This is a factory Beretta FS series 92/96 combo kit. Serial number data indicates it was made in 1997. My research indicates these kits were a limed run and available in the 1980s and then again from late 1998 to 2000. 

It appears that only about 2000 of these kits were made and shipped in the US, so they are rare. I have seen some pop up here and there, mostly with barrels that are not stamped "COMBO" and even one with the 96 frame not stamped "COMBO". This serial number pops up on Beretta's search tools as a "Combo kit" firearm, with a born on date of 12/20/1997.

This kit is in great condition. I bought it used in 2001 and it did appeared to have been lightly fired. I test fire one mag of each caliber when I bought it, cleaned it and put it in the safe. It has been maintained but not fired since.

This is an FS model, which means it has a safety and decocker. The barrel is slightly shorter than the typical FS models, like the Brigadier or Vertec models  (4.7" for the Combo versus 4.9 for the FS) but longer than the Centurion. You may have noticed that the barrel does not protrude past the slide like your typical FS. Everything else is similiar (3 dot sights, DA/SA action, trigger weight, etc. There is even a lanyard attachment on the frame near the mag well). Additionally, this package was produced during the Clinton AWB, so each magazine has the original 10 round capacity. Obviously the firearm can take the more modern magazines with higher capacity. I am presenting the firearm as it was shipped. Well, almost. I do not have the original manuals in the box.

Included is the original Beretta combo kit case, 1 of each caliber magazine, the pistol 96 pistol frame, the 9mm upper assembly and the 40 S&W upper assembly.

Historical Notes Worth Knowing

  • The Gun Tests review from 2000 confirms Beretta marketed the kit as a premium dual‐caliber solution, not a budget conversion.
  • The kit’s slides were shorter than a standard 92FS but longer than a Centurion, making them unique to the Combo Kit.
  • The serialized frame was specifically engineered to accept both calibers safely—this was not a “drop‐in” conversion on a standard 92.