What is it about the Beretta 92 series of pistols that make them so damn popular?
You could argue that they became popular because they were one of the first “wonder 9s.”
That’s true, and they were one of the first Wonder 9s that gained wide acceptance.
The Glock 17 premiered years earlier, but the refusal to accept polymer frame guns helped the Beretta gain massive popularity.
It’s 2019, and every gun is a “wonder 9,” but the Beretta 92 keeps chugging along, coming out with the new M9A3. The popularity could be due to the military’s adoption of the famed pistol. However, the Beretta faced a lot of opposition there too.
Get ready for a review that’s been YEARS in the making.
Table of Contents
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Haven’t I Seen It Somewhere?
Being the first 9mm handgun adopted widely by the United States military and following in the famed footsteps of the M1911 isn’t an easy task. It certainly gained the hate of lots of people who wanted to validate their love of the M1911.
There is just something about the Beretta 92, specifically the 92FS and F series that people love. I know I do, and have always loved the Beretta series. My reasons are likely the reasons lots of people fell in love with the Beretta
Those reasons are simple, and I’ll list them here.
- Bruce Willis in Die Hard.
- Chow Yun-Fat in A Better Tomorrow
- Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 1 through 4
- Jean Reno in the Professional
- Flanery and Reedus in Boondock Saints
- Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
- Nicolas Cage in The Rock
- Even Christian Slater in Kuffs makes this list.
The list can go on and on and on because this gun has been in so many movies and TV shows, video games, and even Animes. However, in the hands of the heroes in legendary films like John McClane in Die Hard and Riggs in Lethal Weapon, the gun became legendary.
It’s on the cover and poster for Die Hard, on three of the four covers for Lethal Weapon, and it’s even on the poster for Pulp Fiction, even though it’s not in the movie.
Believe it or not, Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson both shared the same prop Beretta in their films.
The Beretta 92FS has an eye-catching design that sets it apart from nearly every other handgun out there.
The unique slide with the exposed barrel is a Beretta trademark and gives the gun that superbly distinct look. It looks amazing, and even today it sits apart from the current mass market of polymer-frame striker-fired black guns.
The thing is the gun looks good, but how does it function? That’s what we are going to talk about today. My experience with Beretta includes my time as a Marine with the M9, and now I have a 92FS.
Some Size Numbers
The Beretta 92FS is a big gun, and when it came out, it indeed held lots and lots of bullets. The Beretta is a chunky full-sized pistol designed for duty. The Beretta holds 15 rounds in the standard mag with magazines going up to 30 rounds.
The Beretta 92FS in 8.5 inches long total and has a 4.9-inch barrel. The gun weighs a mighty 34.2 ounces empty. It’s a big fella, and if you are trying to carry IWB, then it might be an issue. As a gun built for duty, then the weight and size isn’t a big deal.
In fact, it’s an advantage, but more on that later. The Beretta 92 series have tons of different models out there, and the line up is still expanding with the new X series. The 92FS is the most popular model, and it’s what the military adopted as the M9 in 1985.
The Beretta 92FS is 9mm only, with the 96 being a .40 S&W caliber variant. The 92FS features the slide-mounted safety with decocker. The trigger guard is squared slightly, and the gun comes in a number of different finishes, including the two-tone Inox and all stainless models.
This model is the classic all Bruniton black 92FS, and it does lack the modern rail attachment so you cannot add a weapon light. The M9A1 and M9A3 systems were massive improvements over the original, and the presence of a rail for a light is nearly mandatory for modern guns.
Recover Tactical does have a rail system that replaces the grips and adds a rail to your gun. I have one for my 1911, and I’m surprised at how easy it is to use and how well it works. I have no issues suggesting one for the Beretta.
Rating score
Ergonomics
The Beretta is a mixed bag ergonomically. The safety/decocker is often a common complaint, and it’s one weakness I see with the gun. When it comes to manual safeties on DA/SA guns, I simply don’t see the point.
I prefer the SIG method of using a decocker only. The 92FS can be converted to a 92G, and I suggest that. The reason the safety sucks is because it essentially takes a long reach to deactivate.
When drawing the weapon the biggest challenge is deactivating the safety and getting a shot on target with any kind of quickness. In my practice with the weapon it is very slow and easier to keep the gun decocked with the safety off.
