Billennium
From Beretta-E
What is the Billennium?
Taken from the Billennium 92/98 Manual - "The new Beretta 92 Biliennium is the synthesis of the long standing experience with the 92 model, manufactured in well over 2 million units, and offers unique and innovative features for the new Millennium. Created with true connoisseurs and the more active and expert marksmen in mind, the Beretta 92/98 Biliennium was manufactured in only 2000 units, and is destined to become a collector's item. This new and exclusive 92 model sports numerous special features, like its steel frame, the recoil absorbing slide, already tested in the Brigadier, Stock and Combat models, and ambidextrous, frame mounted safety, and a singe action trigger. Other features are the unique design of its skeletonized hammer, the new anti-slip design of the slide grip surface, the innovative grips in carbon fiber and the special satin/polished grey finish, which is nickel-alloy based to ensure an extraordinary resistance to punishing and harsh weather conditions, and gives the gun its unmatched look."
Simply put, the Billennium is the ultimate 92 series pistol ever created.
When was the Billennium Produced?
Taken from a post on the Beretta Forum:
This is a ressurection of an old topic. I had a theory that the Billennium was run in several batches over a few years. We got responses from several member of the forum and found that in fact it was run for at least 14 months that we can determine (Late 2001 to early 2003). Here is the run chart with serial numbers, date codes and dates.
143 BP - 2001
145 BP - 2001
300 BP - 2001
321 BP - 2001
512 BS - 2002
846 BS - 2002
897 BS - 2002
10XX BS - 2002
???? BS - 2002
1156 BS - 2002
1327 BS - 2002
1496 BS - 2002
164X BS - 2002
2139 BS - 2002
2153 BT - 2003
2220 BT - 2003
So - it looks like the run went like this. They prototyped the Billennium in the beginning of 2001, ran initial production runs toward the end of '01 (say Nov-Dec timeframe). Then the bulk of the production run was done over 2002. Most likely they would have run a certain number per quarter since demand was low, and you typically schedule limited production runs around breaks in your heavy volume schedule. This is just a guess though.
Finally, they completed the run in early 2003, most likely in one run near the beginning of the year.
I'd like to expand the study to include a break down by caliber if possible. I.e., did they do different runs for each caliber? Maybe run the 9mm one quarter and the 9X21 the next?
Here is a tentative timeline:
1999---2000----------2001------------2002------------2003
|---Initial Concept-----Prototype----Production--------------|
- Escher
Beretta Firearms Corporation (officially Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta)
Beretta Inc. History
Please see ---> Beretta
Series 92 Development
How did the 92 Series Originate?
The Beretta 92 series, the design of which was based on the earlier Beretta model 1951 pistol, dates to 1976. The Italian Army officially adopted the Beretta 92 at about that time. Around 1975, the Department of Defense announced an upcoming worldwide competition among handgun manufacturers to replace the Model 1911, which had been the official military issue sidearm for more than 60 years. After repeated, rigorous, and often controversial competitive trials (with Beretta winning almost all of them), an evolved version of the Beretta 92 was awarded the military contract in 1987. Before full US production capacity of the 92 series pistol was ready at Accokeek, early Italian 92 production examples were reportedly fitted with French-sourced slides of inferior metallurgy which, when coupled with the use of ammunition of too high pressure (a circumstance which is still disputed), resulted in around three widely publicized instances of slide failure (and facial lacerations) occurring during military training. Revision of the slide thickness and breech locking mechanism quickly followed to address this perceived weakness in field use of the 92.
What is the difference between a 92F and FS?
The Beretta 92F (initially designated the 92SB-F) was issued in 1983 as an evolution of the 1976 original 92 design. In this derivative of the 92 (and by way of its predecessors, the 92S and 92SB), the 92F safety lever had by then been relocated onto the slide, functioning as a decocker for the hammer as well as a traditional safety. Other modifications included relocating the magazine release button from the base of the grip to just behind the trigger guard on the grip (it was also reversible), and there were improved (now plastic) grip panels as well a more durable overall finish.
The Beretta 92FS was subsequently adopted in 1987 after Beretta won the Armed Forces pistol trials in 1985. The Beretta 92FS was essentially similar to the 92F, but additionally featured a chrome-lined barrel, a reshaped trigger guard for improved two-handed grip, a lanyard ring on the gun butt, newly-revised grip panels, the Bruniton finish, and a trigger bar disconnect safety.
What is the designation for the Military version of the 92FS?
M9 was the military designation for the Beretta 92FS after its adoption for official issue by the United States Army (and Armed Forces) in 1987.
What is a 92G/D/S/SB/C?
Beretta 92 and variants (except 92F/92FS/M9, above) differ as follows: 92 Initial model, 1976, double action, with frame-mounted safety lever and magazine release button located on lower grip. 92S Safety changed to hammer-drop/decocker, lever moved to slide. 92SB Ambidextrous safety/decocker lever on slide, with added firing pin block, and hammer half-cock. Magazine release button moved up on grip to behind trigger guard, now reversible. 92C Compact version of 92SB, with shortened slide, barrel, and grip. Magazine capacity reduced to 13 rounds (also known as 92FS-C). 92G French-made National Gendarmerie version, 1989, with slide-mounted lever functioning as decocker only. 92D Double-action only, with no external safety and no hammer spur.
What are “proof marks”?
Guns that were manufactured in Italy will have Proof Marks. These markings on the slide are of various types and each has a certain meaning.
What do the “proof marks” mean?
There are different types of markings and each has a specific purpose. A two letter (or roman numeral combination on guns prior to 1975) designation tells which year the gun was manufactured. A table of this data appears below:
BERETTA COMPETITION SEMIAUTOMATICS
NATIONAL PROOF HOUSE YEAR STAMP MARKINGS
The "Banco Nazionale di Prova" (National Proof House) stamps all Italian-manufactured firearms after proofing. The year stamp noted designates the year of proof. In the case of new firearms, the proof year corresponds to the year of manufacture (Italian-manufactured firearms only). The markings are most commonly found on the receiver/frame and on the barrel.
| Year | Mark | Year | Mark | Year | Mark | Year | Mark | Year | Mark | Year | Mark | Year | Mark |
| 1940 | 1950 | VI | 1960 | XVI | 1970 | XXVI | 1980 | AF | 1990 | AZ | 2000 | BN | |
| 1941 | 1951 | VII | 1961 | XVII | 1971 | XXVII | 1981 | AH | 1991 | BA | 2001 | BP | |
| 1942 | 1952 | VIII | 1962 | XVIII | 1972 | XXVIII | 1982 | AI | 1992 | BB | 2002 | BS | |
| 1943 | 1953 | IX | 1963 | XIX | 1973 | XXIX | 1983 | AL | 1993 | BC | 2003 | BT | |
| 1944 | 1954 | X | 1964 | XX | 1974 | XXX | 1984 | AM | 1994 | BD | 2004 | ||
| 1945 | I | 1955 | XI | 1965 | XXI | 1975 | AA | 1985 | AN | 1995 | BF | 2005 | |
| 1946 | II | 1956 | XII | 1966 | XXII | 1976 | AB | 1986 | AO | 1996 | BH | 2006 | |
| 1947 | III | 1957 | XIII | 1967 | XXIII | 1977 | AC | 1987 | AS | 1997 | BI | 2007 | |
| 1948 | IV | 1958 | XIV | 1968 | XXIV | 1978 | AD | 1988 | AT | 1998 | BL | 2008 | |
| 1949 | V | 1959 | XV | 1969 | XXV | 1979 | AE | 1989 | AU | 1999 | BM | 2009 |
Source: Beretta 2004 Competition Shotgun Pro Shop Catalog, page 20. This is the download to which BUSA refers questions on how to determine the year a Beretta was manufactured, any model, so one can assume it applies to all types of Beretta firearms in addition to competition semiautomatic shotguns.
