I handled a Beretta Elite II the other day in 9mm. The person behind the counter was no help with any information. A bystander said that it was probably the most accurate semi-auto out of the box for under $700.00. The one I was looking at was $585.00 new.
I liked the feel and balance when holding on target. If these are anywhere near what the bystander was saying than I might have to go and purchase one. Any Pro's or Con's?
Thanks
LC

I guess not to many folks shoot Beretta's? Most the folks that I talk to still hold the grudge against a fine state of the art weapon. This Beretta Elite II has a lot of trust/confidance from a few major players in the shooting area of stock pistol shooting and Law Enforcement.
The Elite II in .40 S&W will probably start winnig over some of the special operations teams in Law Enforcement and Military
from the Sigs and H&K's. But this is just opinion.

Leo,

More than a little experience with 92 series, but am not sure about an Elite II. Is this a 92 series?

If so, I'd be more than willing to give you any input on this as a weapon, both pro and con.

Steve

[QUOTE=whitehunter35]Leo,

More than a little experience with 92 series, but am not sure about an Elite II. Is this a 92 series?

If so, I'd be more than willing to give you any input on this as a weapon, both pro and con.

I sure would appreciate any feedback . The Elite II comes in both 9mm and 40 S&W. It has various mods to exsiting componets of the 92 and 96. Most folks dont like the DBL action 1st shot like most 1911's but I like the DBL action and DAO as carry arms. Target is singal action. I always like Research and data from hands on folks. Thanks .

I just picked up a new 96G-SD in 40SW, but I've only shot a box through it, I'll keep you posted.

Bill

I had an Elite 9mm a few years ago. Very accurate pistol. Beretta radiused the top of the grip 3mm for a little better fit than the standard 92/96 pistols. It is a competition gun and it has a decock only, there is no manual safety. I traded up to a Kimber a couple years ago and I only own 45s and 22s now. I wish I could go back in time and buy a Border Marshall version in 9mm.


SPAD

I've always thought Beretta made excellent handguns, functional and pleasing to the eye.

I've not seen an Elite for less than about $700 so I'm sure you are looking at a Vertec or similar model pistol. If indeed it is an Elite, I would jump on it.

Leo and all,

Overall, these weapons are very well made, and are quite serviceable- but they have issues that some can't live with, and others, your humble correspondant included, have learned to tolerate.

My own experience is that I have been issued several and am still issued one of these weapons, and have owned four, in different series, 92, 92SB, 92F, and the current 92FS for the last nineteen years or so.

The strength of this weapon is its reliability. It is very rare for one of these weapons to choke, and if it does, it is normally the ammo, or in some other rare cases the magazine. I was tasked to do tranisition for my outfit in the 6th ID in the early 90s, nearly 300 shooters, almost 25,000 rounds over the course of four days, zero malfunctions. These weapons were new at the time, yes, but throughout the years they have shown to be extraordinarily consistant and reliable with just routine care.

I have found a quality 1911 to be more accurate, as well as Sig pistols generally, but I would say that accuracy wise, this beretta is tied for third with the Walther P99.

Recoil is slight (at least on the 9mm), so the sights find their way right back into the sight plane quickly. This allows a fellow to shoot straight, fast, and often, a practice that I highly recommend, if the situation calls for it.

DA is not bad, just fair in all respects, a fellow needs to make sure he is looking at the front sight, while he is doing squeeze/press, (not jerk or baby), throughout.

A few issues that don't bode as well. It is a big, thick wasted pistol, that requires a fellow to practice allot before he can get a consistant firing grip out of the holster. The size of the grip also means that folks are more likely to "low left" it, as newer gunners try to strangle the life out of the gun.

The safety, I dislike very much. If you carry the gun on safe, and flip it up with your thumb to put it in action, your thumb can end up right against the slide, which is a bad thing. I would recommend using the safety as a hammer drop only, and leave the chamber full, hammer down, and the safety up or "off". There is a firing pin safety in this weapon that will keep it from being discharged unless the trigger is pulled.

If you wish to conceal the gun bring plenty of clothes. I once had a five hour ride in a plane, that I carried mine under a coat in a pancake rig, strong side, and afterwards I felt like I needed a kidney replacement. Shoulder rigs work, but they have their own issues, too. It can be done, sure, but this gun is probably one of the hardest pistols to conceal that exists, and is right up there with L frame smiths. If somebody has a way to better do this, I sure would like to hear it.

Hope this helps.

Steve

It actually turned out to be a Beretta bridgader Elite. Not a Elite I or a Elite II. I saw this pistol passing through a little town gun store. I called back to make sure and I asked if it was a Elite II model and the sales person said yes.
Nope just a Bridgader Elite model. To many to actually find out the differance .
Thanks for you reply because after a while I to it to heart and called back. It actually took a 3rd person to really tell me what it actually was.
Thanks.

Always liked the old Brigader better than the 92 series, They felt better in the hand, plus they had a steel frame. The 92 feels like trying to handle a 2X4. I traded mine off for a model 659 Smith when I came back from Italy, and now I wish I hadn't made the trade. It was a reliable and accurate firearm and just felt good in the hand.

Lee L.