I have a chance to buy either an like new older(Blue finish+not Bruniton!) Beretta FS92, with fancy polished Beretta wood grips on it or an equal condition Smith & Wesson Model 659(Stainless). I don't know which one of these pistols to choose-so, I'd like to get some opinion(s)here, regarding the best choice between these two pistols? Both of these pistols have been lightly fired but still look virtually new! The asking prices are $50 apart, with the Beretta 92FS being the most expensive by this amount! I'm new to the world of semi-automatic pistols-so, I'm going to rely upon what some of you more experienced autoloader pistol guys will advise me as your best choice between these two guns? I should point out that carrying either of these guns won't be an issue for me-as they will just be taken to a gun range for casual shooting and then will just be cleaned and then put away, until the next range session! Please give your reasons for whichever pistol you think is the overall best 9mm, between these two(PRO or CON?)? Oh, the Beretta 92FS happens to be an older Italian made 92FS(Estimated vintage is late 1980's or early 1990?)!
Older(Blue)Beretta 92FS VS. S&W Model 659?
- Thread starter slick6
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10-Ring
Member
Easy - go w/ the Beretta 
& don't listen to anyone else 
(unless of course they agree w/ me )
& don't listen to anyone else (unless of course they agree w/ me )
MachIVshooter
Member
It will be easier/cheaper to get magazines for the Beretta. The 659 is a more robust pistol.
That said, the two pistols have a very different feel and one is more likely to appease you than the other.
Both are excellent guns, so you really can't go wrong either way.
I have a US-made Inox 92 FS and a late production S&W 5906 (successor to thye 659). I love 'em both. However, when I am testing +p++ handloads, I use the Smith. The alloy frame and breech locking block on the Beretta are more delicate than the stainless frame and barrel lug lock-up of the S&W.
That said, the two pistols have a very different feel and one is more likely to appease you than the other.
Both are excellent guns, so you really can't go wrong either way.
I have a US-made Inox 92 FS and a late production S&W 5906 (successor to thye 659). I love 'em both. However, when I am testing +p++ handloads, I use the Smith. The alloy frame and breech locking block on the Beretta are more delicate than the stainless frame and barrel lug lock-up of the S&W.
1)Isn't it true, that the 92FS would be easier to disassemble and assemble that the Smith & Wesson Model 659?
2)In true market value, is the Beretta worth more-or, is the Smith & Wesson Model 659 worth more? I had only assumed that maybe a Beretta was more popular in the semi-autoloader market? Or, are these about equal in popularity?
3)Although I have never fired it yet, I do have an third generation S&W Model 5906-so, I wasn't sure if I should still purchase an second generation Model 659-since both of these S&W pistols are so similar with the Model 5906 supposedly being an improvement over the Model 659? Or, does the Model 659 have some advantages over the Model 5906?
4)The other problem is the prices? The older, Italian Model 92FS Beretta is priced at $600 here in CA! The S&W Model 659 is priced at $550! We can't import any guns like these here from out of this State! So, if I want an Italian Beretta 92FS, I have to get one through only a private party transfer here in CA-otherwise, I'm out of luck! If the S&W Model 659 isn't popular enough to be a good seller-then, at $550, upon a future resale, I'd not likely be able to recoup my original purchase price? Other than for these reasons, I'd just want to pick the best gun to own, overall?
2)In true market value, is the Beretta worth more-or, is the Smith & Wesson Model 659 worth more? I had only assumed that maybe a Beretta was more popular in the semi-autoloader market? Or, are these about equal in popularity?
3)Although I have never fired it yet, I do have an third generation S&W Model 5906-so, I wasn't sure if I should still purchase an second generation Model 659-since both of these S&W pistols are so similar with the Model 5906 supposedly being an improvement over the Model 659? Or, does the Model 659 have some advantages over the Model 5906?
4)The other problem is the prices? The older, Italian Model 92FS Beretta is priced at $600 here in CA! The S&W Model 659 is priced at $550! We can't import any guns like these here from out of this State! So, if I want an Italian Beretta 92FS, I have to get one through only a private party transfer here in CA-otherwise, I'm out of luck! If the S&W Model 659 isn't popular enough to be a good seller-then, at $550, upon a future resale, I'd not likely be able to recoup my original purchase price? Other than for these reasons, I'd just want to pick the best gun to own, overall?
MachIVshooter
Member
My Inox "United We Stand" 9/11 commemorative 92FS was $629 NIB from a dealer.
Used blue Beretta 92's go for $350-$400 here. I picked up my 5906 for $300 w/ box, 2 mags and a galco SOB holster. I feel for ya.
The 659 isn't better or worse than the 5906. Biggest difference is the grip and the finish.
Since you already have the 5906, I'm going to have to say get the Beretta (or both, if you can afford it).
Owning both, I can tell you that you can't go wrong with either of these guns. Speaking from personal experience, the Beretta started out being more accurate and reliable but the 659 is built like a tank and has gotten better with age. In the past several years, I can't recall a single jam with it.
Operations of both guns are identical -- manual safety & decocker mounted on the slide. The Beretta is slightly bigger. The 659 is sligthly heavier.
As to which one to pick ... 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.
Operations of both guns are identical -- manual safety & decocker mounted on the slide. The Beretta is slightly bigger. The 659 is sligthly heavier.
As to which one to pick ... 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.
GroovedG19
Member
Both of course. Hard decision.Both are nice.Get the one thats fits your hands better.
Hard decision.Both are nice.Get the one thats fits your hands better.- Status