Beretta Wilson Combat 92G Centurion

When comparing the pistols one to the other, the Wilson Combat gun is a top choice for tactical and service use. The only pistol with a light rail and 20-round magazine standard, this is a first-class combat pistol.

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In this day of polymer-frame striker-fired pistols stamped out by the thousands, there is still a place for customized handguns, made with skill and detail. We recently elected to test two such 9mm handguns from custom shops, both being double-action-first-shot pistols with metal frames and hammer-fired mechanisms. For contrast, we also shot a Browning Hi-Power single-action pistol whose starting price alone could buy either of the first two pistols, but which had been customized over time with some important upgrades, including a redone finish and new sights. Are any of these custom guns worth the extra cost? What we found is, a trained marksman will benefit most from such handguns.

Our first gun was a Beretta/Wilson Combat 92G Centurion, $1250. The Wilson Combat gun is manufactured by Beretta under Wilson Combat specifications. The Beretta is admired by Bill Wilson, who has used it in IDPA competition. The primary advantage of the Beretta is its proven reliability. The 92G Centurion Tactical merges the company’s Brigadier Tactical enhanced frame with a 4.25-inch Centurion slide to create an everyday carry 9mm pistol. Many shooters know there are certain drawbacks to the stock Beretta 92 pistol. The sights are smaller than many other modern sights, and the grip frame is larger than some hands may accommodate. These shortcomings have been addressed in the Wilson Combat upgrade. Wilson Combat grips are thinner while maintaining a high level of adhesion and abrasion. Also, the pistol features the Wilson Combat Battlesight and a front sight with tritium insert.

Next was the Guncrafter Industries Executive CZ 75B, $1875. Guncrafter Industries has offered its own high-end 1911 for several years. The base CZ 75 features good fit, finish, and steel and is a good choice for an upgraded 9mm handgun, but the CZ 75 hasn’t received the same customizing attention as 1911 and Hi-Power pistols. Guncrafters offers customizations on the 75B, the SP01, 75 Compact, and Shadow 2. The CZ 75 variants are built on existing CZ 75 pistols. The pistol may be built on a decocker frame if desired, as packages may be built on customer-supplied guns. Others are in stock and ready to ship.

Our third gun was a Browning Hi-Power 1979 9mm Luger, $1860. This 1979 Browning Hi-Power was obtained for $1100 originally and modified several times, to the tune of another $760. That aggregate price could easily be the cost of a used Hi-Power in reasonable shape today, with no mods.

We saw pretty early that Beretta fans were going to purchase the Wilson Combat Beretta, and CZ fans would buy the Guncrafter Executive, although there were compelling differences between them.

How We Tested

As the test progressed and we weighed individual features between platforms, we saw there was another grading scale to consider. While the overall performance of one pistol against the others was most important thing to consider, the validity of each feature’s improvement over what appears on standard handguns had to be gauged as well.

During the test, a Wright Leatherworks strong-side holster proved a good choice for the Beretta.

We used four types of ammunition during the evaluation. First was the Winchester Active Duty full-metal-jacket (FMJ) load during the combat-firing test. We used Remington UMC FMJs, Hornady 115-grain XTP jacketed hollow points, and Federal 124-grain Punch jacketed hollow points when firing for accuracy.

During preliminary handling, we noted the magazines of all three pistols were more or less the same in handling and loading. The 17-round Beretta magazines were not difficult to load. The 20-round Beretta magazine was another story. It became difficult to load at the 15th round. Only by using a magazine loader were we able to get to 19 rounds, and two of the four raters — men of at least average strength — could not load the 20th round, even with the loader, without great difficulty. We gave up and elected to load the magazine to 19 rounds, sometimes 18. Considering the added bulk and length of the magazine, it isn’t really worth the effort.

Gun Test Grade: A

$1250

The pistol tested is a Centurion version, the slightly shorter Beretta type. We like the looks and balance of the Centurion. The configuration is known as the Beretta 92G. There is no manual safety; the pistol is a decocker only mechanism. There is a firing-pin block like all Beretta 92 handguns. The pistol features a rounded rather than square trigger guard, a distinctive feature. The pistol features an accessory rail for mounting combat lights or lasers. This is the only pistol tested so equipped, a big plus in the minds of some of the raters. The double-action-first-shot trigger is smoother than the CZ 75 Omega, but was not as smooth as the Guncrafter CZ 75 Executive, in our shooters’ opinion. The single-action trigger is tight and crisp and breaks at 4.25 pounds. It isn’t as clean as the Guncrafter CZ, Browning, or CZ Omega in single action, but it is a good trigger. It simply suffers in comparison to other superlative triggers.

