Beretta 92FS / 92A1.....?

[Tony Mig]

I'm well aware this pistol has it's many detractors, but there are those who appreciate it as well. Please don't turn this into a Beretta bash-a-thon, or offer an endless list of "better" choices as I'm looking for educated and well informed information regarding this model firearm.....Thank You

I have had past experience with a Beretta 96FS, I loved the gun, but didn't care for the .40 S&W round. I'am presently shopping for a new 9mm, and I've been looking at the Beretta...(as well as a few others)....but knowing how the gun feels in my hand, and how it functions, although in a gun of a different caliber, the over all size and feel are the same.

I see in Beretta's online catalog that they now offer a newer model 92A1 with a few upgrades, I'm not particularly interested in the front accessory rail, but more concerned with the internal improvements made, and if they make this pistol more reliable, or more accurate, and if these improvements warrant the extra cost.....?
One of the bonus' I see up front with the 92A1 is that it comes with 3 magazines in the box, since Beretta emphasizes this fact, I assume the 92FS only comes with 1 magazine....?
Does the added mass...(accessory rail).... on the front of the 92A1's frame make it harder to find good fitting holsters, or does the gun fit well in holsters made for the 92FS.....?

I'm hoping to hear from others who appreciate this pistol, and can offer any information regarding either model......thank you

 

[Harley Quinn]

Many who go shooting with me prefer the Beretta over the Glocks that I like...Both are fine weapons...

Glock and Beretta are both approved by LAPD as sidearms to carry for in the line of duty types...

The Govt. feels like it can trust Beretta for a good handgun...

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m9.htm

The 9mm Pistol Program was a Congressionally-directed Non-Developmental Initiative to standardize DoD with NATO and field one handgun for all United States armed services. Beretta of Italy was awarded a multi-year contract for delivery of over 500,000 pistols. The contract award stipulated that production of the weapon must transition from Italian to US production after two years. The US Army is the lead service in this program.



Primary function: Semiautomatic pistol
Builder: Beretta and Beretta USA
Length: 8.54 inches (21.69 centimeters)
Width: 1.50 inches (3.81 centimeters)
Height: 5.51 inches (14 centimeters)
Barrel length: 4.92 inches (12.5 centimeters)
Weight fully loaded: 2.55 pounds (1.16 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 9mm (approximately .355 inches)
Maximum effective range: 152.5 feet (50 meters)
Magazine capacity: 15 rounds
Muzzle velocity: 1200 feet (365 meters) per second
Unit Replacement Cost: $263
Marine Corps Inventory: 82,000

 

[longhair75]

Hello there, Tony Mig

I am newly returned to shooting after a long break. I spent a long time investigating my newest pistol purchase and ended up with the Beretta M9 commercial. This is the civilian version of the pistol supplied to our military. It came with three 15 round magazines. I like the ambidextrous de-cocker/safety feature.

Right out of the box and after a field strip and cleaning, I took it to the range. It is amazingly accurate. It handles well, and is very comfortable to shoot.

I know that there is a pretty large group of Glock fans, but the Glocks just did not feel right in my hand.

 

[Tony Mig]

I know that there is a pretty large group of Glock fans, but the Glocks just did not feel right in my hand.

That would be the one thing that I didn't like about the Glock...grip angle...

For me, the Beretta fits, and feels good, that carries a lot of bearing on the choice of a handgun, especially one you plan to get a lot of trigger time with.

I've been searching for more information concerning the improvements / differences between the 92FS (M9) and the 92A1, but can't seem to find anything further than what Beretta offers on their website......????

 

[Zombiphobia]

FWIW, my 92FS came with two 15rd magazines. It's pretty accurate, has had zero functioning problems in 300-400 est. rounds. I'd expect any newer pistols they come out with to be just as, if not more reliable/accurate.

I've heard nothing but good things about Beretta's weapons. Can't Comment on a 92A or 90TWO, though, but I know the 92FS is a very reliable weapon and worth the 500-600 dollars they cost.

 

[Redlg155]

I purchased a 92Aa1a couple of months ago and have been extremely happy. Accurate and extremely reliable. The accessory rail is a bonus. If you don't mind the standard model 92 sans rail, the market has some nice used police turn ins available.

 

[USMC MP James]

I'm new here but not to shooting. I just bought a M9 and it took me back to 1988 when I was an MP in the Marine Corps. There is just something about it just screams " Fits like a glove" I shot a M9 for 4 years in the corps I saw a slide break during prequal in May 1988. It tore up the guys face pretty bad. A year or so later a memo went thru the Mp field that some of the first M9's slides were not heat treated right. I dont know but thats what the higher ups told us. I shot thousands and thousands of rounds with nothing but tight groups and I think the 92f platform is overall the best bang in the business. Just for the record I also have a 5906, P226, p220. I bet you will love a Beretta.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Basically, the 92A1 is a cross between the 92FS and 90two. It has a hybrid 90two frame, 92FS grips and the 90two slide with 92fs styling. What you get over the 92FS is:
-removeable front and rear sights
-rounded trigger guard(helps with holstering)
-internal recoil buffer
-accessory rail
-captive guide rod assembly

A thing to note is that because of the captive guide rod assembly, its going to die-assemble like a 90Two and not like a M9/92FS.

