Grips make the man, or so I’ve been told. It’s probably why none of my guns sport stock grips. If they’re replaceable I end up switching them them out for something better. If they’re nonexistent because the frame is polymer, I end up stippling them. To this day, I’ve never been completely satisfied with most stock grip configurations and the Beretta 92 is no different. So in keeping with my Wilson Combat vein, I ordered some of their G10 grips, complete with Wilson Combat logo bling . . .
My problem with the OEM Beretta 92 grips is twofold. They were made out of a slick plastic and are on the beefy side. Even though the grips came checkered, they just aren’t grippy enough. I’m the kind of guy that thinks the blood-drawing serrations on the front strap of a Springfield TRP are perfect, though, so maybe I’m not quite normal. Either way, my Beretta was in need of some grip enhancement.
As to the second point, we could argue about ergonomics until the cows come home, but the fact of the matter is I wanted something a little thinner to help out with that chunky grip. According to what I could find online, G10 grips are a few millimeters thinner than the stock Beretta grips so they seemed to fit the bill.
I won’t bore you with the details on how to install these because I’m pretty sure even Carolyn “shoulder thing that goes up” McCarthy could manage it. I ended up going with the black cherry tactical slants grips because I prefer the look of wood even if it’s faux. And from previous experience, the tactical slants provide me with the degree of grippiness I like.
The logo medallion in the middle may or may not be your thing. I like the uniqueness it lends to the gun which sets it apart in a sea awash in GLOCKs, M&Ps and XDs. Side-by-side the grips honestly don’t look any thinner than the stock ones, but when installed there is a perceptible difference. The grip feels less chunky and coupled with the short reach trigger I can say the gun feels damn near perfect in my hands now. The slants cut into the G10 surface provide a lot of grip without feeling too abrasive, both to hands and love handles when carrying.
So they work as advertised and improve the gun’s ergonomics. Surely they must be perfect right? Not so fast, quick draw. There’s one major downside — the price. These grips can be delivered to your front door for $76.95 plus $9.95 shipping. For those of you playing at home that’s a whopping $86.90. Some of that cost can be alleviated by buying more than one part since Wilson charges you $9.95 for shipping no matter how much you buy. Or you can get them sans emblem for a mere $69.95.
It should come at no surprise that you pay for quality, but for $10 on Amazon you can pick up some rubber Hogue side panel grips and spend the rest on ammo. Will they work as well? I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out.
Wilson Combat Beretta 92/96 G10 Grips
Price: $76.95 with emblem; $69.95 without
Ratings (out of five stars):
Ease of Installation * * * * *
My 5-year-old could install these.
Feel and Function * * * * *
These really improve the grip of the gun both ergonomically and traction wise.
Overall * * * 1/2
I really wavered on how to score these overall. They work perfectly and look great, but cost almost a C note with shipping. When compared to some of Wilson Combat’s less expensive parts that drastically improve the function of the Beretta 92, the price brings the rating down for an otherwise excellent set of grips.
The post Gear Review: Wilson Combat BG10 Grips for Beretta 92/96 appeared first on The Truth About Guns.