Hey Shipwreck what's the difference between all the various 92 models anyway?
Well, I don't have really good up close pics of the compacts yet - as I will probably do that in a couple of weeks...
But - here is a pic of a 92FS without nightsights (my carry 92 has factory night sights, but is otherwise the same gun)... This is the 92FS we all know... It is a more recent model - Sometimes around 2000-2003 (I forget), they changed the dustcover to a curved on, instead of straight. And, they made a slight change to the back strap. There is an indentation near the top, to let your hand get closer to the trigger. The M9 does not have this change.
I have small hands, so I can tell the difference. While I prefer the look of the straight dustcover, I do not like the gun as much without that rear indentation.
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Here is an M9A1 - basically a railed 92FS. The slide IS actually a 92FS slide, and says "92FS". But the frame is marked "M9A1." And, the trigger guard is shaped like the older Vertec frames. There is checkering on the front and rear straps. But I personally prefer the regular serrations to the checkering. It's too shallow and not sharp enough IMHO. Finally, the magwell has a slight bevel,. like many 1911s do.
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90-Two came out in teh summer of 2006. I have had two of these since they came out. I personally hate the plastic grip. there are NO aftermarket grip options other than a slip on rubber grip. Several people have tried to MAKE their own solutions, and I tried 3 or 4 options, but never found anything satisfactory.
There is an internal recoil buffer, and a rail. I also personally like the styling of the gun. I just wish they had left regular 92 grips as an option.
Also - the front sight is dovetailed instead of being built into the slide, and the guiderod is captive as well.
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92A1 - These came out in the summer of 2010. Essentially a 90-Two (the improvements of the guiderod, dovetailed sight and internal recoil buffer), but in a more classic 92 style. You can finally use the regular 92 grips. The slide is just slightly beefier than a regular 92 slide, as is the 90-Two slide.
The upper and lowers of the 92A1 and 90-Two can interchange.
One can only put a 92FS slide on a 92A1 or 90-Two frame, and then there will be a cap near the dustcover. One CANNOT put a 90-Two or 92A1 slide on a regular 92FS frame. Because of the guiderod change, the slide is shaped differently.
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92FS Type F Compact - As stated above, I haven't had a chance to take good pics yet. The gun holds 13 rounds instead of 15, and the barrel is 4.3 inches long instead of 4.9. It is essentially a shrunk down 92FS - as the gun is still double stack.
Years ago, there was a "Type M" - which was a single stack 92 compact of similar size, but with a narrower grip. The type M could not use a regular 92FS magazine. The 92Fs compact Type F can, however.
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Finally, there is a 92FS Inox -which is a stainless model (stainless upper, silver anodized frame). I have had some before, but I prefer Berettas in black. I have no plans to buy an Inox again.
I generally prefer stainless/silver colored semi autos in all guns but Beretta 92s. To me, I only like a Beretta 92 in all black. All I will own...
