Beretta 98FS
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Pistol · In Production · 1990
Also known as: Beretta 98, Beretta 98 FS
Overview
The Beretta 98FS is a full-size semi-automatic pistol from Beretta's 90-series, mechanically identical to the 92FS but chambered in 9x21mm IMI. The 9x21mm cartridge was developed so that civilian sport shooters in countries such as Italy could own a service-style pistol despite bans on military-caliber 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition. It retains the 92FS's open-slide short-recoil action, alloy frame, double-action/single-action trigger, and ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker, with a 15-round double-stack magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 975 g (34.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 217 mm (8.54") |
| Barrel Length | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 37 mm (1.46") |
| Sight Radius | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 390 m/s (1280 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 600 J (443 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Bruniton |
Calibers
- 9x21mm IMI · primary — also known as 9x21mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Ambidextrous Safety, Open Slide Design, Reversible Mag Release, Combat Trigger Guard
Base model
Production
Production years: 1990-present
Produced primarily for the Italian and other civilian markets where 9x19mm is restricted
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Beretta
Notes
The 98 series is the 9x21mm IMI counterpart to the 92 (9x19mm) and 96 (.40 S&W) series. Some 98-series models were also offered in 7.65mm Luger. Later designations include the 98A1 alongside the 92A1 update.
Background
The 9x21mm IMI cartridge exists almost entirely because of European firearms law: several countries reserve military-caliber 9x19mm Parabellum for the armed forces, so Israel Military Industries lengthened the case to 21mm to create a legally distinct but ballistically similar sporting round, which Beretta chambered in the 98 series.