Review: Wilson Combat Beretta Centurion 92G

This review is focused on what may be the finest double-action first-shot 9mm pistol in the world.

The Beretta 92 is proven in combat beyond any question. Add Wilson Combat improvements, and you have a formidable firearm.

My version features the Centurion-length barrel and slide.

While just slightly shorter than the standard Beretta 92, the Centurion version is visually more attractive and even slightly better handling to my perspective.

This pistol is a double-action first-shot pistol that operates like the standard Beretta 92. The Wilson Combat variant features the 92G configuration.

This means the safety lever functions as a decocker only. There is no fumbling the safety because there isn’t a manual safety.

The pistol operates in the same manner as the Beretta 92 as regards loading, firing, disassembly and handling.

The Wilson Combat pistol is a joint effort by Beretta and Wilson Combat. 

Features & Specs

The pistol handles well. The full-size frame and firing grip mate well with the slightly shorter Beretta 92 slide.

The Wilson Combat Beretta features the 92A1-type accessory/light rail.

The pistol features excellent checkering on both the frontstrap and the backstrap.

The Wilson Combat grips add to the total package of adhesion and abrasion. These grips are thinner than the issued Beretta grips.

This neatly solves issues with handfit for most shooters.

The slide features a dovetail for the sights rather than the integral front sight of the standard M9/92 type.

The rear sight is of the type sometimes called the ‘old man’s’ sight, as it is an aid for use by aging eyes.

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In fast shooting, the deep U-notch rear is ideal for rapid-fire accuracy. The front sight is a tritium night insert surrounded by a bright front ring.

The single-dot front night sight eliminates any chance of misalignment of the sights.

A word on bright front sights⁠ — humans have forward-facing eyes in order to give us depth perception.

Many animals have eyes on the sides of the head to see things coming. We are able to quickly measure the distance between us and the threat we face.

Bright red and orange sights get our attention⁠ — like stop signs and firetrucks do as well.

Use your eyes properly to focus on the front sight, add relevant data to the decision and get a hit. There is no better combat sight.

If you prefer, Wilson Combat offers a standard square-notch rear sight for the Beretta. 

Wilson Combat Upgrades

The Wilson Combat pistol has upgrades that add to the whole of the pistol.

There is an extended magazine lock and a very nice neatly-fitted magazine well.

Combined with slightly tapered magazines common to the Beretta 92, this is as fast a pistol to load as possible. Speed loads are very rapid.

The hammer is a special Wilson Combat skeleton type. The barrel features a nicely done recessed crown.

The action is smoother as a result of adding the D-type hammer spring. The pistol is supplied with two 17-round and one 20-round magazine.

These are high-quality steel magazines. I think the 20-round magazine is ok, but very difficult to load to capacity compared to the 17-round magazines.

A word on size⁠ — the Beretta isn’t a small firearm.

It is light enough by virtue of its aluminum frame at about 35 ounces, but it is a bit large for concealed carry.

Some will fire the Beretta well, some won’t. My daughter-in-law has two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq on her resume and loves the Beretta.

My younger son has carried the Beretta all over the world from the middle east to Kosovo, Korea and Japan, and is very proficient.

Some get the Beretta, some don’t. I think I am in between. For those that favor the Beretta, it is a formidable handgun.

Just over a half-inch off the muzzle makes a difference in the Centurion in handling and even recoil.

The slide mass makes the difference to an extent. With the Centurion’s 4.3-inch barrel, the pistol is 7.75 inches long. 

How It Fires

When firing the pistol, the Wilson Combat Beretta is a joy for Beretta fans.

I drew the pistol from a Galco belt slide⁠ holster — speed is excellent. The trigger is smooth and long in the DA first-shot mode.

After the first shot breaks and the slide cocks the hammer, you have a smooth crisp four-pound single-action trigger.

Muzzle flip is limited, typical of the Beretta pistol.

The pistol may be held on target, and with care in the trigger press and sight alignment, you will get rapid hits.

At close range, the sights are an aid in rapid-fire work and the pistol handles well.

Offhand accuracy is what counts for the most in personal defense.

Standing unsupported firing offhand at 25 yards, I fired several groups as small as three inches for five rounds.

This is outstanding for any type of factory pistol. Most of the ammunition expended in the test has been the Winchester Active Duty FMJ loading.

Practical accuracy has been outstanding.

Firing from a solid braced barricade position, the pistol has proven capable of five-shot groups as small as two inches.

Conclusion: Wilson Combat Beretta Centurion 92G

The pistol is clearly accurate enough for any reasonable chore.

The Wilson Combat Beretta Centurion 92G represents the finest example of a Beretta combat pistol.

It is an outstanding service pistol and a fine choice for personal defense. 

What do you think of the Wilson Combat Beretta Centurion 92G? Let us know in the comments below!