Beretta Wilson Combat 92G Centurion 9mm Luger

Action TypeShort recoil-operated locked breech, double to single action
Overall Length8.1 in.
Overall Height5.5 in.
Maximum Width1.5 in.
Weight Unloaded33.2 oz.
Weight Loaded40.7 oz.
SlideForged blued steel, shortened 92G Vertec model
Slide Retraction Effort16.0 lbs.
Receiver MaterialAluminum
FinishBlue steel
Front Strap Height2.3 in.
Back Strap Height3.2 in.6.
Barrel4.3 in. long; stainless steel with recessed crown
Grip Thickness Maximum 1.4 in.
Grip Circumference5.9 in.
MagazinesBeretta, (2) 17 round, (1) 20 round
Rear SightWilson Combat Battlesight
Front SightDovetail post, Ameriglo tritium
Sight Radius5.75 in.
Trigger Pull Weight5.0 lbs.
Trigger Span2.5 in.
SafetyDecocker only
WarrantyLimited 5 year
Telephone(800) 955-4856
WebsiteWilsonCombat.com
Made InU.S.A.
The WC Beretta’s grip and strap treatment were well done and attractive.

The hammer is a skeletonized Wilson Combat type. A magazine-well attachment on the bottom of the grip and enlarged magazine-latch button aids in quickly replenishing the ammunition supply. The raters found the Wilson Combat Battlesight to be the best sight of the test. The rear sight features a U notch that allows rapid sight acquisition and gets on target quickly. The front sight is a bright spot on the target. The rear sight is a wedge-type design that allows racking the slide on the belt or releasing the slide quickly during a one-hand reload drill, if needed. The pistol is supplied with excellent magazine support in the form of two 17-round and one 20-round magazine.

Following are the upgrades compared to a standard Beretta 92G Centurion:

  • Dovetailed tritium front sight
  • Stainless match-grade barrel with recessed target crown
  • Fluted steel guide rod 
  • Accessory rail
  • Special serial number range with WC prefix 
  • Rounded triggerguard
  • Ambidextrous decocker
  • WC rear Battlesight
  • Elite skeletonized hammer
  • Oversized magazine release with checkered pad 
  • Checkered frontstrap and backstrap
  • Beveled magazine well
  • G10 grips with “WC” logo medallion 
The Beretta gave excellent results on target. The Wilson Combat Battlesight’s rear sight features a U notch that allows rapid sight acquisition and gets on target quickly. The front sight is a bright orange dot on the target.

On the firing line, the Beretta came on target quickly. The DA-first-shot trigger is much smoother than the CZ Omega’s, while the Guncrafter is smoother than the WC’s. We managed the Beretta trigger well, with lots of hits on silhouette targets with the DA trigger at 7 and 10 yards. We got on target and pressed the trigger smoothly to the rear. The transition from double-action to single-action fire was smooth, and the pistol was controllable overall. In single-action fire, the pistol was rated the most controllable of the four handguns tested.

In bench accuracy, the Beretta proved to be an accurate pistol. At 25 yards, we secured several 2.0-inch groups. Over the years we have tested several Beretta 92 variants. This is the most capable in combat firing and the most accurate off the bench. Compared to the other pistol sights, we liked the Wilson Combat Battlesights the best. The Beretta/WC was at the bottom for handfit, though the frame texture and Wilson Combat grips were great advantages over a stock factory gun’s grip. Magazine changes were rapid with the Wilson Combat Beretta. There were no failures to feed, chamber, fire, or eject.

Our Team Said: For the shooter who is already familiar with the Beretta 92, the Wilson Combat upgrade is an excellent choice. We would not hesitate to buy one.

