I have been looking at a Beretta 92A1. I have had many polymer pistols and am looking at getting an all metal design. I don’t see much talk about this line of pistols, and was wanting to get a few “why’s” answered. Why don’t I hear much about these? Why doesn’t anyone on this forum seem to run these? What’s the trigger like compared to other DA/SA guns? Would it really just be best to return to a Glock, M&P or P30? I’ve had all of these and can use each of them effectively. I don’t mind them at all, just looking at different things. Any info on these would be appr.
If you just want one then get it. If you’re looking for something to carry then I’d say stick with your Glock or whatever you have. You’re not going to see any performance gain with a 92FS and you’ll have to deal with a few shortcomings of that platform. Personally I have one so I can train with the pistol I’m issued at work. I’ve also found it to be good for introducing new shooters that are uncomfortable with safetyless designs to pistol shooting. For some reason my M&Ps have been deemed “scary” by my wife and her friend but the 92FS is ok.
Everyone seems to be enamored with plastic, striker-fired pistols these days. The 92-series is certainly larger than the Glocks, and I’m not really fond of the location of the safety, but if you get a G-model that’s decocker-only, it’s fine. I’ve been carrying a 92G for years, and wouldn’t give it up for any combat tupperware out there. That’s not to say there is anything wrong with Glocks, HKs or M&Ps, they’re all great guns, but I have taken a liking to my Berettas and I don’t see anything in the newer pistols that warrant a wholesale shift. If you’re starting out fresh, it may be worthwhile to try them all and see which ones you like best.
They are actually fairly new guns - only been out since last summer.
But, I have one - it is a nice gun. Out of my 6 Berettas, it is actually my favorite one. It balances better (in my opinion) 1 handed than any of the other railed models.
If I wasn’t already using 2 of my Beretta 92 variants for concealed carry, I’d use this gun for carry. No need to scratch up all of my guns…
You don’t hear much about them because they’re not the latest kool-aid flavor of the month. Guns are like fashion to some men.
Feel free to use/carry whatever you want, but don’t reduce the positions of those who choose to carry something else as falling victim to a “fad.” For those of us that try to shoot and carry a single platform, other guns simply bring more to the table for less cost, less size, less weight, and more options (especially when it comes to sights, though the A1’s have rectified this). Beretta should have also done a better job of having more “G” models in the lineup.
I don’t ever plan on selling my 92, but it doesn’t get a great deal of use these days.
Thats a fact, especially very young men…The 92FS/M9/M9A1 are top shelf nine’s, the hit on them being, their large, aside from that, they are going to be our nation’s service pistol for at least the next ten years…
Well, I carry my 92FS everyday. I enjoy finally carrying a fullsize gun for once, instead of always carrying a smaller gun that I don’t spend that much range time with.
and, while I do have a whole host of options for carry - I personally prefer a DA/SA gun. After a close call with a robbery almost 2 years ago, I saw what it is like when the adrenaline kicks in. I like the 1st shot being DA - to minimize me doing something by accident in a stressful situation.
And, with some work on the trigger, my carry gun has a SA pull is 4lb 10.4oz and my DA pull is 8lb 3.5oz.
While there are other DA/SA guns, the Beretta 92’s design makes it easy to work on the frame and change the trigger weight without too much work and knocking out a bunch of roll pins.
I had one.
It’s a very large gun for a 9mm.
Grip is overly large.
Awkward ‘safety’
Loooooong DA
But dang was it accurate and refined. Single action was smooth. I’ll have to get one again some day.
In the meantime my HiPower will be here next week. 
The original weapon had some small things that needed updating. The sights gave you few options for upgrades, the safety was problematic in its placement, the controls are not ambidextrous (although for its day, being able to switch the magazine release to the left side was pretty progressive), there’s no provision for mounting a weapon light and the overall weapon is large.
The newer versions fix most of these issues, especially if you get a G-model. The problems of size and single-side slide stop remain, and the newer guns are not yet fully supported with all the good holster options.
I still think the weapon points very naturally, it’s generally stupidly reliable (as long as you use good mags), and it tends to be accurate. As Shipwreck pointed out, it takes a good trigger job and holds it for a long time, as my experience has borne out. I’m a big guy, and like a large-frame weapon, so the size is actually a bonus for me. I’m also right-handed, so the slide-stop issue isn’t a problem. I use a G-model with a Brigadier slide, so I have good sights and no issues with the safety. I only wish I had a railed dust cover, but I can live with a hand-held light.
I like my 92FS a lot, but it’s not a carry gun for me. The capacity is on the low side for how large and heavy the gun is. If it wasn’t for that, I’d consider carrying a 92.
