Beretta has been in business for over 500 years and is the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world. There is no doubt that it makes some of the best guns on the market. However, these gems come with a price tag that deters some. Fortunately, a number of makers have stepped in by producing some high-quality Beretta clones that perform just as well.
Although, the term “clone” can be a bit deceiving here, as there are some obvious changes in the details, but the overall designs remain the same. Love them or hate them, clones are a great way for more people to have access to a specific model or design that may be out of their price range or possibly not even produced anymore.
Girsan Regard
The Beretta 92 needs no introduction. This classic wondernine has been in the hands of law enforcement and military units for decades. In steps the Girsan Regard, a solid substitute that can save you a few hundred bucks in some cases. With both Beretta 92 and 92a1 clone options, as well as different upgraded models with optics and threaded barrels, Girsan offers a Beretta 92 alternative for every application.
My favorite version is the optics model because I feel like the incorporated optic provides you with the best value. Like all Regard models, it uses the same tried and true double-action/single-action trigger mechanism and barrel locking block design as the Beretta. However, Girsan added subtle finger grooves on the Regard for increased traction and provided an 18-round magazines (in free states) from the factory. You’ll notice the price savings in some of the components, which are not as refined as on the original, such as the ambi safety, hammer, and front sight.
Tisas Fatih
The Tisas Fatih is not only a top-notch Beretta clone, it’s also an excellent concealed carry pistol in its own right. Because of its in-between size, this .380 ACP pistol is both easy to shoot and carry all day long. It tucks inside the waistband easily for discreet carry, but packs 13 rounds in the magazine. It isn’t the most powerful handgun. Actually, the power of the cartridge itself is the only drawback I can think of.
Based on the Beretta 84 Cheetah, the Fatih is a DA/SA firearm with a manual safety, but no decocker. To drop the hammer after chambering a round, you must carefully lower the hammer by hand. This is not ideal to say the least, but it is a hallmark of the older design, as are the fixed sights.
The firearm is manufactured by Zenith (known for quality work) and imported by Tisas — although it appears they may be imported by SDS Imports now.
Taurus PT-22
This next one can be hit or miss, because I’ve heard some reports of issues with the frames cracking on some of these pistols, but honestly I’ve heard the same thing about the original Berettas. The Taurus PT-22 (also referenced as the 22PLY) is a lightweight and affordable polymer-framed Beretta Bobcat clone.
The top-break design is unique and easy to use by those with limited hand strength. It’s also just cool. It holds 8+1 rounds of .22 LR and has a double-action-only trigger. The blowback action is simple, easy to maintain and reliable.
Offered in different finish options, each model utilizes low-profile fixed sights and is made in the U.S. At just over 10 ounces, this would be a great gun to toss in a pocket on a hot summer day. Ultra light and compact, Taurus small frame semi-auto pistols offer security and reliability you can count on at a price that won’t break the bank.
SDS Imports AR-T02
Up next, we have a Beretta 1301 Clone. The SDS Imports AR–T02 is a quality shotgun offered in a variety of different configurations. The version I’ve chosen to highlight is similar to the Beretta 1301 Tactical. It features an 18.5-inch barrel and holds five 12 gauge shells in the magazine tube. This semi-auto shotgun also incorporates an optic rail for mounting a red dot sight. The included pistol grip accessory will allow you to convert the shotgun to an even more compact configuration. Additionally, the 3-inch chamber and interchangeable choke tube set lets you choose a wider variety of ammunition to match your shooting needs.
The Beretta 1301 is a highly respected shotgun among law enforcement units around the world. It is known to withstand some serious use and keep running reliably. The only thing that keeps it out of most people’s hands is the cost. This makes it a great foundation to build a budget clone. When performance and simplicity are important, the AR-T02 is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts: Clones
I know there are mixed schools of thought when it comes to clones in the firearm world. Some believe in spending top dollar, stating things like “Buy once, cry once,” or “I’d rather have the original.” However, there are some who believe it’s better to have a cheaper alternative that you can enjoy and not worry about accruing wear. I’d say they’re both right.
I on a beretta model 96 looking for high compasity mags
We have them in stock. https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/search?q=beretta+96&lang=default
Thank You
You keep sending a message that I posted my comment before I never posted a comment with your site before! can you please correct the error
I’ll have them check into it. ~Dave
I posted a comment and a message appeared saying I previously posted same comment- this was my first time ever posting a comment. the Taurus pt92 was built in the beretta factory in Brazil after buying it from beretta on the same machinery and tooling by some of the same people, no doubt it should have been reviewed
how did you not review the Taurus pt92 not only a clone, but it was built in the beretta factory in Brazil after they bought the beretta factory- they were built on the same machinery with the same tooling by many of the same people/hands
The Taurus PT92 is often mistaken as a knock off but the reality is that Taurus took over one of the factories and began manufacturing the PT92 and so to regard it as a cheap or inferior copy would be wrong. It’s almost the same pistol and in it’s own skin is a quality made piece.
I do own one with the wood grips and it’s a beautiful and smooth functioning pistol. And I couldn’t see paying the current prices. “Ouch”!
I don’t subscribe to the idea that all look-a-likes are just inferior copies until I do some research. In war time it was necessary to have different companies producing firearms.
I like how this article points out the benefits of different manufacturers and besides cost savings to the consumer, sometimes another builder does it better or adds some good features and qualities. And sometimes the “copy” is a great gun and is a good fit (Weight, materials, features)
for specific individuals.
Naturally, we all love innovation and uniqueness, but we also enjoy having choices.
I’ve some experience with Tanfoglio Italian knockoffs of Beretta models. I’ve been satisfied with their craftsmanship and quality. 25, 380, 9s even a 22lr revolver all have performed well and have no problems. The EEA I researched seem very good and a few dollars less.
Another great Beretta 92 clone, unmentioned in the article – the Taurus PT92. No, the mags are not interchangeable without a little modification.
I’m not a huge Taurus fan – but they have the PT92 down pat.
In particular, the older model I happen to have has the frame mounted thumb safety, enabling it to be carried ‘cocked & locked’ and more ergonomic than the slide mounted safeties, just IMO.
I believe SDS Import has stopped selling the AR-T02. At least it is no longer listed on their website, and neither are any of the other shotguns from a year or two ago. They do show a MAC 2 Tactical, which may be the same gun as the AR-T02, and a MAC 1014 that looks like their earlier 601 series. They also advertise AR style Tokarev USA shotguns, Spandau Arms over/under break action shotguns, MAC 1911s, and Tisas 1911s and PX9s. Despite their names I think all of these guns are made in Turkey. I’ve had good luck with Tisas and Girsan pistols. They seem to be reliable and robust, but for me Turkish shotguns have been a huge disappointment. Your experience may be different (at least I hope so). Many seemingly identical shotguns are imported under different names and may vary in quality. The names keep changing, so it’s difficult to know what you are getting and making service and parts replacement probable.
This is an excellent article. I would like to see more comparisons among “clones” or otherwise similar products. For example, how does the Colt Python compare to the Chiappa Rhino? They’re both exotic expensive 357 revolvers. Beyond that how are they different? Which the author choose and why?