9mm Luger Range Data

Remington UMC 115-grain FMJBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1122 fps1131 fps1160 fps 1155 fps
Muzzle Energy321 ft.-lbs.327 ft.-lbs.344 ft.-lbs.341 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group2.0 in.2.1 in.1.6 in.1.8 in.
Average Group2.5 in.2.5 in.2.2 in.2.4 in.
Hornady 115-grain XTP JHPBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1140 fps1159 fps1164 fps 1180 fps
Muzzle Energy332 ft.-lbs.343 ft.-lbs.346 ft.-lbs.356 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group1.9 in.1.7 in.1.6 in.2.25 in.
Average Group2.3 in.2.25 in.2.1 in.2.6 in.
Federal Punch 124-grain JHPBeretta/ Wilson Combat 92G CenturionGuncrafter Industries CZ 75BBrowning Hi-Power CustomizedCZ-USA CZ 75B Omega
Average Velocity1101 fps1153 fps1190 fps 1201 fps
Muzzle Energy334 ft.-lbs.366 ft.-lbs.390 ft.-lbs.397 ft.-lbs.
Smallest Group1.6 in.1.9 in.1.5 in.2.2 in.
Average Group2.0 in.2.4 in.2.0 in.2.5 in.
All groups were fired from a Bullshooters gun rest from a braced bench rest firing position at 25 yards. The groups were fired in strings of three five-shot groups for each load in each handgun. Velocities were collected at 10 yards using an RCBS Ammomaster Chronograph. Note: Shooting for the CZ 75B Omega was conducted at the same time as the custom pistols, but that gun’s results appear separately on page 12.

