Beretta 92

[Tallball]

I bought a Taurus PT99 in 1990. It has been "boringly reliable". It has adjustable sights and a frame-mounted three-position safety.

 

[I6turbo]

I don't hate the 92, but it does very little for me because I don't care for the grip, the trigger, nor the grip/trigger ergonomics. They just don't feel that good in my hand.

All that said, it didn't stop me from owning a 92SB from 1984 to early 2016. Finally sold it to a big Beretta fan after I decided that it might never make it to the range again in my possession. I always gravitate to the CZs and the Hi Power when going for 9mms.

 

[Harleytoo]

That's funny, I6, I feel the same way about the CZ. For what ever reason every time I pick one up I like how it feels but it just seems...cheaply made. I am sure this is me, as people love them, but I can't get past that feeling.

On the other hand the 92's feel great and look great to me, I guess I could be labeled a Beretta fan boy, although I really don't see myself that way.

The current glut of really good 9's provides a really fertil ground for just about anything you want. I am continually fondling FN's and H&K's which all feel really good, but just not "different" enough form the PX4's to make me want to change. A lot of that is familiarity and a knowledge of the gun. They all make great guns to one extent or another, there is just so much to choose from.

Again, my desire for a 92 is really just to pay around with at the range. I love the design of the gun as much as I do the 1911. These classic designs are just great fun to have. Many of you have noted the Taurus, but I can't get over some bad experiences I have had with them in the past. I think they are much better, but why get a knock off when you can get the real deal.

Unlike most, I have no issue with the slide mounted safety.

 

[Confederate]

I'm not a fan of the 92, due to my hate-hate relationship with it in the mil. If that's your preferred pistol and you shoot it well, I would recommend a G series brigadier. The safety decock is totally unnecessary on a DA pistol.

I'd like to hear your views regarding the 92 as it relates to what you didn't like about it in the military. Also, why do you say a decocker is totally unnecessary on a DA pistol? Once someone jacks a round into a chamber, it seems a decocker would be a necessary safety unless cocking the gun automatically lowered the hammer on the chambered round.

 

[JTQ]

Also, why do you say a decocker is totally unnecessary on a DA pistol? Once someone jacks a round into a chamber, it seems a decocker would be a necessary safety unless cocking the gun automatically lowered the hammer on the chambered round.

I believe it is the "safety" part of the safety/decocker he doesn't care for on a DA pistol. Note the recommendation for the "G" model version rather than the "FS".

I would recommend a G series brigadier. The safety decock is totally unnecessary on a DA pistol.

 

[Harleytoo]

What JTQ says is correct. Most just do not care for the location of the decocker/safety location on the 92's. The decocker, G version, for all intents and purposes is all you need. The added safety, after decock with the lever, leaves one to have to remember (contrary to just about every other gun on the market) that you must flip the safety UP and not DOWN to disengage.

The G version simply decock the gun and allows for immediate Double Action, which for most of us who prefer DA/SA guns prefer.

The PX4 line can be easily converted to G, but the 92's it is not so possible.

Now for a range gun, as has been noted, the presence of the "Safety" (non G) is not as big of a deal as it is on a combat weapon. Which would then require remembering to flip the safety up before firing in a stress situation which most would forget without extensive training.

Furthermore, if you have say a 92 and just about anything else the motion will be reverse which is not good from a muscle memory standpoint.

So, my main reason for finding a G would be to keep my training regardless of combat vs range the same. Nothing I have is not already or has not been converted to a downward motion action.

 

[JTQ]

Furthermore, if you have say a 92 and just about anything else the motion will be reverse which is not good from a muscle memory standpoint.

While I certainly understand the point made here, I often note while this comment is almost always brought up in a Beretta 92 thread, and usually within the first five posts or so, regardless if the question is asked, it almost never comes up in Ruger P-Series, S&W TDA auto's, Walther P-38, etc., threads. It's not currently a popular design, but there are an awful lot of pistols using this design and lots of people have "muscle memory" with the design.

Conversely, while I can see the attraction to the SIG decocker system, you can count on the fingers of one hand, with fingers left over, the number of other makers that use that design.

Folks figure stuff out and make it work.

 

[FL-NC]

Confederate- The primary problems we experienced with the M9 was parts breakage: Locking blocks (despite 3 different types), trigger springs, and safety/de-cock levers on the right side. In addition, design flaws: The mentioned issues of safeties being accidentally engaged, Trigger bar springs getting disengaged (rubber grips will cause this), and the inherent issues that come with DA pistols (learning 2 different trigger pulls, having to de-cock before re-holstering, etc.). The standard military M9 isn't "friendly" for tactical lights- a rail must be added, which is something else that can fall off the gun, and with that comes holster issues. When we ditched the standard slides and obtained brigadier slides with night sights installed, the night sight problem was solved. After using the M9 for about 20 years, we finally switched to Glock and all of these issues disappeared. You did misunderstand me regarding de-cock features- de-cock is what we wanted (and necessary)- the safety feature was redundant and caused problems.

 

[mesinge2]

I have a small pile of Berettas and my two favorites among them are my 92 Inox and 92G Centurion both with D springs installed. I like the balance of the Centurion more, kind of like how I prefer a Commander to the Government 1911.

 

[Harleytoo]

FL-NC really hit the nail on the head. The key "Fixes" for the 92 seem to be;

- G decocker only
- Brigadier slide with night sights
- Proper rail

Further must do enhancements seem to be;

- D spring replacement

Beyond that it is really personal preference.

So thanks for the help, everyone. This solidifies for me that I need to find a "G" model with either factory night sights or the Brigadier slide. The only downside to the heavier frame being holster availability.

 

[Harleytoo]

I do like the Centurion

 

[RX-79G]

Take a look at the 92A1. Rail and removable sights.

G levers with the features you want are not in production. But Beretta is supposed to release a drop in G modification for FS pistols.

 

[Harleytoo]

So if I decide to go with a 92G-SD I could probably get one for around $1050 or I it looks like I could get a Wilson/Beretta 92G Brigadier for $1195.

If that is correct, seems like I am getting a lot more for an additional $145.

 

[JTQ]

Remember, both are production guns. One as spec'd by Beretta's competition shooters (G-SD) and one spec'd by Wilson Combat. Wilson can "tune-up" a Beretta, but they don't have any of that "tuning" on the Brigadier Tactical at that price point. Pick the features you like. The Brigadier Tactical may have more features you prefer, but it's not a "custom" like the Wilson 1911's are.

 

[Harleytoo]

Thanks, JTQ, that makes total sense. I did not know that. Their page does not detail that well. So that pushes me more toward the G-SD.

 

[SwampWolf]

QUOTE: "...Unlike most, I have no issue with the slide mounted safety."

The problem some people experience with a slide-mounted safety (and I am one of them) is that when clearing a stove-pipe malfunction, as your off hand sweeps over the top of the slide in order to dislodge and remove the offending case, it's all too easy to inadvertently engage the safety in the same motion at the same time. It's not just Beretta that this can happen with; almost any pistol equipped with a slide-mounted safety (certainly including most "Third Generation Smiths) is vulnerable to this potentially deadly mishap. Sound training and much practice doing clearance drills can obviate the danger but it's something to be aware of.

 

[SwampWolf]

QUOTE: "... For use at the range, I rather like having the option of putting the safety on if I need to put the pistol down when it is still loaded, like when checking my target with binoculars, etc..."

I agree that the safety can be handy for just such purposes. Some (especially le personnel) also make the logical argument that a miscreant who is able to wrest a safety-equipped pistol away from you might afford you precious seconds to vacate the premises while he fumbles with your pistol trying to get it to fire. Many police officers owe their lives to a "hard to figure out" safety.

 

[Harleytoo]

So the two I am planning to keep my eye out for (please let me know if you run across one);

First Choice; 92 Brigadier Inox (http://www.beretta.com/en-us/92-brigadier-inox/) not a G version, but swappable sights and I like the wrap around grip and stainless.

Second Choice; 92G-SD (http://www.beretta.com/en-us/92g-sd/) would probably be my first choice if it were not so hard to come by and is quite a bit more than the Inox, also, I really have no need for the rail.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Schwing]

I have a lot of handguns but the one sitting next to me in my bedroom pistol safe is my 92fs that I have had since the mid 90s. For me, it comes down to the fact that I have tens of thousands of rounds through it without a single FTF of any kind. It isn't flashy but, between the trust I have in its reliability and the 17 round magazines, it just hasn't been trumped by anything else yet.

I find it interesting that people will extol the virtues of trigger type safeties while criticizing manual safeties, especially slide mounted safeties like on the 92. Then when the subject turns to the frequent NDs with trigger safeties, they go on about how it is all just a training issue/only careless or stupid people have this issue. I would argue the same criteria and standards need to be applied to those who accidentally engage a manual safety when drawing or holstering.

It really is about what you are comfortable and competent with. I strongly disagree that one platform is inherently better than the other.

 

[JC111]

I like the 92. I was in the Army from 1986-2000 (National Guard and Regular Army). As a tanker ,in the National Guard, we still had 1911A1's until 1991. Those particular 1911A1's had been manufactured during WWII and had seen their time come and go. When the Berettas finally got to us they were a breath of fresh air. When I went active duty in 93 I continued to carry the Beretta and I never had any issues with it. I now own one (92FS) and ,even though it isn't my carry piece, I trust it and like it. The Glock 19 and a S&W Model 49 are my CCW pieces. Often it just comes down to personal preference.

 

[Shipwreck]

I have owned like 29 different Beretta 92 variants over the past 20+ years.

Hands down, my favorite is the new M9A3. I even sold my WIlson Brigadier Tactical, and I bought a 2nd M9A3.

I'd really suggest getting one of these. They are a bit cheaper than the Wilson 92G as well.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I went with the Wilson Brig Tac, and am very happy.

 

[Harleytoo]

Shipwreck, you obviously have one too many and should sell me one (at a greatly reduced rate)!

Don't be selfish!

What is the expected going price for an M9A3? See low in at just over $1000 and typical around $1250.

 

[Shipwreck]

I have seen some vendors at gun shows trying to rip people off at $1165-$1250.

I paid $999 for my first one back in Dec2015 - I don't regret that price, because so many people have been waiting on these guns. I was lucky to have one for so long.

I paid $950 a few weeks ago for the 2nd one.

Some people have reported paying in the $800's.

I wouldn't pay over $1k max.

 

[Harleytoo]

Ok, thanks, I will keep an eye out. Have never seen this or the Inox I would like. They both seem to be somewhat of a rarity.

I am here in Texas too, so if you run across one let me know.