 

[Shipwreck]

I have a 92FS, two M9A1s, a 90-Two and a 92A1. My 92A1 is like a laser gun. For some weird reason, it seems to be even more accurate than my others. I guess I got lucky.

Generally, all the 92 variants come with just two 15 round mags except for the 92A1- that comes with three 17 round mags (the 90-Two comes with two 17 round mags). Very nice.

My 92FS is my main carry gun, as I love the 92 platform so much. I've owned many carry guns over the years - and I could afford anything I want, up to the price of a Ed Brown Kobra Karry if I wanted. But, I like the feel of the 92FS 1 handed.






92A1:




My 92FS carry rig and EDC:

 

[Harley Quinn]

Shipwreak... Sweet

They are a nice looking piece, my grandson prefers the feel and shootability of the one I have, over the other handguns... 1934/1935 was a good year for Beretta, I have one of those in 380 (9mm short) also

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg236-e.htm

The Beretta Modello 1934 pistol (or Beretta 34 in short) was a result of the almost 20 years of evolution, which started in 1915, when designer Tulio Marengoni designed his first semi-automatic pistol for famous Italian gun-making company Beretta. The Beretta M34 pistol was standartized by Italian army in 1934 in caliber 9mm Corto (9x17 Browning Short, also known as .380 ACP).

Regards

 

[Zombiphobia]

I saw a slide break during prequal in May 1988. It tore up the guys face pretty bad. A year or so later a memo went thru the Mp field that some of the first M9's slides were not heat treated right. I dont know but thats what the higher ups told us.

there was a manufacturing issue back then, when they were made in Italy. Since then, there has been a Beretta manufacturing plant placed in the US to monitor quality control.
Problem's fixed.

 

[husker]

How does a Taurus PT 92 AFS stack up
The way Taurus tells it? They bought out Beretta some years ago
I just acquired one that is Stainless steel with two 17rnd mags.Never been shot & was bought back in mid Sept. Guess what im asking is? Are they bottom of the barrel or on par?

 

[Harley Quinn]

Not that I have seen, I have one also, but it is blued...I actually have fired it more than the Beretta...

The rails need some grease IMHO because of SS to SS...Controversy of a sort I have read...

Galling

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155186

Regards

 

[PRM]

Carried one in Afghanistan and over the years have had the opportunity to shoot several of the 92s on the range. Love the gun. Very dependable and accurate. Just personal preference ~ but I like an external hammer. If I did not already have a full size 9mm (Walther), the Beretta 92 (compact) would definitely be on my Christmas want list.

 

[Confederate]

The gun's design was unique and it was the first of the ultra-reliable autoloaders. What I don't like about the company is that it doesn't stand behind its products. The military gun clearly had a problem with the slides and the company denied the problem. (I talked to the guy in charge of Navy acquisition of the pistol -- including Marine Corps -- and he became so livid about Beretta that I thought he was going to lose it. I admired the pistol, but for a company to deny something that clearly was a problem was unconscionable.) The gun wasn't firing machine gun ammo and it wasn't firing any of the other stuff it was rumored to be firing. The company's attitude was later repeated with the Tomcat, which still has a frame cracking problem. It can crack at any time and it renders the gun inoperable.

For some reason the Italian 92 never had the problem with the slide. Neither have the Taurus versions. The company fit another piece into their gun and that supposedly fixed the problem, but most soldiers I've talked to say the magazines made for the 92/99 don't wear well and need more frequent spring replacement.

The gun itself sparkled in military tests, initially malfunctioning an average of once every 2,000 rounds. The S&W 459, an astounding pistol in my view, malfunctioned an average of once every 952 rounds -- and it came in number two in the initial tests. Still, the 92 trounced it. There was no feed ramp to speak of -- it went from the magazine right into the chamber. Then, once fired, there was no ejection port to catch on. The Italian pistol was fired relentlessly without problems and it went through thousands of rounds. Military people thought it was a bit big, but they liked the immense firepower.

For those who wasted their money on the first S&W 59 pistols, the Beretta was a godsend. One magazine actually ran an article with a cover story that read, "Why a $49 Raven .25 Is Better Than a $220 S-W Model 59." The point was that their Raven worked each and every time it was fired, while the S&W 59 jammed repeatedly. And it was too bad because I really wanted a 59. (But I ended up getting a Raven, and the magazine was right. It did fire reliably. I carried it during my walks in the cemetery across the street in the Western Kentucky area where I worked.)