The safety and decocker are entirely ambidextrous, and the gun gets points for that. The magazine release is also reversible for lefties, which is another nice touch.
Another complaint I’ve heard is the combination of a wide grip, and a long trigger reach makes the gun hard for those with small hands to use.
I have big hands, but as someone who taught Marines how to shoot a handgun, I’ve seen new shooters of all sizes use the Beretta without issue.
But as a personal gun, a set of thin grips can really help. The Wilson Combat G10 Thin Grips are amazing for this.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The 92FS is a very comfortable gun to hold. The rear of the grip accommodates a small ‘beavertail’ which keeps the hammer from striking your hand and provides a good measure of control over the gun.
It allows you to assume a nice, high grip without worrying about hammer or slide bite, and if you’ve ever experienced either, you’ll know how valuable this nub is.
Even the cheapo plastic grips that Beretta utilizes are very grippy and well made. Outside of the safety, I can reach the controls without much movement of my hand.
The magazine release is placed very effectively for an easy reach, and it’s quite large and easy to find. Even when wearing gloves, I could still find and use Beretta’s magazine release. Beretta also textures the magazine release with a circular-cut that engages your magazine release finger.
This circular design makes it easy to engage without sticking out like a sore thumb.
The slide lock is also one of the most well placed and designed. It’s not hesitant about being big and beefy. In a world where Glock and SIG make huge handguns with subcompact slide locks, Beretta says “Naw” and goes big.
The slide lock is a big honking lever placed for easy engagement to both lock and drop the slide. My thumbs will disengage most of these locks in a firing grip rendering them useless, but not the Beretta’s. It remains effective in my mighty paws.
The Open Slide Design
Admittedly one of the coolest factors about the Beretta 92FS and most of their guns ranging from 22s to 40 S&W is the open slide. This design isn’t just about looking cool or unique, and it’s actually a practical design.
The first advantage is the reduction in weight. On a semi-auto handgun, the weight of the slide moving back and forth causes more felt or perceived recoil. Less slide mass means less mass moving around.
There is also a simple reduction in how heavy the weapon feels when aimed or carried, of course. The open slide also ensures the world is your ejection port, and there is a minimal chance for a round to fail to eject.
The open slide design also gives more direct access to the chamber in the rare event there is a failure. It’s quick to fix with the max room possible to maneuver your hands to free an error.
This does mean the barrel can pose a little more risk of burning you because there is nothing between the barrel and your hand like a slide, but it also cools faster. I’ve never burned myself with a Beretta, and I doubt many other people have either.
For a cool bit of firearms history, this design comes almost straight off of the Walther P38 of WWII fame. In fact, a lot of design elements of the P38 can be found in Beretta pistols and the 92 series in particular.
On The Range
Shooting the Beretta M9 is a real joy. The first time I ever taught structured firearms instruction was for the Marine Corps, and when it came to handguns, I’m glad it was the M9. It’s a natural shooting weapon for beginners.
Yes, it’s a big weapon, but that size and weight is an advantage. Recoil is very low, as is muzzle rise. It’s easy to keep it on target and doesn’t scare new shooters due to recoil or discomfort.
For more experienced shooters taking a practical shooting outlook, the Beretta excels. It’s straightforward to control and to keep or get back on target.
Moving between targets or transitioning from a chest to a headshot can be done with no significant challenge. The little recoil and muzzle climb make it an excellent combat pistol. It’s one of those guns that can be rapid fired and controlled without much difficulty.
Even with 124-grain +P ammunition, the Beretta 92FS is very easy to control and fun to shoot. It’s not all snappy or challenging to control. The Beretta 92FS isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.
The trigger is a love it or hate it affair. The double-action mode is super long and very heavy. However, it’s surprisingly smooth.
The single-action is very lovely. There is about a half-inch of takeup and then a slight wall then boom. The reset is short, not 1911 short, but almost SIG SRT short.
The single-action is a joy, and it’s easy to master.
The Beretta 92FS is also an awesomely accurate gun. I was able to train Marines who had never fired a handgun in their lives and get them to qualify in just a couple of days with hardly any live fire practice. The gun’s accuracy and excellent single-action trigger contributed quite a bit to that.
Remember that scene where Riggs shoots a smiley face into his target? Of course, you do. That’s pretty possible with the Beretta and some practice.
The gun is perfect for reaching out beyond 25 yards.
