It's been half a century since the Beretta 90 Series first appeared, a moment that set the stage for one of the most recognizable and enduring handgun families in the world. Now, to mark this golden anniversary, Beretta is reaching back into the archives to introduce the 92SB Reproduction 50th Anniversary Edition. This limited run is a detailed, affectionate nod to the pistol that played a pivotal role in the 90 Series’ journey from innovation to an iconic handgun.

This commemorative edition is a faithful recreation of the 92SB, which is third iteration in the legendary lineup. The original 92SB, first rolled out in the early 1980s, was a bridge model—the evolutionary link between the nascent Beretta 92 design and the eventual, widely adopted M9 (or 92F) many airsofters are familiar with. This new reproduction celebrates that history, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of Beretta’s heritage, crafted with a sharp eye for period authenticity.

The immediate appeal lies in the pistol’s authentic aesthetic, which captures the styling that defined the era. It has a polished anodized frame and a beautiful combination of a polished blued slide and barrel. Unlike later models, it features the rounded trigger guard and a flat dust cover which are hallmarks of the early 90 Series design. It’s the kind of meticulous detail that would make a historian of sidearms chuckle with appreciation.

But while the looks are pure 1980s, the performance benefits from a subtle modern tweak: a Short Reset Trigger Bar. This discreet upgrade enhances the overall experience by allowing for faster, more controlled follow-up shots. It’s a nod to the demands of a modern shooter without compromising the historical integrity of the pistol's feel. Think of it as putting a new, highly-tuned engine in a classic sports car—it honors the past but performs in the present.

The reproduction has all-metal components. From the recoil rod to the trigger, safety levers, and even the magazine release and lanyard loop, Beretta made sure that every key part contributing to the pistol’s weight and handling is metal. This not only enhances longevity but also gives the pistol a solid, substantial feel in the hand, a tactile experience often missed in the age of polymer frames.

What distinguishes this limited edition are the finishing touches. The pistol features precision-machined G10 grips that complement the overall commemorative presentation. The slide is engraved with the phrase “Celebrating 50 Years of the 90 Series” alongside a unique serial number, clearly marking its status as a collector's item. It's accompanied by two 15-round magazines with the classic flat baseplates, preserving the silhouette of the original model.

This release is all about the legacy of Italian craftsmanship. As Broxton Carlile, Beretta USA Pistol Product Manager, noted, this reproduction “is a true collector’s piece that reflects both our history and our commitment to quality.” It honors the crucial model that paved the way for the platform's military adoption, blending that pivotal moment in history with Beretta's ongoing dedication to manufacturing excellence.

With a production cap of approximately 1,500 units, the 92SB Reproduction is a genuinely limited offering. It comes complete with a bespoke collector’s case and a detailed historical booklet chronicling the evolution of the entire 90 Series. For the enthusiast, it’s a functional, firing piece of history—for the collector, it’s a unique, meticulously presented artifact.

The 92SB Reproduction 50th Anniversary Edition is available now at authorized Beretta dealers nationwide. It serves as a reminder that fifty years later, the blueprint laid down by the original 90 Series remains a benchmark in sidearm design, celebrating a half-century of history without needing to shout about it.