I have a Beretta 70S .22LR that's incredible, but I chose a Taurus PT-92 over the Beretta because I liked the safety better, and it was cheaper. Taurus also stands behind their products better than Beretta. I have a 950 and a 21A, two astounding pocket pistols that Beretta stopped making, probably for political reasons. I shot them once to make sure they worked and now just keep them around for show and tell.



There's no denying that Beretta's 92 is a fine pistol. The design led other manufacturers to make ultra-reliable pistols that left the 1911 in the dust. I had a Star BM 9mm that also was a great little gun. It was inexpensive, and I'd buy one today if they were still made. Alas, finding parts has become a problem, which reminds me. Beretta doesn't support its older pistols. If you have a 70S and you need parts, good luck! I can't even get parts from Beretta for my 950 and 21A. Again, it's a poor attitude on the part of the company. For Berettas no longer made, the best policy is not to shoot them!



Beretta's Customer Support Policy:



.

 

[Onmilo]

I was going to buy a 92A1 to add to my M9,,,,until I actually handled and priced one.
For less money you can buy a striker fired Glock/XD/M&P Smith that offer all the 92A1 does but without the exposed hammer.

 

[IdahoLT1]

The gun's design was unique and it was the first of the ultra-reliable autoloaders. What I don't like about the company is that it doesn't stand behind its products. The military gun clearly had a problem with the slides and the company denied the problem. (I talked to the guy in charge of Navy acquisition of the pistol -- including Marine Corps -- and he became so livid about Beretta that I thought he was going to lose it. I admired the pistol, but for a company to deny something that clearly was a problem was unconscionable.) The gun wasn't firing machine gun ammo and it wasn't firing any of the other stuff it was rumored to be firing.

The 92f that had problems during testing was over 20 years ago. They've had a fix for that problem for quite a while. Even then, the NATO ammo they were firing was 15,000 Psi over SAAMI standards for the 9x19mm. Why don't you shoot a double charged 9mm in a glock 2000 times and see how long it lasts.

And with current government testing, the M9 averages 20,500 rounds fired for each malfunction. Nice try at bashing but please play again.

 

[golden]

92D Compact fan

I am a big BERETTA fan. I was issued a 96D Brigadier back in the late 1990's and while I did not like carrying it as much as my GLOCK 19, I discovered it could shoot more accurately than any other gun I shot.

I keep a 96D Vertec as my house gun. I LOVE THE RAIL. If you wake up at 0330 to a bump in the night, that light can SAVE YOUR LIFE or the LIFE OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE by identifying your target instead of shooting at a shadow.

It can also blind an intruder which can also SAVE YOUR LIFE.

You may prefer a laser, I don't. The rail is there if you want it and it probably only limits your holster selection if you don't. It is a plus to me.

When I carry a belt gun off duty, it is usually a BERETTA 92D Compact or WALTHER P99. The Compact, like the VERTEC fits my hand better than the full size 92/96 model. I can frequently shoot 150 out of 150 using FEDERAL 115 grain JHP or 124 grain HYDRO SHOK.

Oh, if you have noticed, I only shoot the D model double action only pistols. My agency has only issued DOA pistols for the past 16 years and that is what I am used to.
BERETTA has the best DOA triggers that I have tried. I was shocked at how much better the DOA trigger was on my BERETTA than the DA/SA trigger on my SIG 229. I sold the 229 and kept the BERETTA.

The only real weakness aside from physical size are the magazines. If you have any problems with a BERETTA 92/96, stop using the mags that you are using and get either BERETTA or MEC GAR made mags. I bought some of the ARMY CONTRACT mags a couple of years ago and they were GARBAGE. I know the Defense Department stopped buying them after the same problems developed in IRAQ. The went back to BERETTA mags and the problems went away.

On my most recent BERETTA, a 96D Centurion, I had several misfeeds in the first 6 shots. I swapped mags and the problem was solved. Same BERETTA reliability and accuracy. It was a used gun and I think I now know why I got it so inexpensively. Their loss. It shoots great with a replacement mag.

Jim

 

[MidwestRookie]

it's ridiculous how many people on the internet still think the 92 has the same problems it had during military testing over 20 years ago...you guys make my skin crawl..

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

it's ridiculous how many people on the internet still think the 92 has the same problems it had during military testing over 20 years ago...you guys make my skin crawl..

Don't forget that people think that ARs still jam, and Glocks explode, and that Mossberg's aluminum shotgun Receivers crack and post 64 Winchesters are worthless, and that Remington 700s fire all the time and so on and so on.


Although skin crawling seems a bit offensive.

 

[MidwestRookie]

i dont know how else to describe it..just random internet people spouting off crap...it doesn't affect me past the couch, but at the computer..:banghead: