SharpsDressedMan
member
BESIDES those who carry it because of being issued (miltary & police), do any THR members carry the Beretta 92 or variants by choice, over other defensive handguns, and why? Thanks.
Beretta 92: Anyone's First Choice?
- Thread starter SharpsDressedMan
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2ndAmendmentDemocrat
Member
I simply can't say enough good things about the Beretta 92/96. They are glock reliable and better than match-grade 1911 accurate. They are safe and feel great in the hand. I would not hesitate to stake my life on one, if I had to. That being said, they aren't carry guns. They're pretty much impossible to conceal, and are a bit heavy. They are a great car guns, home guns, and military guns. I was very upset when they switched my issue to a Sig 228 from a 92.
Ps. if you have little girly hands, they might be a little hard to grip.
Ps. if you have little girly hands, they might be a little hard to grip.
Fishman777
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Beretta 92 reliability...
I don't own any Berettas, but I would rank them right up there with the most reliable autoloaders of all time. The truth is that the M9 is a great gun. You put a cheap, POS magazine in any gun and it will malfunction whether it is a Beretta, a Glock, a Sig, a HK, a XD, a 1911, or anything else for that matter. That is exactly what the military did with the M9 in recent years.
In actual military testing, with quality magazines, the M9 has an average of one malfunction every 21,500 rounds. This isn't coming from some BS internet claim or some BS online torture test. This is a stat that came from actual military testing. I suspect that Glock, or any other gun, would be hard pressed to match this performance in an unbiased test.
People rip on the Beretta, but there is a reason that most branches of our military still prefer the M9. They are incredibly reliable guns. They are also safe, and they are easy to shoot. With being stuck using FMJ, the 4.9" M9 barrels probably help to get better performance out of the 9mm. I see nothing wrong with the M9.
I almost wish that Glocks would be adopted by the military. I would love to hear the complaints about limp wristing, KBs, negligent discharges, magazine malfunctions, and even exploding barrels (a somewhat recent post on this forum). I'm not anti-Glock; I am just tired of all of the internet Glock perfection fairy tales. Most modern guns will match the performance of Glocks. I personally don't even think that Glocks are the best polymer pistol on the market any longer.
Why do people always have to get into these stupid pissin' matches with their favorite guns? It is so stupid. Glocks can be reliable, but so can Berettas and a lot of other guns. If you dig deep enough, you can find issues with every type of gun ever manufactured, including a lot of dirt on Glocks. No gun is perfect.
I don't own any Berettas, but I would rank them right up there with the most reliable autoloaders of all time. The truth is that the M9 is a great gun. You put a cheap, POS magazine in any gun and it will malfunction whether it is a Beretta, a Glock, a Sig, a HK, a XD, a 1911, or anything else for that matter. That is exactly what the military did with the M9 in recent years.
In actual military testing, with quality magazines, the M9 has an average of one malfunction every 21,500 rounds. This isn't coming from some BS internet claim or some BS online torture test. This is a stat that came from actual military testing. I suspect that Glock, or any other gun, would be hard pressed to match this performance in an unbiased test.
People rip on the Beretta, but there is a reason that most branches of our military still prefer the M9. They are incredibly reliable guns. They are also safe, and they are easy to shoot. With being stuck using FMJ, the 4.9" M9 barrels probably help to get better performance out of the 9mm. I see nothing wrong with the M9.
I almost wish that Glocks would be adopted by the military. I would love to hear the complaints about limp wristing, KBs, negligent discharges, magazine malfunctions, and even exploding barrels (a somewhat recent post on this forum). I'm not anti-Glock; I am just tired of all of the internet Glock perfection fairy tales. Most modern guns will match the performance of Glocks. I personally don't even think that Glocks are the best polymer pistol on the market any longer.
Why do people always have to get into these stupid pissin' matches with their favorite guns? It is so stupid. Glocks can be reliable, but so can Berettas and a lot of other guns. If you dig deep enough, you can find issues with every type of gun ever manufactured, including a lot of dirt on Glocks. No gun is perfect.