Out to 50 yards, the Beretta can hit the chest of a man-sized target. Of course, that target has to be standing completely still. It’s still a very accurate gun, and the new 92X series aims to make the Beretta a competition standard.
Reliability and Military Issues
This is absolutely one of the most reliable guns on the market. I carried one that was likely older than I was when I was in the service, and it functioned flawlessly.
The Beretta, in general, has proven to be one of the most reliable pistols out there, passing three separate military tests without a hitch.
My civilian model is just as reliable as the M9 I used in the USMC. It has a direct feed system that removes the requirement for a feeding ramp. The magazine feeds directly into the barrel, and this reduces a failure point.
The military models did have reliability problems that soured a lot of troops on the gun, and this was mostly related to poorly made magazines.
That’s been rectified, and as long as you stick with OEM magazines or Mec Gar mags, you’ll be good to go.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The Beretta 92FS is one of my favorite pistols. The numerous models can be confusing, and while the gun has its flaws, it’s still an excellent weapon.
Even to this day, I’d gladly take the M9 to war and back again.
Best Beretta 92 Series Accessories
I’ve gathered a few standard accessories available for the Beretta 92FS, and some you fine folks may enjoy. One of the most significant downsides to this gun is the front sight. It’s milled as part of the slide and can’t be replaced cheaply. Wilson Combat can do it, but it ain’t cheap.
1. Safariland 7360 Holster
While I carried my M9 in an issued SERPA, that holster admittedly has some issues.
For a quality duty holster, I’d suggest the Safariland 7360. This polymer low ride level 3 retention holster is a popular choice among law enforcement and, ultimately, a better tactical holster for the Beretta 92.
The Army and Marines agree and adopted a Safariland holster with the new M17 handgun. While the M17 may have replaced the Beretta, we can certainly disagree with that choice, but still, love the 7360 holster.
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It’s an excellent modular design from a company that knows duty holsters. Safariland is one of my favorite companies and is one of the most trusted in the industry.
2. Grips with Rail Recover Tactical
I mentioned this before, and they do give you an easy means to add a rail to your Beretta. These grips are quick and easy to install and is a non-permanent solution. The grips themselves are excellent overall and feel great.
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If you are using a weapon or home defense, it needs a weapon-mounted light, and the Recover Tactical grips are a simple way to add a light to our handgun. Once installed, the rail is stiff and rock solid. It won’t budget or deform and will hold a zero if you get a laser and light combo.
3. Streamlight TLR 1
The TLR 1 is my preferred weapon light for home defense. The TLR 1 is one of the few lights I’d trust for duty use, and it’s a proven performer.
The TLR 1 is available in numerous different lumen models, and for home defense, the 800-lumen model is more than enough.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The TLR 1 is a great light and is only outshined by the much more expensive Surefire X300 series. For most users, the TLR 1 is more than enough light. If you have a set of grips that accommodates a rail, then you might as well have a light.
4. G Conversion
So the FS version is excellent, but the G version is better. A G Beretta 92 is a model with a decocker only, and you can turn your 92FS into a G model by merely swapping a part or two.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s a cheap and essential upgrade to the famed Beretta.
The G conversion switch gives your Beretta a welcome respite from a slide-mounted safety. It’s more ergonomic, makes more sense, and is a simple install.
5. Better Trigger
Ernest Langdon of Langdon Tactical is the Beretta guy. He is a famed pro shooter and instructor and the gunsmith behind most of the high-end Beretta upgrades.
The Beretta 92 has a good trigger, but Langdon Tactical wants to give you a great trigger.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Best of all you can install it at home! You can lower that action pull all the way to 5.6 pounds with this kit.
You’ll get a cleaner pull and a better reset. The install is actually very simple, and you can do it with some helpful Youtube videos.
6. Threaded barrel
You ever play Hitman 2 Silent Assasin? One of the earliest silenced guns you get in that game is a Beretta wearing a can.
It’s a beautiful and sleek look. There is something so cool about screw a direct attach suppressor onto the threaded barrel of a Beretta 92.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The 92’s extension past the slide screams to be threaded, and with this barrel from Gemtech, it will be. Gemtech is mostly known for making cans, but all of their products are high quality and well-made pieces of gear. This is no different.
It’s not only an easier way to attach a suppressor to your Beretta, but it’s a damn fine barrel.
