shot an old m9 last week and loved the way it felt in my hands and it was very easy to shoot. from what ive read theyre super reliable and dont cost an arm and a leg either, but i figured id run it by m4carbine.net first and see what you guys think. this will be my first pistol and i have not had a chance to compare it to anything since i dont have my license yet. (i live in ny, shot the m9 in vegas, license apps take about 6 months to process)
any comparable 9mm i should try/consider?
I can’t speak for too many other pistols, but I am very fond of my Beretta collection. I think they have some of the nicest lines of any pistol produced today. Not just the same old boxy “Glock” look.
Not trying to incite any glock arguments, just stating my opinion. They’re great shooters too!
Beretta 92-series pistols come highly recommended from me. 
I work as a security guard and I’ve been issued two old beater M9s and neither has ever malfunctioned despite the shitty worn out mags we have. But they only have us shoot 80 rounds a year for quals. I would Seriously consider buying one myself if they’d put the safety in the right place and the sights were replaceable. I found a 92G (de-cock only no manual safety) a while back but it was well used and over priced.
Similar guns? Well I don’t think my Ruger P95 feels too far off but it’s a polymer frame so you don’t get quite the same nice metal feel like with the Beretta. Taurus makes a gun similar to the 92/M9 but their QC sucks though I haven’t read any complaints on that particular model, not that I check ever. Just look at metal-framed DA/SA pistols and see what you like. Ruger, CZ, SIG, S&W third gens, I’m sure I’m forgetting some. Maybe a hi-power if you can swing it.
What model Beretta is that silver one with the shorter grip? Looks sweet!
Thanks, they’re a bit harder to find - its an Inox (stainless) 96 Compact.
I have on of those Taurus copies, a PT92 AFS it’s the bastard red headed brother to the Beretta M9A1.
I have about 500 rounds through it, not high I know, with no failures of any kind and better accuracy wise than I am.
I got it for $350 out the door.
I carry a Glock on duty but also have a lot of time on the M9 Beretta from my military service. The Beretta is definitely shows it older lineage from the current striker and polymer weapons in terms of its size, weight and ergonomics. The learning curve is also longer due to the double/single action trigger, higher bore axis and safety manipulation.
That being said… I have an affection for the Beretta and have a 92fs Inox as my nightstand pistol. The reliability and accuracy of my 92 is outstanding and frankly I am just as confident with the Beretta just as I am with the Glock.
If you like the compact line then an keep an eye open for this:
http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/shot-show—final-day/3/
In my experience, it’s not great. I am really really damn picky though. My issues were accuracy
Go with the 92A1. It has replaceable sights and several other enhancements (recoil buffer, captive recoil spring, etc.). Avoid Taurus if you plan to fire live ammunition.
My M9 is dead nuts accurate, and over 6000 rnds 100% reliable.
Feeds everything. Completely reliable and trustworthy.
Use BERETTA factory mags, install a D spring, use an 18lb Wolff recoil spring, not the factory 13lb, and shoot +P 124 or 135grain JHP’s
and keep it properly lubed, and youll be a happy happy camper.
Anyone who says the M9/92 is not a good piece is either completely
inexperianced with it, lying, or simply spreading internet rumor fueled by 14 year olds whose only "experiance’ with it comes from Call of Duty.
I understand the animosity toward the brand. I understand the mission statement of this forum. I understand my sampling of 4 (now 2) Taurus firearms is small. But do you have any first hand knowledge to base your “avoid live ammo” statement?
No offense meant, but I’d like to hear real first hand reports.
MINE, has been 100% flawless through 500 rounds. Small sample I know, but it’s first hand knowledge.
The “avoid live ammo” was mainly hyperbole to drive home a point. Before I committed to shooting at membership-only ranges, I saw plenty come thru the gun shop indoor range that I frequented in the late 90’s / early 2000’s. I never witnessed a catastrophic failures that caused injury, but poor reliability and durability was the common theme for the brand. In addition, I’ve NEVER seen or heard of a Taurus semi-auto passing the 2000 Round Test. It does not look like things have improved recently:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=42789&highlight=taurus
Glad to see good things posted as I really liked the gun. Like I said it was my first time behind the trigger of a pistol, nothing to compare it to, but it felt damn good, and I was able to shoot it accurately. I just never expected it to be so smoothe and effortless. Now I’m really pumped. I will check out the compact but I don’t mind the full size. If anything I might not like the compact as I have long lanky fingers.
I am mostly a Glock shooter these days, but have put many rounds through Berettas in the past. I have a soft spot for the Beretta.
I will share my general impression of Berettas gained only through my first hand experience:
1: The 9mm versions seem to be more reliable than the 40 S&W’s.
2: The chambers seem noticably tighter than a Glock. (I could drop a spent Beretta casing in a Glock factory chamber and the brass would rattle around, I could also blindly pick up brass and tell you based on the case which gun fired the round)
3: Berettas are capable of some impressive accuracy for a service grade pistol. In my personal experience with offhand 25 yard shooting, around an inch or so tighter than a comprable Glock. (2.5 inches at 25 yards is not unusual with the right rounds offhand)
4: They are large, heavy, but in my opinion extremely ergonomic and I love the single action trigger pull.
5: Proper lubrication goes a long way for the Beretta, and be sure to keep up on your recoil spring replacement schedule for a long service life.
6: Use good magazines.
I love my Berettas (M9A1 and 96A1). Very accurate pistols. Extremely reliable pistols, not one problem with mine. Plus, they are one of the best looking pistols ever made IMHO. I carry my 96A1 daily.
OP, go for the M9A1, you will not be disappointed! If you buy extra mags, buy Beretta factory mags. If you do smart shopping, you can find factory Beretta 17rd mags for about $20 each, and they work great. Let us know what you decide to go with…
Justin
A good second option would be mec-gar. I’ve had good experiences with them.
Being that an M9 is the only pistol you’ve ever fired, I’d give serious consideration to trying as many quality guns as possible before buying. You may find something that suits you better along the way, and then again, you may confirm for yourself that the M9 is for you.
Make sure to buy a “D” factory spring. It will take about 3 lbs off the DA pull and about 1/2 a pound off the SA pull. It is a factory part - it’s like $6 or so from Brownells.
Also, make sure to watch these videos… They will teach you how to strip the frame. It is so, so easy. http://www.beretta92fs.com/
Also, get the Hogue rubber grip panels. Not the wrap around kind with the finger grooves - but just the panels. GREAT grips. They make a huge difference.
Finally - go buy TWO of them :D:D
Shipwreck:
I’ll defer to you as this forum’s Beretta authority. Would you agree with my recommendation to go with the 92A1 over the M9A1 if you want a railed pistol? I make this recommendation to any friend who wants a railed Beretta due to the enhancements and removable sights on the 92A1 for essentially identical cost. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on the 92A1 vs M9A1 for a railed pistol.
I could be mistaken…but Im pretty sure the 92a1 comes with the internal recoil buffer, and the m9a1 does not. I could be wrong about that, but if Im right you should definitely go with the 92a1…that makes it worth it alone. Not to mention otherwise they’re EXACTLY the same except for the writing.