45 ACP M1911A1 pistol in 1985 with the Beretta 92FS, designated as the M9. Many variants in several different calibers continue to be used to the present. The Beretta 92 was designed in 1975, and production began in 1976. The Beretta 92 (also Beretta 96 and Beretta 98) is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. 109 millimetres (4.3 in) (Compact/Centurion).119 millimetres (4.7 in) (Vertec/Elites/Border Marshal/Combo).197 millimetres (7.8 in) (Compact/Centurion).