7. Magazines
As I mentioned above, I’ve had the best luck with Beretta factory magazines and Mec Gar mags. Hell, the factory mags might be made by Mec Gar, they seem to make everyone else’s.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you wanna go big and let’s be real you do, the extended magazine from Beretta gives you 30 rounds of 9mm. That’s a lot of popping off to do. This massive magazine was made for the CX4 Storm but works perfectly in the Beretta 92.
If you want a high-quality magazine with the OEM price, the Mec Gar options give you 10, 15, 18, and 20 rounders for less price of factory magazines. Mec Gar is the only option besides factory I trust with basically all of my magazines except Magpul.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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They made good gear, and their mags are a steel steal if you know what I’m saying.
By The Numbers
Accuracy: 5/5
This is a very accurate and precise gun. It’s a precise weapon that’s consistent in its ability to hit your target. Even out to 50 yards, I could engage and destroy the chest portion of a man-sized target. Contributing to its accuracy is the fact it’s easy to control, and you’re unlikely to flinch firing it.
Ergonomics: 4/5
This gun feels excellent in the handle. The front and rear texturing is a nice touch, and the grip fits just right in the hand. The magazine release and slide lock are easy to reach and engage. It loses a whole point for the safety/decocker placement.
Looks: 5/5
It’s rare that looks can actually kill, and the Beretta 92FS is a good looking gun. Its design is unique, and it’s instantly recognizable as a Beretta.
Customization: 4/5
While it’s not as customizable as a Glck or 1911, there is plenty you can do to make the Beretta yours. The biggest downside is the inability to swap front sights easily, and I’m taking a point off for that.
Bang for Your Buck: 3.5/5
I very much like this gun, but I will admit it’s dated for the price… sometimes.
Prices for the 92FS are all over it seems right now with some amazing deals on LEO trade-ins but also an MSRP that is kind of crazy for a, frankly, dated pistol.
And it should be said, the 92FS is not the pinnacle of the 92 series. The 92G, Brigadier, INOX, and others are arguably “better”.
If you get a 92FS (and I highly recommend it) get it because you love it or love the idea of it, not because you want the best of the best full-size pistol on the market.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Conclusion
Most people that have tried the 92FS either love it or hate it, there is no in-between. Its an older design and there are improvements that can be made and have been made, to improve it.
But the core pistol is dead-on reliable and proven on the battlefield in humid jungles, on snow-covered mountains, and scorching deserts.
I would trust my life to it and I just love plinking with it. If you don’t have one, you need one!
Do you love the 92FS? Hate it? You gotta love it as a movie star, though, right? If you want to see what replaced the M9, take a look at our complete review of the Sig Sauer P320-M17!
46 Leave a Reply
Similar experience-I was issued 1911's, S&W 686, and then Glocks. I was never issued the M9/92FS. I currently own a 92FS and enjoy shooting it. I have the time required to learn the SA/DA trigger. I would like to shoot production class in a IPDA OR USPSA match.
found an amazing 92S (different magazine release and not ambidextrous) gorgeous gun, found out it is an amazing shooter as well. I have had it now for a couple of months, it will be my home defense because of its size but has also earned its place in my range bag. Grips are challenging to find for this Beretta, but many accessories and upgrades from the other 92's will work with it. wonderful gun
I'm a fan of the Beretta 92FS and M9. The only problem is that by the time I upgrade everything as suggested in this article, I will have paid more for the Beretta than I did for my SIG P229 Legion. My SIG already has all those upgrades, features (minus the safety), and tritium night sights already built in.
Great article. I LOVE my 92FS; I bot some GI surplus ones; they run great and if you put some heavier, after market base PLs on them they work superb.
I carried the M9 in Iraq and loved it. It was very accurate, rugged and absolutely reliable. The only complaint we had about it was not the pistol itself but the round. 115 gr FMJ was too light and two fast. It would go all the way through without doing a whole lot of damage in between. You often had to shoot someone 3 or 4 times CoM to drop them. I have a 92FS as a personal weapon. I swapped out the polymer trigger and guide rod for a steel one but that is all. It is a superb weapon for self defense with Hornady Critical Defense rounds.
I went into a huge regional powerhouse of a local gun shop today because I’m in the market for a full size, accurate, battle proven stock factory fresh out of the box production handgun I can start doing IDPA, USPSA, etc. tournaments with.
