Looking for a replacement for the MAC-50, the French Gendarmerie Nationale adopted the Beretta 92 in 1987 after finding it equal in quality to the SIG P226, but less expensive. In addition to the Gendarmerie, it was also adopted by the French Air Force, and a total of about 98,000 were made by the end of production in 1996 (plus a small last batch of 1500-2000 guns with B-series serial numbers). Aside from markings, these differ from regular Beretta 92s only in that the safety lever is a decocker only; they cannot be carried cocked and locked. This configuration was designated the 92G, for Gendarmerie. In France it was designated the PAMAS G1 – Pistolet Automatique – Manufacture d’Armes de St Etienne.
Thanks to Matt Larosiere and Nice Guns for sending me these two for filming! This is the first commercial import of these pistols into the US that I am aware of.
As to fit and finish, these compare favorably to an American-built 92 or a newer Taurus, maybe not quite Italian. They’re certainly a quality pistol in a useful configuration and ought to do well with collectors. I hope some leather gear comes in with them.