Beretta 85

**ntouchet** · March 9th, 2011, 07:45 PM

Hi all,

I just picked up a used Beretta 85BB (.380 ACP) and have two questions I hope someone on this forum can answer.

First, I would like to know the (approximate) year of manufacture. Beretta's web site says they will only furnish this info to law enforcement. Why the big secret? We know the 80 series was first produced in 1976 and the BB came some time later. I would like to know when my gun was made from the serial number. Can anyone help with this?

Second concerns the importer. The slide is factory stamped/marked Berben Corporation N.Y. - N.Y. The frame is electro-penciled PW Arms Redmond WA.
So who was the importer? What is the relationship between Berben and PW Arms? This can also help establish year of manufacture.

Any help would be appreciated.

**rwb1500** · March 9th, 2011, 07:58 PM

I'm on an off topic roll...

**keyser soze** · March 9th, 2011, 10:51 PM

I called Beretta last year and gave them the serial number of a 92 I bought used and they told me the year of manufacture.

**Grillman** · March 10th, 2011, 12:20 AM

I would try again every time called Beretta or asked questions online they gave me the info.

**ntouchet** · March 10th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Silly me.

I initially went to Beretta, Italy since that is where the gun was made.

Beretta USA has a chart that lists year of manufacture. My pistol was made in 1984.

Now, that still leaves the mystery of the importers.