My two favorites today by far in a place where they carry about 90% of all guns on the market were the M9 Beretta and the CZ 75 full sized SP-01.
Question about enhancing the Beretta-
How do you put tritium night sights on a 92FS/M9 family of handgun?
Those new fiber optic 1 big orange dot with a green/white center for the front sights with 2 green for the back sights style of sights are awesome. Would love to put some on my future/soon to be Beretta 92 (going with the Beretta because it’s so accurate and has great 90’s style checkered grips like the German made P226’s and P220’s back then. Checkered grips like that are my favorites, I hate the sand paper feel of the current popular stuff like the Taurus G3, M&P, VP9, Gen 4 Glocks, etc. Take me back to the late 1990’s with our checkered grips, Galco leather, and +p+ 115 Corbon’s where all we had or needed for range ammo was white box Winchester, red box federal American Eagle, or PMC Black & brown box man.
Another thing is I also really like the MecGar mags they make for all the awesome classic hammer fired double actions like the 75, 92, 226, etc. High quality Euro style metallurgy!
I've had my 92fs for 10 years now and have loved it grin first touch. Traded it for an M1 Garand. The trigger had always felt kind of mushy with heavy break point, so I did some research and bought the Mcarbo upgrade and did the work myself. Fires like butter now. I've got big hands and have never had an issue with the safety/decock placement so give the ergo a 5/5. There have been a few pistols that fell better mechanically, but this one has never jammed or misfired in the 5,000 + rounds I've put through it.
The Beretta 92FS Made in Italy. It's the 1911 of 9mms. Great design for function and safety. I love Berettas and the 92 is at the top. Fits my hands perfectly and all the controls are perfectly positioned, yes even the safety levers.
I carried (on & off duty) the 92fs for about 15 of 35yrs. Today it’s a Glock & it’s just not the same. Both are utmost reliable. My 92fs had somewhere around 30,000rnds (alotta training & cheap Ammo back then). No breakages & I can’t seem to remember any failures. The Beretta is a natural pointer for me (coming from the initial first few years of revolvers, that says a lot). Glock...Not natural for me, doesn’t fit me, gotta work hard & stay diligent to hit right but it does work. I still have my old retired 92fs & a like new M9. I take the M9 out every now & then but it just reminds me of how much I miss my Beretta by my side daily.
I liked the m9 i carried in iraq while in the Marine Corps. If you like the 92 series check out the px4 storm. Ive got the 9mm subcompact version which is a little different from the campact and the full size storm. Mine is a great shooter. Its a bit wide for a sub compact but it holds 13 in the mag so a bit of bulk is kind of expected. I don't think many people have them but if the px4 were more well known.
Good review but early on you mentioned that the g17 came a few years earlier but the 92 is from 1975-77 ish in a slightly different configuration but still the same pistol mostly I couldn't let you give that to glock sorry
First time reading your site (great name by the way). I've always wanted an M9 or 92FS for the same reason you mentioned. I grew up watching Die Hard and Lethal Weapon movies and always liked the style and action of the pistol. This article convinced me to... pull the the trigger, and invest in a Beretta. Thank you!
Great article. However....the Glock 17 did not come out years earlier then the 92. Glock 17 came out in 1984....the 92 series came out in 1976
I have shot the M9 taking my first handgun safety course. I was able to put one hundred rounds thru it and a Glock 19. I loved the heft and feel of the Beretta, it fit me nicely. I placed an order for one at my gun store afterwards and hope it doesn’t take two months to get here, the joys of living in CA.
I have had a 92FS since the 90s. For the last ten years it's been pretty much put away but now I am shooting again. I bought it because the minute I put it in my had, it felt just right. I sent it to the gunsmith and he smoothed everything out and gave it an SA trigger of just over three pounds. Now I am adding a Wilson rear combat sight, and I changed the trigger spring all the way down to a Wilson Combat 12 pound spring. The DA trigger pull is now sitting at 8. The same as the 92x Performance. Yes, it is reliable. I have run all kinds of ammo through it. I painted the front dot a fluorescent orange. I do not need a rail or a red dot on this gun. I have an S&W Performance Center M&P 2.0 5" for that. The Beretta 92FS is a great gun and a keeper. My current purchases today though are striker fired 9mm M&P 2.0s (4.25" and 5") with Apex triggers. Striker fired guns do have some advantages.
With the upgrades to my Beretta I do not see the need for a 92x but I think the 92x Beretta Performance is the most beautiful gun I have ever seen. Maybe one day.
The 92FS was my first pistol that I bought for myself as o young man.Kept it for years,sold it to a friend ,but now through my decades and a lot of other pistols and platforms ,I always come back to my love for the 92.. Now ,on my 60th birthday ,bought myself a Wilson Combat Bridagier 92G Vertec that will stay with me to the grave. If you love the 92 ,there are a lot of variants that will do you right,but if you really want to treat yourself for all your hard work in your life,try the Wilson or Langdon Tactical tuned 92's.. They are another level up,but they will just affirm your love of the 92!
this was an awesome read ! im getting a 92x compact and i found some 108 grain rounds and im unsure if they will work? . need to get some practice time
Semper Fi my brother I was a CMC in Japan and California while I was in, keep up the good work. And I can't agree more about the Barreta !
Travis,
Thank you for the article, very well done. I shot a 92FS for a couple of years, but my groups were all over the place. Went to my local gun shop, traded FS for a 92 Compact. Best trade I ever made. I can shoot it batter. I have been shooting and owned guns since 1952. But the 92 compact will stay with me. I love my Beretta.
Great guns. owned 3 and all have been 100% reliable. 96, 92, M9. Used to load semi wadcutters in 40, never a single FTF. Shot thousands of them. Eats anything. Classic, one of a kind look.
yes taurus made a clone.. and like most clone guns, it sucks....
Didnt Taurus make a version of this and didnt they make it better? I heard many complaints about the Berretta and when Taurus stole the design they supposedly made the corrections. say what you will about taurus but they seemed to have done well with their clone.
Most complaints about the Beretta stem from Berettas that are well past their service life. The Taurus PT92 is a clone but like most other Taurus products, it is very hit and miss on quality.
Lots of great firearms are made right here in the USA, providing Americans with good jobs!
You’re reviews are usually right on target. This gun however is a mess. Much too heavy. Impossible to conceal. 40 cal version jammed so often that my department had to return 1800 of them as the experts in Italy couldn’t fix it. The weapon is clumsy and is too heavy to take in the field for all day carry. So glad we finally got rid of them. Fortunately they’re gone from many police departments and the military finally got rid of them.
I hated this gun in the Navy and I still hate it now. Gimme a Glock or even that Sig M18.
My issue had to do with with its ergonomics. It's size was just unwieldy in my hand, especially when I was going for a combat pistol qualification (not the "it goes bang; here's a ribbon" bootcamp qualification).
I remember as a Army Supply Sergeant that I had to keep a -9 in a log book for all of the M9s. The -9 is usually kept to keep track of rounds fired in artillery pieces. After 500 rounds we had to turn them in for new slides as the earlier ones cracked. There are other weak parts in the frame that can and do break. I wouldn't want the new Sig either. 1911 is still my choice. If I had to have a polymer striker fired gun it would be the Glock.
Beretta has revamped the 92 with their 92x- variants. It’s well done and addresses the major complaints of the original 92.
I purchased Earnest Langston’s trigger in a bag for my 92fs and “WOW” what a difference . It is well worth the price. The double action is now at 7.0 lbs and smooth as silk with single action at 3.1 lbs. Easy self install in about an hour.
Just get a Sig, or an HK
When I shot it, while on active duty, I thought it was the most accurate pistol I had ever shot. Now I own several Glocks and love them, but I have to work at being accurate. I never had to do that with the M9. That said, I trust my life to my Glocks.
So I find this article about the Beretta 92FS and true to Hickok45 what do I find? OH, yes, the Glock. I am so sick and tired of Glock, Glock, Glock. They have a great marketing system but Glocks SUCK. Can we at least on one occassion discuss the gun the article is supposed to be about?
FULL DISCLOSURE: I admit to being the biggest Glock hater in America. If the piece of plastic is so damn great why don't the Austrians use them? The 92FS is a very good at it's price point. The Glock, not so much.
How about asking why almost every police department in the US uses them? My personal G17 was my duty weapon in law enforcement and I loved it. I have a G17, G19, and G26. What he says about trigger pull consistency is dead on. Why do you hate Glock so much? You never mentioned your problem with them.
