I can just see purchasing this gun and 6-months from now coming to find-out that there's "tiny micro stress fractures" inside the slide metal or some crazyness...
Funny you should say that. Might wanna read
this THR thread on the Beretta 92FS.
It's a popular pistol that serves countless people very well, but it isn't perfect. I've read about the issue outlined above in a few different places. It may not be "common," but it exists on more than one-in-a-million pistols. Shipwreck might wanna chime in, as he's obviously got above-average experience with the gun.
Also,
(and I kinda hate to do this), have you considered the
CZ 75B? I know this is quickly approaching five pages without other recommendations (unless I missed something), but it doesn't sound like you're entirely sold on the Beretta 92FS. The CZ 75B is very comparable, and is extremely popular in it's own right. If I'm right, and you aren't committed to anything yet, you ought to do yourself a favor and at least look into the 75B. I've heard or read poor reviews of pistols that cost five times as much - but I've never heard a single bad word about a CZ 75B, or even CZ itself (the company). I can't say that about
any other brand, or any other specific gun.
Aesthetics? You be the judge. Lots of people find it attractive, and I have to say I do, too. Obviously YMMV.
I don't own one, BTW. I'd like to, eventually.