If you’ve shot one and it just feels right to you, there’s no reason not to carry one.
I guess Glocks must have a lot of fashion appeal. Or are they considered new, as well?
OP, it’s ultimately going to be up to you as to whether or not the pistol is worth buying. You’ve received positive feedback regarding its function, and it is generally regarded as a very good platform. If you feel it suits your needs or wants, I’m sure you wouldn’t regret buying it.
I have a 92FS. The pistol is accurate and has notably gentle/smooth recoil that makes it pleasant to shoot.
First problem: The slide mounted safety is really not optimal. Its very effective at 'turning the gun off" but, because Beretta has carved away half the slide, to charge the pistol you are encouraged to grab the slide very close to the safety and its rather easy to inadvertently engage the safety while doing so.
Second problem: Since Beretta has carved away half the slide, the exposed barrel is a heat hazard following rapid fire of, say, 30+ rounds.
Apparently they have listened to customers on another common issue because the front sight can be changed on the 92A1.
Capacity is not the disparity it once was. The gun used to be issued with 15 round mags and if you wanted more, the bigger magazines (20 rd) would stick out of the grip by at least an inch. Now MecGar offers an 18rd magazine that isn’t appreciably larger than the original 15 round magazine.
The back end of the slide is pointier than just about any other service pistol. The contours blend nicely with the gun in battery but don’t get in its way when its cycling!
The action feeds nearly everything and is notoriously reliable. Originally the locking blocks were problematic. The most common piece I’ve replaced on other 92s is the trigger return spring (mine’s been good so far).
The 92 is a good, well made pistol but the bottom line is that I just shoot a SIG P226 or a CZ-75 better.
I don’t generally carry guns cocked and locked unless it is a 1911. So, frame mounted safties don’t really matter to me.
I personally have no issues with the slide mounted saftey on the Beretta. I only use it as a decocker. Mine has never moved on its own. And, when I practice my double action shots at the range - I have no problems decocking the gun with my strong hand thumb, and then bringing the gun up to aim again.
I think that if ya like the gun, this is a non issue. I love the feel of the gun with the Hogue rubber grips (not the wrap around kind, but just the grip panels). With the undercut trigger guard,m the gun balances extremely well 1 handed. I actually do a lot fo 1 handed practice with it, and I practice with the DA trigger pull a lot too. With the work I have done on the trigger, it is easy to shoot the gun in double action…
As for round count in the mags… There are no 17 round factory mags… The 90-Two and 92A1 comes with them. The 92A1 comes with 3 mags, actually, so that’s pretty cool. And, there are 18 and 20 round megcar mags that fit flush with just a little larger baseplate.
I bought my first Beretta in 1989 (an Italian 92F) and have added a few to my collection since then.
They feel good in hand, balance well and point naturally for me.
The 92 series are very accurate, soft shooting and reliable to a fault in my experience.
In terms of the grip size, my wife (a pretty accomplished shooter) is 5’ 3" tall, weighs 108 lbs. soaking wet and wears XS shooting gloves.
Given her small hands, I thought she’d prefer one of my BHP’s, 1911’s, M&P’s, etc.
However, she locked onto one of my 92FS’s and it became hers instantly. She had the desire and determination to master this pistol and did just that.
She can run the sh*t out of it and just adores her Beretta. :laugh:
Her daily carry piece is a 9mm PPS but she uses her Beretta for home defense and at the range.
I think you’d really enjoy one chilic82.
Good luck, let us know what you decide.
Something I wrote a few years ago that might be helpful.
http://pistol-training.com/articles/kevhs-very-opinionated-guide-to-the-beretta-92
I prefer the trigger guard of the M9A1 over the 92A1, but I like the rail on the 92A1 better than the M9A1. So, for me, it’s the 92A1 all the way. I’m actually in the process of buying one.
Also, consider that despite the popular uproar over the M9 in the military world, it continuously destroys the polymer competition in field tests by the dozens. This means a lot to me.
I’ve owned several 9mm glocks, M&Ps, and Sigs over the years, and I still return to the Beretta for the industry standard in 9mm.
And, it shoots like a laser beam out to about 50 yds!!!
BL, it’s a great gun at a fair price.
I think the M9A1 looks the best of all the railed Berettas. But yea, I prefer the feel of the 92A1.
The checkering on the M9A1 is too shallow - it’s not like on a 1911. For me, I like the plain serrations on the front and back straps better.
What “tests” has the Beretta beaten either the Glock or HK in?
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Very nice piece of work. Thanks much!