What are talking about, we went to Austria last year and all the police and the few military we saw all had Glocks
Glocks blow! Have used The 92D and the 92fs for 30 years.....works fine with a in the waist band rig for concealed carry.
You should try out and review the M9A3 from Beretta. The Vertec grip shape cures your complaint about the 92's need for large hands. My hands measure a large so I found the grip of the 92 acceptable, but I prefer the slimmer feel of the Vertec.
The M9A3 is available in either the F or G type safety (safety + decock, or decock only). It also comes with tritium night sights that allow windage adjustment. I am with you that my shots pull left and up, although the Mantis accelemeter says that I'm not pulling the shots. So I can at least adjust out the left shot placement.
I only have 200 rounds three mine, but it still had no issues with the Hornady XTP or FTX rounds. The only bullet issue was with the copper poly bullets from APX. Manually they fed fine, but the blow back energy was not able to cycle a round with a full 17 in a magazine. 5 rounds worked. Otherwise it shot 115 grain through 147 grain round nose, truncated, and hollow point without issue. I really liked the Fed Am Eagle 124 gr subsonic.
I really prefer a DA/SA pistol. My DA shots were roughly scattered over twice the diameter of my SA shots, so 3.5 inch vs 2 inch at 21 ft.
BTW: does anyone know at what distance the sights are sighted at?
The slide-mounted safety is a training issue, and nothing more. But if it makes your panties bunch up, put in an aftermarket "G" series kit. Or buy a 92G and be done with it. To whine that you'll lose your gunfight because of a safety, though, tells me that you either don't know your weapon well enough or don't train with it often enough.
Look at this guy. Do you believe he will EVER be in a gun fight?
What's your problem Ross? I have no problems with the safety even in a meet and timed shooting. My wife easily works the safety when using it. I agree with James that a safety it's a training issue. Practice it and it is second nature.
My suggestion is to practice each time you prepare to take it off. Holsters are easily to remove empty anyway.
The Beretta M9 was the second pistol I was ever issued in the U.S. Air Force (the first being the Smith and Wesson Model 15 K-38 Combat Masterpiece), so it will always have a special place in my heart. I have heard the naysayers in regards to the slide mounted safety/de-cocker and its supposed flaws. I never considered the location to be problematic in any way. I routinely racked the slide with the pistol on safe/decock (or down) mode, the hammer would always fall safely in the lowered position, and all I had to do from that point was flip the switch up to the "fire" position, then simply holster it. The heavy double-action trigger pull (think 12 to 15 pounds) was more than adequate to ensure that no AD would occur. I mean, it takes a hell of a trigger pull to send that first round down the barrel and out of the business end. I now have the civilian version (the 92FS) and could not be happier. It is a fine heavy duty firearm, does a fantastic job of eating everything I feed it and will be passed down to my oldest son one day.
Join the YOU MUST HAVE BEEN AIR FORCE SECURITY POLICE? I TOO, WAS ISSUED THE M-15 AND THEN THE M-9 AS AN 811X2. BOTH FIREARMS WERE EASY TO CLEAN, DEPENDABLE AND VERY SAFE TO CARRY. "ROB" HIT IT HEAD ON. GREAT ANALOGY! discussion...
I have a 92FS Inox that I purchased in 1994. I have several handguns, and after nearly a quarter of a century, my Beretta is still my favorite. It's true that it is not comfortable for those smaller hands. But for those with large hands, it is one of the, if not THE, most comfortable firearms there is.
Some folks have a problem with the safety, but if you know it is there and take the time to train yourself, it is not a big deal in the heat of the moment and can save yourself and others when outside of those heated moments. I spent 8 years in the military, I've been in combat and have been using guns all my life... I never truly understood the hate on safeties. Never had a problem drawing and firing my service pistol or my personal pistol quickly and efficiently.
The sight picture is great - VERY accurate weapon and well made. My service weapon was fantastic and I was confident of its performance. Did I mention ACCURATE? Seriously - Out of the box, with no gadgets or tweaks, my Inox took 2nd place in a statewide shooting competition in NC.ACCURATE.
I've not experienced a jam, stove pipe or any failures due to the weapon itself in either my service weapon or personal. I did have some bad (old) ammo handed out by the quartermaster, that led to a stovepipe after a very weak pop. It was obvious that the powder was either old or had experienced some extreme temperature variations (probably both).
