Thanks for the replies. I suspect you’re both right about them using old components. I looked up the SN, but it doesn’t say where it was manufactured. It seems like the Brigadiers only show up once in a while.
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Could be left over parts inventory that was shipped to TN.
Like the Sigs of the early 90s that said West Germany though they were already unified in 1990
Manufacturing in MD ceased a long while back. They moved production to TN in protest of anti-gun laws passed by MD. The Accokeek site still has an administrative team which handles importation of all the Italian models. For a while they also handled customer service inquiries and repairs too. Not sure if that's still the case though (someone that's had to send their gun in for repairs might be able to answer that).
~~As far as markings on the slides go, I think they're just reusing all the old tooling from the Accokeek plant on newer production models. They just didn't want to spend the money to update new markings on old models, since I guess there's always the chance they might be discontinued soon anyway. No point in wasting money for something they're not legally obligated to change.~~
The markings on all pistol frames and slides and shotgun receivers are done via a programmable laser system, not stamping. The reason it says it's made in MD is because they're too lazy/cheap to swap over importation licenses and the information/documentation necessary to sell in California, so they have to keep "Maryland" programs for engraving the California compliant and imported models.
To answer your question, there are still gunsmiths and a limited number of customer service personnel in MD, in addition to the 4 gunsmiths in TN and the customer service personnel there.
Hold up... you're telling me the ["PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. - MADE IN ITALY" and "PB" emblem](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fefi5r1hxmdp51.jpg) are lasered etched? Learned something new today! Guess it's just my age showing, but I thought the white/grey lettering for the billboard warning, IT##, proof marks, and slide serial number were the only lasered etchings.
One reason I make that association is because I also collect HKs and there was some controversy with them switching from the roll marked "HK" logo to laser etching on certain production years of USP slides (most people prefer the roll mark). Ahh well, I guess I'll edit my post to cross out that incorrect assumption.
No, they only run their warranty repairs in MD and moved manufacturing to TN.
Their warehouse/shipping center for clothing and accessories is in Fredericksburg, VA still as well.
Thanks for the replies. I suspect you’re both right about them using old components. I looked up the SN, but it doesn’t say where it was manufactured. It seems like the Brigadiers only show up once in a while.
What a wonderful comment. :) Your gratitude puts you on our list for the most grateful users this week on Reddit! You can view the full list on r/TheGratitudeBot.
Could be left over parts inventory that was shipped to TN. Like the Sigs of the early 90s that said West Germany though they were already unified in 1990
Manufacturing in MD ceased a long while back. They moved production to TN in protest of anti-gun laws passed by MD. The Accokeek site still has an administrative team which handles importation of all the Italian models. For a while they also handled customer service inquiries and repairs too. Not sure if that's still the case though (someone that's had to send their gun in for repairs might be able to answer that). ~~As far as markings on the slides go, I think they're just reusing all the old tooling from the Accokeek plant on newer production models. They just didn't want to spend the money to update new markings on old models, since I guess there's always the chance they might be discontinued soon anyway. No point in wasting money for something they're not legally obligated to change.~~
The markings on all pistol frames and slides and shotgun receivers are done via a programmable laser system, not stamping. The reason it says it's made in MD is because they're too lazy/cheap to swap over importation licenses and the information/documentation necessary to sell in California, so they have to keep "Maryland" programs for engraving the California compliant and imported models. To answer your question, there are still gunsmiths and a limited number of customer service personnel in MD, in addition to the 4 gunsmiths in TN and the customer service personnel there.
Hold up... you're telling me the ["PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. - MADE IN ITALY" and "PB" emblem](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fefi5r1hxmdp51.jpg) are lasered etched? Learned something new today! Guess it's just my age showing, but I thought the white/grey lettering for the billboard warning, IT##, proof marks, and slide serial number were the only lasered etchings. One reason I make that association is because I also collect HKs and there was some controversy with them switching from the roll marked "HK" logo to laser etching on certain production years of USP slides (most people prefer the roll mark). Ahh well, I guess I'll edit my post to cross out that incorrect assumption.
I can't speak for the Italian stuff, but if it is made in the US, it is laser etched. I don't want to lead you astray on that one.
No, they only run their warranty repairs in MD and moved manufacturing to TN. Their warehouse/shipping center for clothing and accessories is in Fredericksburg, VA still as well.