In addition to the date stamp, there may be other marks as well these marks have the following meanings:
Black Powder - PN (Star insignia above)
Smokeless powder - PSF (Star insignia above)
Smokeless High power - PSF (Two stars above)
Additional proofmark for finished firearms - FINITO (Star above)
Please note the Detail view of the proofmarks in the following picture. This gun has the following markings:
Manufacture date - 2001
Tested at Gardone Proof House
Smokeless Powder Gun
Billennium Design
Design Strategy
Why was the Billennium Developed?
Taken from Guns Magazine, an article by Massad Ayoob (article can be found here Billennium Article):
“We wanted a commemorative for the new millennium that wasn’t just collectible, but shootable,” says Gabriel DePlano, production manager for Beretta USA. “We wanted a serious shooter motif.” Competitive shooters clamored for the frame-mounted safety they were familiar with from their 1911s, and Beretta complied. It wasn’t too hard. We geezers can remember when the original Berettas had frame-mounted thumb safeties, a tradition that continues in the Taurus clone of the Beretta.
The steel frame would not only give durability for a lifetime of shooting, but would dampen recoil. The Beretta 92 in 9mm is already a soft-shooting pistol. That dollop of added weight tames it even further. The tiny bit of muzzle flip that remains doesn’t last long; a shooter with proper technique finds the front sight instantly back on target.
The sights are what might be called “semi-target.” They’re not great big target sights that look as if someone jacked up a sight picture diagram from marksmanship school and ran a little pistol underneath it. The sights are proportional to the dimensions of the pistol. Like all current 92s, this one gives a big, blocky sight picture that is very fast to align, and wonder of wonders, the sights were dead on for point of aim/point of impact when the pistol came out of the box. This is always an indication that someone at the factory has done the final inspection with TLC.
The first thing I noticed about the sights was that there were replacements in the box. “The rear sight is micro-adjustable,” says Gabriel, “with replacement rear leaf. The front sight is dovetailed in securely, and is replaceable with sights of different heights to allow for elevation.” The bottom line: the durability of fixed sights with the ability to dial in for perfect point of aim/point of impact that normally comes only with adjustable sights.
Who directed the development?
Design Goals
What were the desired features of the Billennium design?
How many of the original design features were realized in production?
Design Challenges
What hurdles had to be overcome during the development of the Billennium?
What compromises had to be made?
Were any desired features left out of the final design?
Billennium Features
Steel Frame
How does the Billennium frame differ from the standard 92 Series?
The frame of the Billennium is composed of Carbon Steel and is Nickel Alloy plated. Standard 92 series handguns are an Aluminum alloy that is anodized. The use of Carbon steel adds considerable weight to the gun and changes the balance and feel from that of a standard model 92.
What material is the frame made from?
Nickel plated carbon steel.
Steel Slide
How does the Billennium Slide differ from the standard 92 Series?
The Billennium slide is made from Carbon steel, and Nickel Alloy plated. In addition, the grip surface was enhanced by using an aggressive scallopped checkering.
Why was the scalloped slide grip chosen?
The scallopped slide grip was chosen to give a postive and reliable gripping surface, in addition to giving the gun a distinctive look.
Taken from Guns Magazine, an article by Massad Ayoob (article can be found here Billennium Article):
Objectively, all who tried it found that this feature, which Beretta calls “scalloping,” affords a firm grasp of the slide and does what it is intended to do from the purely functional point of view.
Who developed the artwork for the slide?
What does the stick figure on the slide symbolize?
What material is the slide made from?
Nickel plated carbon steel.
What type of sights are used on the Billennium?
The Billennium used a typical 3 dot sight. The rear sight is adjustable via. 3 different height blades which are interchangeable and will raise or lower the POA to the shooters preference.
Taken from Guns Magazine, an article by Massad Ayoob (article can be found here Billennium Article):
The sights are what might be called “semi-target.” They’re not great big target sights that look as if someone jacked up a sight picture diagram from marksmanship school and ran a little pistol underneath it. The sights are proportional to the dimensions of the pistol. Like all current 92s, this one gives a big, blocky sight picture that is very fast to align, and wonder of wonders, the sights were dead on for point of aim/point of impact when the pistol came out of the box. This is always an indication that someone at the factory has done the final inspection with TLC.
