Forum newbie ... in fact I found it because I googled this gun.
My first handgun was the Army's 92F and since that's what I was best trained on, I decided to buy a gun that was either identical or similar enough in function that it didn't matter. The 92F has the slide safety with down in the safe position. Since this is how I was trained, I didn't want to have to fight that training.
My research showed me that the only option to the variants of the Beretta 92 series guns was the BDA .380.
I wasn't specifically looking to buy this gun, but came across one in nickel at a pawn shop in Louisiana with the right combination of cash and motivation. I am incredibly glad I bought it.
The gun feels right in my hand with the right balance of weight and size. It is concealable on my 6'2" 200lb body, though not as much so as a compact 92. However I agree that 14 rounds of .380 more than offsets the slightly smaller cartridge. In a personal self defense condition, it'll more than get the job done.
Best of all, it's just a dang sweet piece to look at, hold and shoot.
Now I've gotta find a sexy model to pose with it... if I do, I'll post some pics back here.