Basic question about the Beretta M9/92FS product line

[gunsrfun1]

I'm considering buying an M9/92FS as a range toy, but I am not clear on the differences between the various models.

I definitely know that I want a model with the ability to add adjustable rear sights and a fiber optic front sight. Beretta sells such a set, which appears to be an LPA rear and a Dawson Precision front. This would work for me:
https://www.Berettausa.com/en-us/92a...fiber/eu00070/

As far as I can tell, the most affordable model that offers a replaceable (dovetailed) front sight is the 92A1:
https://www.Beretta.com/en-us/92-a1/

These are made in Italy, not the US.

My questions:
1) Is there any significant difference in quality or the trigger pull in US-made vs. Italian-made 92 guns? Reason I ask this is that I've handled an M9 commercial model made in the US, and I liked the SA trigger. So I want something with a similar trigger.
2) Is the main difference between all the different versions of 92 or M9 either cosmetic or features, vs. the internals?

I don't need a description of each model; I'm just trying to see if the 92A1 will suffice for my needs.

Thanks

 

[Homerboy]

The 92A1 is an improvement over the standard 92, but if you really want to step it up check out the 92X series. Comes in full size and Centurion, with rail or without rail, has dovetailed sights with a nice front fiber optic.

But either way, a $5 hammer “D” spring improves the double action pull.

Italian made generally have a slightly better fit and finish, but I don’t see much of a difference.

 

[JTQ]

The 92A1 is feature rich. However, it is an update of the 90-Two and the slide and frame are not common to the rest of the 90 Series line-up.

One thing I point out to folks is to look at the take down button on the 92A1. It is round. All the other take down buttons in the M9/92 Series are oval. Round or oval, they both function the same, but it is an indication that the frame is different.

Beretta 92A1 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/92-a1/

I'm pretty sure the M9A3, 92X, and the Langdon Beretta's all use the Vertec style slide, that is different than the 92A1 slide, but will also give you a dovetailed front sight option.

There is nothing wrong with the 92A1. It is a fine offering. However, it's probably only still in the line-up because Beretta still offers the 96A1. I suspect if Beretta ever drops the .40 S&W from the 90 Series line-up, the 92A1 will go away also. The Vertec slide is the future in the Beretta 90 Series line-up.

 

[Homerboy]

The 92A1 is feature rich. However, it is an update of the 90-Two and the slide and frame are not common to the rest of the 90 Series line-up.

One thing I point out to folks is to look at the take down button on the 92A1. It is round. All the other take down buttons in the M9/92 Series are oval.

Beretta 92A1 https://www.beretta.com/en-us/92-a1/

I'm pretty sure the M9A3, 92X, and the Langdon Beretta's all use the Vertec style slide, that is different than the 92A1 slide, but will also give you a dovetailed front sight option.

There is nothing wrong with the 92A1. It is a fine offering. However, it's probably only still in the line-up because Beretta still offers the 96A1. I suspect if Beretta ever drops the .40 S&W from the 90 Series line-up, the 92A1 will go away also. The Vertec slide is the future in the Beretta 90 Series line-up.

it’s funny how things change. The original Vertec was a flop, and now the M9A3 and 92X models are basically slightly upgraded Vertec’s and they’re all the rage. I’ve owned probably 10 92 variants over the years. I am left with 2: a civilian marked M9 and a Brunition 92 Vertec. I much prefer the feel and features of the Vertec. If I was looking for a new 92, I’d be getting a 92X.

 

[JTQ]

I'll grant that some may not like the Vertec frame grip shape, though Beretta puts an arched grip in with the M9A3 and 92X guns, but just about everybody should be happy to have the Vertec slide.

 

[md7]

I have a 92FS and a 92A1. Excellent pistols, both. Would buy again.

Off top of my head, the 92A1 has a different frame and slide (I think they’re a bit wider or maybe thicker), takedown button is a little different, and the A1 has an internal buffer in the frame. Also the A1 has a rail whereas the 92FS doesn’t, and the sites are dovetailed. Yes, I think the A1 would do what you want.

As much as I like mine, I would suggest a 92X. But if you do get a 92A1, be confident that it’s an outstanding pistol in its own right.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Good info, thanks all, although the differences in slide dimensions, etc. aren't a consideration for me. Remember, this will just be a range toy for me.

Looking at the 92X, I see that it has a flat backstrap vs. the arched backstrap of the 92A. Not necessarily a deal-breaker for me; I just will have to find a 92X somewhere to hold, and see how I like it.

Homerboy - Regarding your comment about the 92X having a fiber optic front, are you sure? In looking at the Beretta website as well as others, it appears that it comes with a basic orange dot FS, not fiber optic. You get adjustable rear and fiber optic front with the Performance model, but it does not appear the base 92X has a fiber optic front sight.

