Beretta 92/M9 magazine capacity question

[0to60]

The 92FSA1 has a 17 round capacity, whereas the 92FS, M9 and M9A1 all list a 15 round capacity. Why is this? Does it just use a different magazine? If so, can you use the 17 round mags in a 92FS, M9 or M9A1?

 

[prestpat]

I don't think so. I think the 17-round magazine is wider, but the same length (a wider staggering of the double stack magazine, if that makes any sense) and the grip is wider to accommodate it. When I bought my 92FS I held both and the 17-round version had a noticeably bulkier grip. I doubt a 17-round magazine would go in a 15-round well.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Beretta 92A1 (the letters FS were dropped) uses the magazine first introduced in the 90-Two. It is completely compatible with earlier models of the 92 that have the magazine release at the root of the trigger guard.

While they don't say what the changes were that allow the increased capacity, I would suspect it would be similar to what Mec-Gar does with their nesting springs and follower

 

[niner4tango]

The 90 series magazines are interchangeable. the 15 or 17 work flawlessly in my M9.

Beretta TV has a really clear explanation in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOFWruYXwDU&list=PLB6D907862CD8EB37&index=2

 

[Miked7762]

While they don't say what the changes were that allow the increased capacity, I would suspect it would be similar to what Mec-Gar does with their nesting springs and follower

There were two changes to allow the extra capacity. The first is that the new magazines do not have the catch cutout used in early series 92 pistols. Thus the follower does not need to be kept out of the bottom of the magazine body so a little room is freed up there. The second is that the magazine floorplate is at the bottom of the bumper rather than the top. It allows the magazine body to be a little longer while keeping the overall length of the magazine nearly the same as before.

 

[Old Dog]

Personally, I like the Mec-Gar flush-fit 18 round mags ... which, of course, fit it all the 92 versions mentioned in the OP. Gotta love the Mec-Gar "Optimum" (plus-2) mag that holds 20, too ...

 

[0to60]

I guess its all a moot point now. Hi capacity mags have pretty much disappeared from dealer inventories over the last 24 hours...

 

[Okiegunner]

CDNN still has 17 round Beretta magazines (as of 12/19).

 

[psyopspec]

Personally, I like the Mec-Gar flush-fit 18 round mags ... which, of course, fit it all the 92 versions mentioned in the OP. Gotta love the Mec-Gar "Optimum" (plus-2) mag that holds 20, too ...

I carried my 18 and 20 round Mec-Gar magazines (18 rounder on the FOB, 20 off) through snow and dust in Afghanistan with no problems whatsoever. I'm out of that line of work and don't prefer Beretta, but will vouch for these mags.