Picked this up today. It was a close decision between this and the M9A1, but the 92A1 got the nod. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this particular model comes with three 17-round mags, as not all that many handguns come with three (unless they’re LE, IIRC).
The 92A1 has an integral recoil buffer. Is this really necessary with 9mm ammo?
good choice ,fine weapon
The recoil buffer is really for the .40 90-Two & 96A1. It doesn’t really help recoil, but extends the life of the frame. The original 96 wasn’t very durable since it was pretty much a 92FS with a .40 barrel.
Still a great choice. The 92A1 does address the biggest shortcomings of the 92 series. I sold mine just because all the parts do not interchange with the 92FS/M9 which I’m dedicated to.
Very nice pistol, you chose wisely…
Nice! I’ve been keeping my eyes open for a good deal on a M9A1. What made you choose the 92A1 over the M9A1? Was it as simple as the 3 mags?
The recoil buffer is indeed to increase frame life.
The impact of the slide on the frame can only be moderated in two ways: recoil spring strength and slide mass. The 92’s slide, by design, can’t really be made much heavier than it already is. And the recoil spring is restricted in strength by the lowest-common-denominator 9mm ammo that the average consumer will shoot through it.
So a recoil buffer is the next best thing. It’s my understanding that the 92A1 was designed with the buffer in mind, so it is not a cheap afterthought like it is when found in most other designs (HK designs being the only other properly implemented factory handgun buffer that I can think of).
Good gun, btw. Enjoy shooting her!
It was a really close decision. The three mags and dovetailed front sight tipped the scales in favor of the 92A1, although I still really like the M9A1. Might pick one up if I can manage it financially.
Yes, get the M9A1 too, and then yu’ll have that warm and fizzy feeling…
Don’t forget to get a 92 compact and a regular 92 
That is one of the best looking pistols made… Nice choice. I have m9A1 … the only choice as I live in California. Can’t see buffer needed in 9mm… Maybe good for P+ stuff.
PLease let us now what you think after you shoot it a few times. Give us all your pros and cons about the weapon, I’ve been looking as well.
Thanks
Good looking Beretta, congratulations.
Love my 92FS’s. Very accurate and dead nuts reliable.
Regarding the Beretta 92 series, I was at a gun show a couple months ago with a buddy of mine that was interested in purchasing a 92FS. We were at a table that had both the Beretta 92 and the Taurus counterpart (PT-92, I think?). He was looking at the Beretta, when the vendor said “Hell, get the Taurus. It’s cheaper and they’re the same damn gun”. He went with the Beretta instead, and I think he made the better choice.
No the Beretta is the better pistol. Beretta & Taurus used to be business partners, and Beretta left the Brazilian plant to them. So the PT92 is made on Beretta machinery, but is based on the Beretta 92S.
Beretta has constantly been improving the 92 from locking blocks, trigger springs, frames, slides, etc since it first came out.
Taurus is not the poster boy for QC, and their improvements to the PT92 since Beretta left is unknown. That said, the PT92 is probably their best product (which isn’t saying too much).
Actually, after 25-30 years, it is doubtful that the Taurus is STILL made on any existing beretta machinery…