Am I wrong or missing something?

Thanks again

 

[JTQ]

The standard 92X does have just red/orange dot front sight. It is not a fiber optic sight.

It also has the straight backstrap Vertec grip, but they should come with a wraparound grip that will mimic the arched standard M9/92FS grip. Like this.

https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/m9a3-vertec-g10-wraparound-gri-m9a3-vertec/eu00083/

Good info, thanks all, although the differences in slide dimensions, etc. aren't a consideration for me. Remember, this will just be a range toy for me.

A consideration would be sight availability. The 92A1 has been around longer than the M9A3 and the 92X, so there should be sights in the pipeline. However, future sights will probably be orientated towards the Vertec slide. I think, but I don't know, the 92A1 and Vertec use different sights. It sounds like you've found the 92A1 sights you like so you should be good.

The 92A1 is a good gun. You should be happy with it. A few years ago it was at the top of the Beretta 90 Series line-up. Times have changed. It is not as desirable as it once was, but it's still a good gun. Heck, I still like the regular 92FS, and that's one of the least desirable members of the family.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks. Now getting back to a couple other questions I raised, just to close this out:
1) Among all these models, is there any appreciable/noticeable difference in the SA trigger, as far as smoothness (stacking, grittiness, etc.) and pull weight. The US-made commercial model I handled in the gun shop was good; no stacking or grit, crisp break, etc. So this is what I would want in any version I buy.
DA is not a real concern for me either way.
2) Any differences in overall quality between the Tennessee-made and Italian-made guns?

 

[JTQ]

No to both.

Individual guns may be different, but there is not a trend difference between US and Italian made guns.

There were some bad early Tennessee guns when they moved from Maryland, but I haven't seen new reports of problems. OK, every now and then somebody posts some odd looking problem with a gun, but I think that is the exception.

The Italian guns have seemed pretty consistent, though they've been hit pretty hard by the Corona Virus and their production numbers have been way down.

In summary, I don't think it matters whether you buy a US or Italian Beretta.

If you get a bad trigger https://www.langdontactical.com/trigger-job-in-a-bag-92-96-m9-series/

 

[md7]

Thanks. Now getting back to a couple other questions I raised, just to close this out:
1) Among all these models, is there any appreciable/noticeable difference in the SA trigger, as far as smoothness (stacking, grittiness, etc.) and pull weight. The US-made commercial model I handled in the gun shop was good; no stacking or grit, crisp break, etc. So this is what I would want in any version I buy.
DA is not a real concern for me either way.
2) Any differences in overall quality between the Tennessee-made and Italian-made guns?

I have a personal preference for Italian made guns, but that’s just me being quirky. I’m not aware of any real difference in quality, trigger, or function between US and Italian production.

I think the decision should rest on which particular model appeals most to you. Everything else should be about equal.

 

[md7]

The standard 92X does have just red/orange dot front sight. It is not a fiber optic sight.

It also has the straight backstrap Vertec grip, but they should come with a wraparound grip that will mimic the arched standard M9/92FS grip. Like this.

https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/m9a3-vertec-g10-wraparound-gri-m9a3-vertec/eu00083/


A consideration would be sight availability. The 92A1 has been around longer than the M9A3 and the 92X, so there should be sights in the pipeline. However, future sights will probably be orientated towards the Vertec slide. I think, but I don't know, the 92A1 and Vertec use different sights. It sounds like you've found the 92A1 sights you like so you should be good.

The 92A1 is a good gun. You should be happy with it. A few years ago it was at the top of the Beretta 90 Series line-up. Times have changed. It is not as desirable as it once was, but it's still a good gun. Heck, I still like the regular 92FS, and that's one of the least desirable members of the family.

Count me in as liking “undesirables” too!! The old FS and A1 will always have a place in my collection! Like them a lot

 

[Old Dog]

My questions:
1) Is there any significant difference in quality or the trigger pull in US-made vs. Italian-made 92 guns? Reason I ask this is that I've handled an M9 commercial model made in the US, and I liked the SA trigger. So I want something with a similar trigger.
2) Is the main difference between all the different versions of 92 or M9 either cosmetic or features, vs. the internals?

Answers:
1. No.
2. Cosmetic.


Unless you really NEED the rail, or night sights, just think FDE is a great color for a pistol or love the look of the tapered dust cover and radiused back-strap... all you do need is the original M-9. Italian or USA production don't matter if you get a commercial 92FS.

