The Beretta 92 pistol was conceived in 1972 and released in 1975 by Beretta of Italy. This semi-automatic pistol (in its M9 variant) served as standard issue equipment for the US Army from 1985 until September 2011, in addition to being in service with the US Navy and United States Air Force.
The Beretta 92 is a semiautomatic action pistol with an open slide. This means that the barrel is exposed, making it easier to clear stovepipes and other obstructions during a weapon malfunction.
Beretta_92_Series_User_Manual