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the Beretta 92/96 is a bit large for everyday CCW, but i do have an excellent Alessi ACP for mine that was a government overrun...issued to VIP protection units...that is very discreet. it conceals better than my Sig 226...i don't know why
however i did carry my Beretta as a personally owned duty gun when our departemt was issuing the 229 in .40...does that count.
i chose the Beretta over the Sig 229 or Glock 22, because it was more accurate and softer shooting. it feels smoother operating in the hand because of it's non-tilting barrel. i also like that it has the largest ejection port on a pistol in it's size class...never had an FTE.
the Beretta isn't for everyone as it's larger grip doesn't fit smaller hands well.
however i did carry my Beretta as a personally owned duty gun when our departemt was issuing the 229 in .40...does that count.
i chose the Beretta over the Sig 229 or Glock 22, because it was more accurate and softer shooting. it feels smoother operating in the hand because of it's non-tilting barrel. i also like that it has the largest ejection port on a pistol in it's size class...never had an FTE.
the Beretta isn't for everyone as it's larger grip doesn't fit smaller hands well.
SharpsDressedMan
member
So far, if I read them correctly, we have one respondant that owns a Beretta, really likes it, but doesn't carry it CCW. Anyone own one that carries it as first choice? The rest of the pesons replying appear to have OPINIONS, but apparently, not BERETTAS.............(except for the guy above who got his on the thread before my post
.)
.)jfdavis58
Member
I have two 92s; shot one in competition for a while (From a Helweg holster), carried one for a while (in a shoulder rig).
They are incredibly dependable and group easily into tear shaped smears about 4 inches at the widest point on targets 20-25 yards out (about the same as other typical 'combat' handguns).
I've replaced (with oem) falling blocks and firing pins on both guns--no gunsmith required. Falling block breakage is a game stopper but the firing pin still works in three pieces. Springs changed every 10000 rounds or so. One gun is over 100K, the other about 35K.
Both the girls in my family prefer the 92 (9mm) over most all other guns in my safe. It's easy to shoot.
In years (say 15-20 years ago) past the Beretta was one of relatively few high capacity pistols, readily available-my reason for packing it. Today there are many high cap guns in larger calibers. Oddly, I now rely on a 1911 variant with FEWER rounds on board.
They are incredibly dependable and group easily into tear shaped smears about 4 inches at the widest point on targets 20-25 yards out (about the same as other typical 'combat' handguns).
I've replaced (with oem) falling blocks and firing pins on both guns--no gunsmith required. Falling block breakage is a game stopper but the firing pin still works in three pieces. Springs changed every 10000 rounds or so. One gun is over 100K, the other about 35K.
Both the girls in my family prefer the 92 (9mm) over most all other guns in my safe. It's easy to shoot.
In years (say 15-20 years ago) past the Beretta was one of relatively few high capacity pistols, readily available-my reason for packing it. Today there are many high cap guns in larger calibers. Oddly, I now rely on a 1911 variant with FEWER rounds on board.
I don't carry daily, but do carry often and sometimes it's a Beretta 92. I carry it in an IWB holster and find it's no harder to conceal than a full-size 1911. Never any malfunction of any kind with that gun and indeed a soft, accurate shooter. Only reason I don't carry it more is I have several to choose from and go with what suits my fancy. Probably pack a .38 J-frame more than anything else just for convenience.
Yes, I have several Berettas and I carry an Italian Inox 92FS with me everywhere I go. The reason I got it is because I used to drive Italian sports cars and just like the Italians' eye for styling...I think it's one of the best looking, sexiest pistols ever made. The Inox version requires little care...so, it can go days, weeks, months without a wipedown. It has never malfunctioned or broken in the 17 years I have owned it. It has had many thousands of rounds down the barrel and it is still one ragged hole accurate. I know it inside and out and could operate it with my eyes closed...accurately. In my opinion, there's really not anything better...although there may be others just as good. I own every other brand of popular handgun in 9mm, so I base my opinions on that experience.
Fishman777
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Yeah, you're right...
While I might not own one, I've shot the 92 series pistols often enough to have an opinion. I've probably put at least 250 rounds of ammo through the 90two and the 92FS at the local range. I was very close to buying one before I fell in love with wheel guns.
When it comes to metal framed handguns, I really like the 92FS and the CZ75B.
While I might not own one, I've shot the 92 series pistols often enough to have an opinion. I've probably put at least 250 rounds of ammo through the 90two and the 92FS at the local range. I was very close to buying one before I fell in love with wheel guns.