 

[Homerboy]

While I like the feel of the Vertec better, if I was gonna have just one Beretta, I’d go with an M9 marked model. It was the US sidearm for 35 years. I don’t carry it or use it for anything other than a range toy and a conversation piece. Racking the slide feels like it’s rolling on greased ball bearings. Never failed to function once. Matter of fact, none of the many Berettas I had owned have failed to function at all

 

[UncleEd]

The 92X seems to be where Beretta is
going these days, at least with the TN
plant. The model is offered two ways:
With a decock/safety (FR) and the
decock only (GR).

Arched wrap-around grips as a after
market feature also seem to be
appearing beside the one supplied
by the factory.

 

[Homerboy]

The 92X seems to be where Beretta is
going these days, at least with the TN
plant. The model is offered two ways:
With a decock/safety (FR) and the
decock only (GR).

Arched wrap-around grips as a after
market feature also seem to be
appearing beside the one supplied
by the factory.

The arched wrap around grips aren’t aftermarket. Beretta has been adding them to the box since they started selling 92X guns. They are added to address the issue some people had with the Vertec, that they didn’t like the straight backstrap and preferred the traditional 92FS backstrap. Now you can have it either way. As I said, I much prefer the straight backstrap, and even have them on my 3rd gen S&W’s.

 

[UncleEd]

Homeboy,

Here's a Beretta offered G-10 wrap-around
set of grips. They are very solid and not
the one-piece included in the 92X sale

The G-10s are what I use.

Also, some posters have mentioned the
features of the Vertec slide. Beretta sells
such slides, although currently out of stock,
in blue and Inox. Fully assembled, I
bought one and put it on one of my
92FS models. I also exchanged the
FS decocker/safety on the Vertec with
the "G" kit, making it decocker only.

 

[Homerboy]

View attachment 1007429

Homeboy,

Here's a Beretta offered G-10 wrap-around
set of grips. They are very solid and not
the one-piece included in the 92X sale

The G-10s are what I use.

Also, some posters have mentioned the
features of the Vertec slide. Beretta sells
such slides, although currently out of stock,
in blue and Inox. Fully assembled, I
bought one and put it on one of my
92FS models. I also exchanged the
FS decocker/safety on the Vertec with
the "G" kit, making it decocker only.

Ah. Didn't know that. To each his own. I prefer the straight backstrap and even if I bought a 92X, the wrap around arched backstraps would never be put on the gun.

 

[defjon]

I'd go with a 92fs, it's a staple with plenty of common parts.

Get a clutch of mec far 20 rounders and call it even!

 

[AlexanderA]

I've modified both of mine (M9 and 92FS) so that the hammer doesn't drop when the safety is applied. It was just too disconcerting for the hammer to drop when you're putting on the safety. Just seems counterintuitive.

 

[UncleEd]

I've modified both of mine (M9 and 92FS) so that the hammer doesn't drop when the safety is applied. It was just too disconcerting for the hammer to drop when you're putting on the safety. Just seems counterintuitive.

I assume with your modification that with
the safety on the trigger is inoperable, you
have tested this.

Game competitors did such a modification in
years past.

However, I think your modification bypasses
one of the really good safety features on the
92FS, albeit taking away first shot DA use.
Yes, that double action first shot feature is
part of a safety protocol.

 

[AlexanderA]

I assume with your modification that with the safety on the trigger is inoperable, you have tested this.

No, the trigger is not blocked. With the gun cocked and the safety on, pulling the trigger causes the hammer to fall harmlessly. This is decocking, but it's not done automatically. Instead of one step to decock (engaging the safety), it takes two steps (engaging the safety plus pulling the trigger).

The gun can be carried cocked and locked, 1911 style, and in that case the first shot would be single action. (The safety would be pushed upwards to disengage, as opposed to the 1911, where it's pushed downwards to disengage.) Pulling the trigger with the safety on would be safe, but then to fire you would have to push the safety off and the first shot would be double action.

Blocking the trigger as you describe would require modifying the trigger bar. YouTube gunsmith MosinVirus developed a workable method for doing this, but then he decided to apply for a patent before bringing his modified trigger bars to market, and so nothing eventually came of this. I guess he lost interest.

I forgot to mention that another very worthwhile modification (besides the "D" hammer spring) is the large oblong magazine release, in place of the small round release. This is an official Beretta replacement part.

 

[UncleEd]

AlexanderA,,

Thank you. Very clear explanation.

On reading your post, I realize I ran across
such a modification some years ago at
a pistol range. The range, which had
taken the pistol in as a used gun, told me
it was sending it back to Beretta to "get it fixed."

 

[AlexanderA]

The range, which had
taken the pistol in as a used gun, told me
it was sending it back to Beretta to "get it fixed."

I can understand that. The same result of my modification happens with a broken hammer trip lever. What I did was simply to substitute the spacer from the "D" version for the lever. No broken parts.

 

[JDGray]

I would be interested in one of these, if offered in blue!
https://www.beretta.com/en-us/92x-performance/