer. In essence, the pistol operates as a spring-assisted straight pull repeater in this firing mode, and the operator can either wait before reloading (in case the sound of cycling might be an issue), or quickly disengage the yoke, rack the slide, and reengage for a reasonably quick follow-up shot. A matching partial serial number is scribed into the underside of the barrel locking block, with a full matching number on the yoke; otherwise, markings are standard. Among the included accessories are 10 extra magazines, a case for the included silencer, and a number of spare silencer parts, including nine boxed Knight's "encapsulator" wipe assemblies.

Excellent, with 95% plus original black finish, showing some mild edge wear and light handling marks concentrated around the takedown mechanism. The grips are also excellent, with some light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

Also known as the XM-9 in military service, the Snap-On suppressor is designed with a spring loaded quick mounting system compatible with the Beretta in this lot and is fitted with a bead front and notch rear sight set on top of the tube, as the Snap-On comes up high enough to obstruct the standard sights. A relatively early design, the Snap-On uses rubber wipes to contain waste gas, with the bullet punching through the wipes on the way through. For ease of use in the field, the expendable components are all contained in a single module, which can be rapidly removed and replaced. About 2/3rds of the interior of the silencer acts as a single expansion chamber. Dimensions are 5 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter, with "MFG. BY KNIGHT'S ARMAMENT CO./VERO BEACH, FL./9MM SNAP-ON/SER. NO. BER052200Z" marked on the tube, matching the pistol.

Excellent, showing mild wear and handling marks on the body. The installed wipes have been shot through and are fine. NOTE: This Silencer is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478. Further, per the definitions given in the 1986 Firearm Owner's Protection Act, the "encapsulator" modules included in A could qualify as parts intended only for use in assembling a silencer; please be aware of this nuance in the law before bidding.