When it comes to metal framed handguns, I really like the 92FS and the CZ75B.
Hardballing
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- Jan 30, 2010
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- 29
I carry one these days and also carry other weapons as the fancy strikes me.
I carry 92 Inox (have 2) both IWB, OWB and in a Maxpedition "manpurse". Yep, it is a tad harder to conceal than others but so what? Supposed to be comforting, not comfortable imo (and yeah, I stole that from a Clint Smith line).
DEAD on accurate 9mm. NEVER an issue with several thousands rounds fired, in competition and training classes to boot. Fits my hand rather well but it is the reliabilty that I like.
To each their own but I like mine...A LOT.
I carry 92 Inox (have 2) both IWB, OWB and in a Maxpedition "manpurse"
. Yep, it is a tad harder to conceal than others but so what? Supposed to be comforting, not comfortable imo (and yeah, I stole that from a Clint Smith line).DEAD on accurate 9mm. NEVER an issue with several thousands rounds fired, in competition and training classes to boot. Fits my hand rather well but it is the reliabilty that I like.
To each their own but I like mine...A LOT.
I have nothing against Berettas and have a couple of their other models (M85, M21a). However, years ago I made the decision to avoid the M92 for the CZ-75 variants for a DA/SA hicap 9MM. I've shot the 92 and its a fine pistol, but there are better out there.
I don't think I ever heard anyone imply before that a 92FS is not "reliable" (or accurate, for that matter). Glad you like Glock, but why dog a 92 as "unreliable" with no other evidence than you and "Iraqi security forces" chose Glock? My nephew is E6, third tour, Afghanistan, and neither loves or complains about his issue M9. He sure never said he wishes he was issued a Glock instead.
Les
i also love the look of the Beretta. it is the most recognized semi-auto in movies (the Python is the revolver most recogized) and is the preferred pistol for stunt work as it's reliability makes it easy to convert to shooting blanks...think Chow Yun Fat in Replacement Killers
the new Beretta 90-Two was styled by Italdesign of Lotus Esprit fame
Blacklabelz
Member
I bought a "90-two" in .40 because I wanted to see how it compared. Looks a little space aged but the look grows on you after you shoot it.
It's lightweight(ish) for a full-size pistol, it's VERY accurate, recoil snap is low for .40 + lightweight, and it's a snap to clean and take apart.
Some negatives I have with it are:
I've had the gun since 2008 and have never had a FTF or FTE. Every time you pull the trigger it goes pop. Very dependable compared to a Colt 1911A1 I have
.
It's lightweight(ish) for a full-size pistol, it's VERY accurate, recoil snap is low for .40 + lightweight, and it's a snap to clean and take apart.
Some negatives I have with it are:
- Cheap plastic guard rail cover sucks. Don't know what happened to it, but it snapped off and I lost it somewhere in a field.
- After about 500 rds a small scratch through the black finish on the barrel appeared.
- Holster was hard as hell to find when I first bought the gun. Beretta sells one on their website now.
- Superlemnova (sp?) night sights that come with it suck. Not sure what their purpose is. They stay lit only 15-20 minutes after exposure to light. Totally worthless sites for a nightstand gun. (I replaced with tritium).
I've had the gun since 2008 and have never had a FTF or FTE. Every time you pull the trigger it goes pop. Very dependable compared to a Colt 1911A1 I have
.
TimboKhan
Member
I have a Taurus 99 because they have a good reputation as being solid guns, despite what the Taurus bashers might have you believe, and I bought it because it is essentially the same as a 92 in a more affordable package.
Love it. No, it isn't concealable but I don't need (or even want) every pistol I own to be concealable. Frankly, I bought my 99 because I wanted a service pistol, not because I wanted to conceal it. Through a couple of thousand of rounds, I have been pretty happy both with function and accuracy, and have developed a good amount of trust in the gun. While it isn't a Beretta, I honestly can't see where there is a big enough difference to matter for this discussion, and that statement comes after time spent carrying the Beretta while in the USMC.