The first thing I noticed about the sights was that there were replacements in the box. “The rear sight is micro-adjustable,” says Gabriel, “with replacement rear leaf. The front sight is dovetailed in securely, and is replaceable with sights of different heights to allow for elevation.” The bottom line: the durability of fixed sights with the ability to dial in for perfect point of aim/point of impact that normally comes only with adjustable sights.
Frame Mounted Safety
What drove the decision to use a frame mounted safety?
Taken from Guns Magazine, an article by Massad Ayoob (article can be found here Billennium Article):
Gone is the slide-mounted decock/safety lever, replaced by a wide, frame-mounted ambidextrous thumb safety. Gone is the forward-riding double action trigger — this new gun’s trigger sits further back. Both these changes were made because this gun is single action, intended to be cocked and locked when carried with a round in the chamber.
What are the benefits of the frame mounted safety?
The frame mounted safety allows for the pistol to be carried "cocked and locked" as with a 1911 style handgun.
Extended Magazine Release
Why was the extended mag release chosen?
Finish
What type of finish is used on the Billennium?
Taken from Guns Magazine, an article by Massad Ayoob (article can be found here Billennium Article):
This gun’s finish is new to these pistols, but not new to Beretta, “The ‘silver finish’ is a nickel alloy. The proprietary alloys that make it more wear resistant were developed jointly by Beretta and one of our outside vendors,” says DePlano. “We’ve used it in the past on some of our over/under shotguns. You’ll see it on the Silver Pigeon II. I would call it more of a pewter finish.”
How should the finish be cared for?
Why was the finish chosen?
Will fingerprints, etc. harm the finish?
The finish, which is actually a nickel alloy plating, will tarnish if not properly cared for. For this reason, the entire weapon should be wiped down after being used. Fingerprints are caused by the natural oils that exist in our skin and these oils will, over time, attack and corrode the finish.
Grips
What type of grips are used on the Billennium?
The grips on the Billennium are Carbon Fiber with a rubberized grip surface. They are a special run part that can not be found on any other Beretta Pistol.
Will aftermarket grips fit the Billennium?
No aftermarket grips are currently availbale for the Billennium. Grips for the Stock and Combat models will fit however.
Is it possible to modify other grips (92FS) to fit the Billennium?
Please see ---->Modifying grips to fit on a Billennium / Stock / Combat
Barrel
What type of Barrel does the Billennium use?
Will other Barrels fit the Billennium?
Any standard 92 Series barrel will fit the Billennium.
Trigger
What type of trigger does the Billennium use?
The trigger on the Billennium is adjustable for both overtravel and take-up via 2 setscrews.
How can the trigger be adjusted?
Hammer
What type of hammer does the Billennium use?
The hammer is skeletonized and identical to the Elite II, except that the hammer is nickel alloy plated and is single action only.
What are the benefits of a skeletonized hammer?
There are several theories to this, mainly that it allows for a faster followup shot due to the lower mass of the hammer. However, this raises the question of light primer strikes if a lighter hammer spring is used in conjunction with the EII style hammer. The following is a post regarding this from the Discussion forum at "Beretta Forum" Skeletonized Hammer:
The amount of Force during a strike (or crash in the case of a car) is proportional to the acceleration (motor or spring) AND the mass.
F=MxA, so if a skeletonized hammer is 1/2 the mass of the regular one (a blind guess) then:
M= mass regular hammer
1/2M = mass skeletonized hammer
A= Acceleration from hammer spring
F1 = Force with regular hammer
F2 = Force with skel. Hammer
Rearranging the equation:
A=F/M
Setting the two equal based on common spring constants:
F1 / M = F2 / (1/2 M)
Rearranging:
F1 / M = (2) F2 / M
Multiplying both sides by M:
F1 = (2) F2
So the Force of the regular hammer is twice that of the skeletonized hammer.
This explains why going with reduced power hammer springs AND a skeletonized hammer can cause light strikes. - Escher
Competition
Can the Billennium be used for Competition?
Due to its weight the Billennium is not suitable for IDPA competition.
Accuracy
How does the accuracy of the Billennium compare with other 92 Series guns?