The Beretta got a bad rap, as mentioned the 3 slide breaks started this off. I recall when this occurred during the testing. I was in Camp LeJeune, NC at the time and there were plenty of concerned Marines that simply wanted to stick with the "tried and true" 1911. The other concern was switching to the 9mm ammunition (less knockdown) - which had little to do with the M9 itself - That was a decision independent of the firearm. The ammo switch was a call to save $ and, more importantly, facilitate ammo swaps with both ally units and enemy combatants.
But in the end, the Beretta 92FS is outdated. There have been some amazing advances within the past 20 years in firearm technology, as well as ammunition and accessories. The 92 was designed with technology, information and machinery that is light years behind what can been done now. Beretta could only make minor changes to the service weapon. If major changes had been made, it would have made millions of dollars worth of replacement parts, frames and training obsolete.
I'm glad to see the military move on to another sidearm. I have a feeling that this will happen again and the time between the change will be lessened. I'm also anxious to see what the new 92s will be like. Good Article - Thanks for posting!!!
I’ve not tried Hornady loads, but my M9A1 has been through a few hundred 147 gr Ranger T standard pressure rounds with no stoppages. They are nickel plated (doesn’t matter to me). It is a highly rated Police and defensive round. I haven’t had a need to test any other hollowpoints, because it was my first choice. My M9A3, Kahr, and PX4 eat them, also.
Look into the G conversion lever. Very cheap and makes the gun decocker only/no safety, like a classic Sig. Then put a $7 D hammer spring in it to drastically reduce the double action trigger pull weight.
Ignore the 15rnd mag capacity (same as the wildly popular G19). It was considered good enough at the time of introduction, but the gun can fit more just by using a mag with a nesting spring. You can get flush 17rnd mags from Beretta, standard for the M9A3 or 92A1. You can buy 18 rnd mags that are also virtually flush from MecGar, and these are very reliable.
Look into the G conversion kits. They sell for about fifty bucks by beretta and convert the gun into decock only, not unlike a sig..
My first handgun was the Stoeger Couger in .40 cal. For those unfamiliar, Stoeger is owned by Berretta and the guns are identical. I absolutely love mine. I have never seen anyone else with a Stoeger pistol and I really believe it to be one of the sexiest handguns outside of the 1911. I have shot thousands of rounds through mine and have not had a single failure. I know I'm due for one and expect it each time I take it to the range, but it never comes. I recently took my CWP training in my home state of SC and I had planned to use my S&W shield to qualify, but at the last second, I pulled the Stoeger out of my range bag instead. I was two shots away from a perfect score, and I am definately no marksman. This thing is heavy as a brick, but fits my hands perfectly, (I am 6'4" and 210 lbs.) It really shoots like a dream, so I would not hesitate to buy the 92FS if I found a deal on one.
Keep the great articles coming.
I bought my 92FS as my first pistol after moving up from black powder pistols and revolvers. I've bought many other pistols in 22 and 45, but never felt the need to get another 9mm.
I use mine strictly for target practice and matches at the range, having shot at least 3k rounds through it. After my first 1k rounds of 124gr factory ammo, I have been shooting only handloads of 124 to 160gr. I make the bullets just short enough to still fit in the magazine and find this to be a very accurate shooter. 147gr rounds seem to be best for target shooting, while 158 swc 357 bullets and 160rn 9's work great for bowling pin matches. I should mention that all my reloads are with range brass, brass and nickel. I only sort to remove 380 shells and shells that are bent with a crease or cracked. Everything else is used.
I've discovered that this gun is so forgiving with ammo, that if it fits in the magazine, it will fire just fine. When reloading, I just find the max powder weight, deduct 2/10ths of a grain, and its perfect.
Other than changing to a lighter trigger spring and installing a Beretta adjustable rear sight, nothing has been done other than an occasional cleaning. Its function has been perfect.
The large size and metal frame are perfect for me. The lines and feel of the pistol are much more appealing than the polymer guns that most people want. I know that no matter what the gun is subjected to, I can grab any 9mm round and trust it to go bang and cycle when I pull the trigger.
If your looking for a full size 9mm, give the 92 some real consideration. Shoot one if you can. I've regretted purchasing some firearms, but the 92 is one of the best I have purchased.