EAA Girsan Regard Liberador II 9mm 4.9″ 18+1

About this product

What is the EAA Girsan Regard Liberador II 9mm 4.9″ 18+1? It's a full-size Turkish-made Beretta 92 clone with upgraded internal components, distinctive polished chrome and gold cosmetic treatment, and ambidextrous controls designed for range work and practical competition. Based on the classic 92FS design that set military service handgun standards for decades, this variant adds modern accessory rails and visual flair while maintaining reliable short-recoil locked-breech operation. Imported by European American Armory, the Liberador II represents a value-driven alternative to the Italian original with enough mechanical substance to satisfy serious shooters who appreciate the ergonomic template.

What is the EAA Girsan Regard Liberador II 9mm 4.9″ 18+1 used for?

This pistol is engineered for controlled-range shooting, practical pistol competition in divisions that allow SA/DA guns, and as a durable training platform. Its 4.9-inch barrel provides a full 8.75-inch sight radius for deliberate accuracy work, while the 33-ounce weight (empty) mitigates recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots. The ambidextrous safety enables both right-handed and left-handed operation without modification, and the accessory rail accepts standard tactical lights or laser aiming modules—features that make it viable for night qualification courses or low-light training scenarios where target identification is required.

How does the EAA Girsan Regard Liberador II compare to a Beretta 92FS?

The Liberador II offers identical manual of arms and 92-pattern magazine compatibility but provides better out-of-the-box small parts at roughly 65% of the cost of a new Italian 92FS. Where the Beretta ships with plastic guide rods and trigger components that many competitive shooters immediately replace, the Girsan includes a steel guide rod, improved hammer spring, and polished internal contact surfaces that reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 1.5 pounds in double-action mode. The trade-off comes in finish durability—the polished chrome shows handling marks more readily than Beretta's Bruniton or Cerakote options, and the proprietary grip panels limit aftermarket compatibility without modification.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Empty weight is 33 ounces (935 grams), with overall length measuring 8.7 inches and height at 5.4 inches including magazine. The 4.9-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel provides chamber support that matches NATO-spec pressure ammunition, while the slide width of 1.5 inches ensures reliable cycling even with +P defensive loads. Magazine capacity is 18 rounds of 9mm Luger with one included Mec-Gar manufactured magazine—identical to those supplied with current-production Berettas. These dimensions place it squarely in the full-size duty pistol category, comparable to the Stevens 334 .308 Win in terms of handling balance for deliberate shooting disciplines.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not suitable for concealed carry due to its size and polished finish, nor is it ideal for shooters seeking a striker-fired modern action. At 33 ounces unloaded, it's 40% heavier than polymer-framed alternatives like the Glock 17, and the SA/DA trigger requires dedicated training to master the 12-pound double-action versus 5.5-pound single-action transition. The proprietary grip panels with Mexican Coat of Arms decoration cannot be swapped for aftermarket options without fitting work, limiting customization for competition shooters who prefer stippled or checkered textures. For those prioritizing lightweight field use, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga as an alternative.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete pistol with one 18-round steel magazine, synthetic grip panels bearing the Mexican Coat of Arms (as described by manufacturer), a cable lock, operator's manual, and factory test target. No spare magazine, cleaning kit, or hard case is included at this price point—expect basic commercial packaging. The manual covers disassembly procedures identical to the Beretta 92 series, though Girsan's warranty service operates through EAA's Florida facility rather than direct manufacturer support. Total unpacked shipping weight approaches 4.2 pounds with all materials accounted for.

Is the EAA Girsan Regard Liberador II worth it at $636.99?

At $637, this pistol delivers approximately 92% of a Beretta 92FS's functionality for 65% of the cost, making it a mathematically sound choice for range-focused shooters. The upgraded steel small parts represent about $120 in aftermarket value compared to Beretta's factory components, while the polished finish adds visual distinction without compromising mechanical reliability. Consider it a viable platform for practical shooting competition where the 4.9-inch barrel provides ballistic advantage over compact counterparts, or as a durable training tool that mimics military-spec controls without military-spec pricing. Just budget for additional magazines at $35-45 each and understand that the finish requires more maintenance than matte alternatives.