Head’s up: The following pics are of a dirty pistol that’s only been wiped off - going to run this one dirty for a while to see what’s what. OK, disclaimer off!
My introduction to the Beretta 92-series, specifically the M9, was during technical training in the USAF Security Forces Academy in the summer of 2000. I spent the next six years with the M9 as my constant companion, and while on duty and deployment these issued sidearms earned my trust. After learning how to effectively shoot this handgun, earning expert qualification ratings became an exercise in regularity. I also managed to win an Excellence In Competition (EIC) pistol match using an M9 that I had never fired before, and earned an EIC bronze medal for that performance. To say that I am fond of Beretta pistols is quite an understatement.
The Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical incorporates Bill Wilson’s enhancements to what many consider to be the perfect Beretta 92 pistol, the 92G-SD. As a fan of the 92G-SD, I was immediately on board with the BrigTac as soon as it was announced. I placed my order through George Talia, the owner of Gunslingers, at the insistence of a fellow forum member. I knew from my first phone conversation with George that he was a stand-up guy and we would be doing business. While waiting the 6 weeks or so for my pistol to arrive in George’s shop, we emailed back and forth multiple times and he never seemed to be bothered by my status checks and questions. If you’re looking for a Wilson Combat Master Dealer to do business with, George is your man. His site can be found at
www.migunslingers.com.
92G BrigTac’s safety/decocker is reconfigured to decock only, alleviating a valid concern by some that the safety may be activated while the shooter is manipulating the slide. The expertly dehorned Brigadier slide features a dovetailed front sight and has an improved slide/frame fit for enhanced consistency and lockup. The front sight is a white outlined Trijicon night sight, while the rear is a serrated Wilson u-notch Battlesight which makes for a fast sight setup that lacks distractions or clutter. The sights are regulated for POA/POI - the top center of the front sight is precisely where the round is going. A Wilson recoil spring guiderod is included, and while I don’t feel it is necessary, it is a nice touch and also assists in Bill Wilson’s goal of eliminating the plastic parts that have been added to the 92-series pistols in recent years.
Moving down to the frame, the standout action tune completed by the ‘smiths at Wilson Combat makes the trigger the nicest I’ve ever felt on a Beretta. Using my Lyman digital trigger gauge, the average of 10 pulls in DA was 7lb, 15.5oz and SA weighed in at 4lb, 7.6oz. Double action is smooth, doesn’t stack, and puts my first round exactly where I intend. Very impressive! Single action is no-nonsense; it is heavy enough to be used in self-defense or duty applications but doesn’t interfere with this pistol’s inherent accuracy. The front and backstraps are checkered, and in combination with the VZ Tactical Slant Grips, the pistol is locked in your grip without being overly aggressive. A Beretta extended mag release assists in cleanly ejecting the 15 round PVD sand resistant magazines, of which there are three included with every BrigTac. A frame-mounted rail gives the shooter a place to mount lights or lasers, if desired.
So, how does it shoot? Honestly, it is the most accurate pistol I’ve ever shot, hands-down. I can’t say exactly why that is, but there must be some amazing mojo going on between the enhanced slide to frame fit, and the 4.7” stainless barrel. Surely the boys at Wilson haven’t sold their very souls to the Devil to give good ‘ol Jon an awesome pistol, right? Regardless, the following groups were shot in very poor weather - 29* with windchill, sleet starting to come down and since it was nighttime, the range was lit by some so-so lamps. There’s more in this pistol, and stupid me - not wearing gloves and freezing after a long day at work - didn’t do it any favors. To summarize, each group is 5rds apiece, first shot was always DA, fired at 7yds unsupported. Top left, top right and middle groups were all Winchester White Box 115gr range fodder, bottom left was Federal HST 124gr +P, and bottom right was Winchester Ranger T RA9T 147gr standard pressure. That HST is a winner out of this pistol!
Around 170 rounds downrange so far, 4 different happy shooters, and zero problems. With time and practice, I expect to see this pistol’s true potential, not that it’s let me down in any way so far! Well, there is one… a slight blemish in the finish was noticed when I inspected the pistol after getting it home from the FFL. Oh well, it’s going in a holster and will be seeing worse wear than this!
So there it is, my review of the Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical. Hope you found it worth your while. Let me know if you have any questions.