Beretta 90-Two Review

[plouffedaddy]

The Beretta 90-Two (usually called the "dash-2" for short) was an attempt to improve upon some of the complaints about the original M9/92FS series firearms. It added a standard picatinny rail, internal buffer for increased recoil absorption, dovetailed front sight, captured guide rod, and new/updated safety switch/mag release/trigger bar/hammer/slide/frame to change the overall look of the gun. The biggest change of all however was the grip. The 90-two has a polymer grip sleeve offered in two sizes: standard and slim. The grip is probably the most controversial aspect of this pistol; some like it and others (myself included) don't particularly care for it. The best way to describe it is "slippery." Stippling and adding some grip tape help but it still can leave you searching for more.

Pros:

• 100% reliable so far (about 700 rounds)
• Good sight picture
• Balances well in the hand
• With the D spring, DA pull is very good (smooth, not too heavy/light)
• Accepts standard lights/accessories
• Finish is beautiful, it's a very good looking gun in my opinion
• Accurate firearm (the group I shot was evidence of this, although I probably couldn't do it again if I tried!)
• Comes with 3 17 round, well made magazines
• Price--I paid $499 for mine with night sights and also recieved a $50 mail in rebate
• Very well built firearm
• Low percieved recoil

Cons:

• SA trigger could be more crisp
• Very little aftermarket support
• Grip is slippery
• Made in Italy only
• May be discontinued in the future

Overall, it's a very good gun with one flaw (grip) but that wouldn't keep me from recommending it. To me, any gun that is very reliable and accurate will always be a good gun in my book. That said, if money isn't part of the equation, I'd proably opt for the 92A1 which incorporates many of the same features but keeps the standard 92 series grips.


Here's a video demonstrating some shooting, an 'accuracy test' (again, the gun is undoubtedly more accurate than the shooter in this case), assembly/dissasembly, table top review, and some chronograph testing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS-v23Qfkg8&feature=g-upl

Chronograph Data:


Winchester Ranger 115gr JHP: 1183fps, 357ft/lbs of energy
Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP: 1239fps, 422ft/lbs of energy
Federal HST 124gr JHP: 1134fps, 354ft/lbs of energy
Federal HST +p 124gr JHP: 1188fps, 389ft/lbs of energy
Remington UMJ 115gr JHP: 1235fps, 389ft/lbs of energy

 

[psyopspec]

Another good review. I like your succinct style that hits a lot of the important points up front.

I owned a 90-Two for a short period. I spent a lot of time looking for the mythical slimmer grip-sleeve. After a lot of time spent searching, I never found one so I ended up getting rid of the pistol since it was too large in the grip for me to enjoy shooting. My model had glow-in-the-dark sights, which I'd never seen on another firearm. They looked like actual night sights to me, but when I found out what they actually were I felt a little cheated, like they'd decided to go with the worst of both worlds: Not great sights for daytime shooting, but unreliable for low light if they hadn't been "charged."

Are these still made?

 

[rule303]

I guess it is what one would expect from Beretta. I think they were trying to satisfy the "92/M9 is to big and heavy" crowd. They must not have been a good seller, they have been discontinued.

 

[plouffedaddy]

I think they were trying to satisfy the "92/M9 is to big and heavy" crowd.

I think you're correct there. As long as it's not designed to be a carry gun, I like heavy guns. More to soak up the recoil I suppose. But.... 32oz is plenty to make this gun a soft shooter.

 

[bluethunder1962]

If it is a improvement on the 92fs I want one. I love mine.

 

[OregonJohnny]

Nice review. It sounds like some people didn't know this gun was around, even though it's been available for at least 6 years now!

Made in Italy only

I'm not sure I agree that this item is a "con". Beretta is an Italian company, and has been since the 16th century. Their firearms are designed in Italy. An Italian Beretta is usually more desirable with collectors and Beretta aficionados than a U.S.-made Beretta. The same way a U.S.-made 1911 is more desirable than one made in Brazil. Many Beretta enthusiasts will pass up numerous "Made in the USA" Berettas until they can find one that says, "Made in Italy" on the slide, and I'm one of them.

If you like the 90-Two, you should check out the 92A1. It has all the improvements of the 90-Two (picatinny rail, internal recoil buffer on the .40S&W, captive guide rod, dovetailed front sight, 17-round magazines), with the classic looks and standard grips of the original 92/M9 .

 

[Inazone]

Do these accept standard 92 mags?

I currently own a PX4 Storm subcompact, and my wife has been training with the 92FS in the Army Reserves, so I have become interested in the "dash" recently. I was disappointed to learn that they were discontinued, but that wouldn't stop me from buying one.

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, they accept standard 92 mags. And, the 17 round mags of the 90-Two and 92A1 will fit a standard 92.