Love it. No, it isn't concealable but I don't need (or even want) every pistol I own to be concealable. Frankly, I bought my 99 because I wanted a service pistol, not because I wanted to conceal it. Through a couple of thousand of rounds, I have been pretty happy both with function and accuracy, and have developed a good amount of trust in the gun. While it isn't a Beretta, I honestly can't see where there is a big enough difference to matter for this discussion, and that statement comes after time spent carrying the Beretta while in the USMC.
sfc_mark
Member
I don't carry every day, as I work in a gun-free zone (military installation). When I do carry, it's a 92F. Never had a FTF/FTE with factory ammunition of any type. It's a bit large/heavy, but I'm over 6' and carry in a quality paddle holster on a wide belt.
I bought the Beretta when I couldn't really afford it, for good reason. A friend had a cheap ($125 new) Hungarian 9mm for concealed carry. We went to the range one day and had to force the slide forward into battery every 2-3 shots. I reasoned if I was going to bet my life on a firearm I want it to go off when I pull the trigger. If I pull the trigger twice, I want it to go off twice.
The Army pistol trials convinced me of the reliability of the Beretta, and I have been 100% satisfied with it from day one.
I bought the Beretta when I couldn't really afford it, for good reason. A friend had a cheap ($125 new) Hungarian 9mm for concealed carry. We went to the range one day and had to force the slide forward into battery every 2-3 shots. I reasoned if I was going to bet my life on a firearm I want it to go off when I pull the trigger. If I pull the trigger twice, I want it to go off twice.
The Army pistol trials convinced me of the reliability of the Beretta, and I have been 100% satisfied with it from day one.
Now that I did not know...that's interesting. I switched on cars and now drive a Z06 Vette, but I'm always in the market for a DeTomaso Pantera. If I ever find one, I will dress it out with a 90-Two between the seats...only a Beretta or Tanfoglio would do.
I have two and I love them, but I quit carrying them concealed though I still have the leather. There are more size efficient 9mm auto pistols out there for concealed carry, including its general duty successor, the PX-4 or even my wife's M&P9, both of which carry two more rounds than does a standard Beretta 92 magazine.
However, I tend to like flatter, single stack weapons for concealed carry, so mine is a commander sized Springfield Champion.
However, I still open carry the Italian warhorse from time to time. If it was all I had I wouldn't hesitate to carry it concealed once again because it's not that much more difficult than carrying a full sized 1911.
However, I tend to like flatter, single stack weapons for concealed carry, so mine is a commander sized Springfield Champion.
However, I still open carry the Italian warhorse from time to time. If it was all I had I wouldn't hesitate to carry it concealed once again because it's not that much more difficult than carrying a full sized 1911.
steveracer
Member
I love them. I would not hesitate to carry one as my only handgun. If it were all I had, I would not be disappointed or under armed. I have come back to them many times over the years.
SharpsDressedMan
member
Thanks to all. It had been awhile since I had heard any mention of the Beretta 92, and felt it deserved some attention, especially from those depending on it on a regular basis (by choice!). If you haven't spoken up yet, keep em coming.
I only use Double Action Only pistols, and have extremely high standards (as well as taste). I've qualified with the Inox 92D below, and carry it whenever possible. I use factory PVD coated sand-resistant mags.
The 92 series accuracy is due to the fact that the barrel always stays in alignment. It doesn't have to tilt to unlock, as in the Browning design and it's mutations. The reliability is beyond comparison. I have three 92's and have never had a malfunction of any sort. No extractor problems like Sig, or KB's like glock. The DAO trigger is a slick as a well tuned S&W revolver.
During the last 25 years I have tried just about everything available, and I keep coming back to the 92D.
The 92 series accuracy is due to the fact that the barrel always stays in alignment. It doesn't have to tilt to unlock, as in the Browning design and it's mutations. The reliability is beyond comparison. I have three 92's and have never had a malfunction of any sort. No extractor problems like Sig, or KB's like glock. The DAO trigger is a slick as a well tuned S&W revolver.
During the last 25 years I have tried just about everything available, and I keep coming back to the 92D.
those "slick slides" are very cool indeed...pus the "D" models come with a lighter main spring for a nicer trigger pull
Erik M
Member
I have one as my large frame CC weapon, and it also doubles as a nightstand gun. Ive been looking into buying an efk firedragon ported barrel for it. Out of a pair of Glocks, a Taurus 709, and a Llama 1911 clone the 92 is the most accurate 9mm I have ever fired.
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