Value Guide: 9mm Luger Handgun Rankings

GUN NAMEISSUEGRADECOMMENTS
Ruger SR1911 6722 9mm Luger, $775Jun. 2021AOur Pick. The most expensive gun tested. We liked the fit, finish, handling and accuracy.
Tisas Regent BR9 9mm Luger, $558Jun. 2021A-We like this Tisas rendition. Downside: The cocking effort is severe, which may disqualify it for some.
Citadel M1911A1-CS CIT9MMCSP 9mm Luger, $479Jun. 2021BBest Buy. The pistol is reliable and handles well. Less accuracy than the other pistols. Front sight is too gray.
Zenith Tisas ZIG PCS9 9mm Luger, $549Jun. 2021DDownsides: Extractor problems and the slide-lock safety wasn’t properly fitted.
Shadow Systems MR920 9mm Luger, $799Apr. 2021AOur Pick. The Shadow Systems Multi Role (MR) pistol is basically an improved Glock 19. Excellent buy.
Sarsilmaz SAR9 9mm Luger, $400Apr. 2021A-Best Buy. Many good features. We would have liked a lighter trigger action.
Tisas Zigana PX-9 9mm Luger, $330Apr. 2021BReliable. Will appeal to those who like the Springfield XD-9. The primary drawback is a heavy trigger.
Ruger American Pro Duty 10 08607 9mm Luger, $579Feb. 2021AOur Pick. $100 more than the others, but it was the most accurate pistol and had surprisingly light recoil.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ 12437 9mm Luger, $479Feb. 2021A-The Shield EZ9 was easy to manipulate and soft to shoot, but the sights needed to be calibrated better.
KelTec PF9 Blued-Black 9mm Luger, $358Feb. 2021B+An inexpensive pistol that functioned flawlessly. It reminded us of a good 38 Special snubbie.
Taurus G3C 1-G3C931 9mm Luger, $306Feb. 2021B+Best Buy. The Taurus G3C pistol is an inexpensive offering that functioned flawlessly and shot well.
Walther P38 9mm Luger, $800 to $1200Dec. 2020AHeavy trigger and heel-type magazine release. Still an outstanding combat handgun.
Radom (Polish) VIZ 35 9mm Luger, $995Dec. 2020B-Well-made handgun. A hardy, robust, and reliable handgun that never failed to function.
FN Browning Hi-Power 9mm Luger, $1200Dec. 2020B-In its original form, it wasn’t the best of the dufflebag guns in a personal-defense role.
German Luger P-08 9mm Luger, $995Dec. 2020DWe had problems with our test gun. It’s undoubtedly interesting, but its cost and 11 misfires soured us.
Ruger SR1911 LW Commander 06722 9mm Luger, $775May 2020AOur Pick. Relative newcomers to the 1911 world, Ruger has learned its craft in a hurry.
Springfield RO LW Compact PI9125L 9mm Luger, $730May 2020B+Best Buy. Good accuracy, most concealable profile. Sights were very visible but poorly calibrated.
Taurus 1911 Commander 9mm Luger, $470May 2020B-Impressive list of features for the price. The grade comes from poorer-than-expected accuracy.
Colt Lightweight Commander 04842XE 9mm Luger, $895May 2020CMost expensive pistol in our test. Disappointing poor performance and malfunctions.
Springfield Armory Hellcat HC9319BOSP 9mm Luger, $550Mar. 2020AOur Pick. An 11+1 pistol, this small Springfield might be the most versatile pistol in the group.
Smith & Wesson PC Shield 2.0 11786 9mm Luger, $735Mar. 2020AThe longest in this group, the Shield was the softest-shooting handgun and just missed being a Best Buy.
SIG Sauer P365XL 365XL9BXR3 9mm Luger, $579Mar. 2020ALacks a rear sight when the optic is installed but has a great trigger and overall performance.
Walther PPS M2 2805961 9mm Luger, $649Mar. 2020ABest Buy. A smaller pistol with grips that will not abrade tender hands.
Arex Rex Delta REXDELTA-01 9mm Luger, $425Feb. 2020ABest Buy. Reliability and practical accuracy are good, and the pistol is the right size for concealed carry.
Stoeger Industries STR-9 31721 9mm Luger, $350Feb. 2020BIf you like the Glock 17, you will like the STR-9. Worth the money, but it is not our favorite.
Ruger Security-9 Compact Model 3818 9mm Luger, $309Feb. 2020BThe pistol is adequate for the task and will not break the bank.
SIG P365 Nitron Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $465Feb. 2020BThe SIG costs more than the Ruger Security-9 without overwhelming advantages.
S&W M2.0 PC Shield 11787 9mm Luger, $430Jan. 2020ABest Buy. Smooth and accurate, great sights and trigger. Costs a lot less than the SIG.
SIG Sauer P365XL P365XL-9-BXR3 9mm Luger, $580Jan. 2020AOur Pick. The SIG P365XL was the most accurate of the four pistols tested.
Springfield Armory XDE9 XDE9389B 9mm Luger, $460Jan. 2020ASlide is easier to retract, hammer-fired, DA/SA trigger set the XDE apart in this test.
Springfield Hellcat Micro-Compact 9mm Luger, $500Jan. 2020F/AHellcat #1 failed when the trigger wouldn’t reset (F). Hellcat #2 worked perfectly (A). Best accuracy.
Glock 43X Ameriglo Night Sights PX435SL301AB 9mm Luger, $542Jul. 2019AOur Pick. Firing grip is superior to the G43 and allows better shooting with little compromise.
Glock 48 PA485SL301AB 9mm Luger, $488Jul. 2019ABest-shooting pistol in the test and the most powerful. Minimally more difficult to conceal.
Mossberg MC1sc 89001 9mm Luger, $365Jul. 2019A-Best Buy. The Mossberg 9mm gave up little to the Glock designs. Reliability was never a question.
Springfield XD(M) 4.5 9mm Luger XDMT9459FDEHCE TB, $505Apr. 2019AOur Pick as a personal-defense, home-defense, and tactical pistol.
Glock G34 Gen5 MOS PA3430103MOS 9mm Luger, $710Apr. 2019AThe Gen5 guns are the best yet, with superior accuracy and features over earlier Glocks.
CZ-USA CZ P0-9 91620 9mm Luger, $402Apr. 2019BBest Buy. CZ has managed to pack a lot of value into the P0-9. 19-round magazine.
FNH FNS-9L Longslide 66725 9mm Luger, $570Apr. 2019BHeavier trigger than the other pistols. Accuracy wasn’t as good.
Glock 45 9mm Luger, $546Jan. 2019AFast from concealed carry. The action allows a trained shooter to make fast hits. Reliable.
Beretta APX Compact JAXC921 9mm Luger, $449Jan. 2019BMagazines were difficult to load. Slide was difficult to rack. Takedown button too tight.
SIG P320-M17 320F-9-M17-MS 9mm Luger, $770Jan. 2019BThe grip fits most hands well and the sights are excellent. The DAO trigger was too heavy.
Beretta 92 FS JS92F300M 9mm Luger, $562Jan. 2019BShows the age of its design with a slide-mounted decocker and long DA trigger pull.
Taurus G2S 1-G2S931 9mm Luger, $204Nov. 2018ABest Buy. The Taurus pistol was reliable and controllable in rapid fire.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield SW180021BW 9mm Luger, $400Nov. 2018AThe Battleworn Shield is reliable, accurate enough, and compact enough for EDC.

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