Aftermarket parts
Barrels
Which barrels do you recommend for the Billennium?
The standard barrel that comes with the Billennium will be accurate enough for nearly all shooter, and the gun will probably be more accurate than the shooter until his or her skill level increases significantly. However, because the Billennium uses standard 92FS series barrels, it can easily be switched for an aftermarket one.
It is beyond the scope of this document to go into the How's and Why's of one barrel v.s. another, but this author has used an Elite II barrel simply to reduce wear on the original and it works very well. - Escher
What is the difference between a gunsmith fit and drop in Barrel?
Trigger Jobs
Do you recommend trigger work on the Billennium?
The overtravel adjustable trigger has a very smooth feel as shipped, but the serious shooter may wish to smooth the action even further. This will be a matter of personal taste that each shooter must decide for him/herself.
Which Gunsmiths do you recommend for trigger work?
Sights
Which aftermarket sights will fit the Billennium?
Any sights that will fit the Brigadier will also fit the Billennium.
Refinishing
Can the Billennium be refinished?
Yes
Will Beretta refinish my Billennium with the factory finish?
For a fee Beretta will refinish any of their handguns. If you have probelms with the finish that you feel are above and beyond what occurs during normal useage, contact Beretta customer service to have the gun evaluated.
Which aftermarket finishes can be applied to the Billennium?
Maintenance / General Operation / Troubleshooting
Cleaning
Which cleaners are safe to use on the Billennium?
Please see ----> Which cleaners are safe to use on the 92?
How often should I clean my Billennium?
Please see ----> How often should I clean my 92?
Do I need to do anything special to maintain the finish?
What is a "silicone cloth"?
Please see ----> What is a "silicone cloth"?
Lubrication
Which oils/lubes are safe to use on the Billennium?
Please see ----> Which oils/lubes are safe to use on the 92?
How often should I oil my Billennium?
Please see ----> How often should I oil my 92?
Which oils/lubes should I avoid?
Please see ----> Which oils/lubes should I avoid?
General Operation
How do I load the Billennium?
What is Direct Chamber Loading?
Will the gun fire without a magazine inserted, if it is chamber loaded?
Is it okay to dry fire the gun?
What are "Snap Caps"?
How do I field strip the Billennium?
What is "detail stripping"?
Should I detail strip my Billennium? How Often?
Troubleshooting
What Should I do if a round jams and the slide doesnt close all the way?
What should I do if I have a bad primer/misfire?
Where can I order X part?
What is the technical support number for Beretta?
Notes
The Beretta Logo and Trident Logo are property of the Beretta Corporation. All views presented in this document are the opinions of the authors and have no official affiliation with the Beretta Corporation.
Information found in this article should be used at the readers own risk. Any alterations to your Handgun may endanger yourself or others. It is recommended that only a competent gunsmith perform any alterations on a handgun.
Credits
All Sections - Parts taken from an article by Massad Ayoob in Guns Magazine (article can be found here Billennium Article)
Section 1.0 – Christopher Purdy - Quotes from the Beretta 92/98 Billenium Users Manual
Section 2.0-2.2.5 – Bill Walker - Excerpts from XXXX, XXXXX.
Section 2.2.5-2.2.6 - Bill Walker / Christopher Purdy - Table taken from Beretta 2004 Competition Shotgun Pro Shop Catalog. Photograph by Christopher Purdy.
Section 2.3 - Bill Walker
Section 3.0 -
Section 4.0 -
Section 5.0 -
Section 6.0 -
Section 7.0 -
Section 8.0 -
Revision History
V0.01 - 0.03 10-18-2004 Layout/Outline
V0.04 10-18-2004 Sections 1 and 2 started
V0.05 10-18-2004 Layout Modified
V0.06 10-19-2004 Pictures added and layout modified
V0.07 10-19-2004 Added Notes, Credits sections Added section headings, Formatting
V0.08 10-21-2004 Added section 2.2.5, 2.2.6
V0.08b 10-21-2004 Added section 2.3
V0.08c 11-07-2004 Updated Section 2.2.6
V0.09 6-29-2005 Updated into WiKi Format
