Open to comments on Beretta 92 Series
- Thread starter Plan2Live
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i just bought one earlier this year (92fs-9mm), been wanting one for years!! i'll tell ya, i wish i had just bought it long time ago. if you're already thinking in your mind how great it felt, you'll always wonder if you don't buy one. i assure you as everyone else here has already said, they're well made, accurate to shoot, and are well worth every dime!! you absolutely will not be disappointed....keep us posted on which gun you purchase. Luck to ya!! hvychev77
medalguy
Member
I've owned a 92FS for about two years and found it to be an extremely accurate pistol. I can drive nails with that thing at 25 feet. I don't worry about using a pistol at any greater distance.
Earlier this week I added a Compact to my collection. I've only had it out twice since buying it, but it seems to be just as accurate as the FS. Both guns are easy to strip and clean, and they handle very well.
I think you would be very well served by that gun. Go get it.
Earlier this week I added a Compact to my collection. I've only had it out twice since buying it, but it seems to be just as accurate as the FS. Both guns are easy to strip and clean, and they handle very well.
I think you would be very well served by that gun. Go get it.
LawScholar
Member
xr1200, you said the 92 is outdated compared to other guns....what ones, exactly? I would match the 92-series round for round to any other full-size 9mm handgun, including the Glock 17, CZ75, XDM, BHP, or Sig 226 in terms of reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, fit and finish, and looks.
kraigwy
Member
I was running the AK NG Marksmanship Unit when the Beretta's were adopted. Being a 1911 gun I fought them. I kept my 1911a1, carried and used it for all my qualifications. I was in the postition that no one questioned me regarding keeping the 1911a1. I refused to ever try them
Fast forward many years. I was offered a position as a trainer firearms & EOD in the ME. (Fell through becouse of COPD). Anyway I would have to qualify and use the Beretta. Wife talked me into buying one to practice/get use to before I had to use on.
I did. I could have kicked my self in the butt. I was highly impress. Reliable, Accurate, easy (for me) to shoot. I couldn't see how could not qualify with one.
I've shot the heck out of my 92FS since. Except for the first box of bullets that came with the gun, I only shot cast bullets. First 9mm I ever used that had no problems with cast bullet.
The only problem I have with the 92FS is the 30 years I missed of not having the pleasure of using this gun.
I don't CC the Beretta, too big, I carry pocket carry a 642, but I do use it in out twice montly action type pistol matches.
I don't think you'll go wrong with the Beretta 92FS (I haven't used other Berettas so I can't comment on those).
Fast forward many years. I was offered a position as a trainer firearms & EOD in the ME. (Fell through becouse of COPD). Anyway I would have to qualify and use the Beretta. Wife talked me into buying one to practice/get use to before I had to use on.
I did. I could have kicked my self in the butt. I was highly impress. Reliable, Accurate, easy (for me) to shoot. I couldn't see how could not qualify with one.
I've shot the heck out of my 92FS since. Except for the first box of bullets that came with the gun, I only shot cast bullets. First 9mm I ever used that had no problems with cast bullet.
The only problem I have with the 92FS is the 30 years I missed of not having the pleasure of using this gun.
I don't CC the Beretta, too big, I carry pocket carry a 642, but I do use it in out twice montly action type pistol matches.
I don't think you'll go wrong with the Beretta 92FS (I haven't used other Berettas so I can't comment on those).
Kendal Black
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The Beretta works well, shoots straight and the bugs are worked out of it, through long use by the military. It's a good choice. Because so many are in use, parts and accessories will not be a problem in the foreseeable future.
Because you like simple operation, and a hammer, you might enjoy taking a further look at the SIG-Sauer models with the classic DA/SA decocker lockwork, the 22X series. You cannot leave the safety catch in the wrong position, because there isn't one. Carry mode is decocked and a firm press on the DA trigger will fire the gun. If you prefer you can cock it with your thumb.
I think one pistol as good as the other in practical terms. If the Beretta appeals to you, I can't think of a downside. Some 1911 fans were scandalized when the Beretta replaced the old .45 as the service pistol, but the Beretta has proven a good choice, easier to shoot and easier to handle safely.
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Lonestar49
Member
...
Yes, the D-spring (main spring/hammer) is, IIRC, aprox 2.5lbs less than the factory main springs of 10lb
They have been used, for a long time, for competition shootings as well as personal use without concern of light strikes.
Like any spring, the more ya use them, the better/smoother they become, "to a point"..
But most that take out the factory main springs and replace with D-springs find the immediate, lighter, smoother, DA pull difference..
worth the (less) effort
OMMV
Ls
Yes, the D-spring (main spring/hammer) is, IIRC, aprox 2.5lbs less than the factory main springs of 10lb
They have been used, for a long time, for competition shootings as well as personal use without concern of light strikes.
Like any spring, the more ya use them, the better/smoother they become, "to a point"..
But most that take out the factory main springs and replace with D-springs find the immediate, lighter, smoother, DA pull difference..
worth the (less) effort
OMMV
Ls
Big_John1961
Member
xr1200 said:
I have to call hogwash on this one. I think these pistol remain in wide use worldwide, and I don't think they are going anywhere.
Smaug
Member
OP - 1911s can be an acquired taste. I like mine more each time I take it out.
Beretta 92s, on the other hand, are usually love at first sight. They are on the big side, but it doesn't seem to interfere with function at all. Even my wife with her tiny hands said it feels good.
I owned a Taurus PT-92, which is the previous generation Beretta, withe the frame mounted safety. Keep this one in mind. The finish is not quite as nice as on a Beretta, but the frame seems like a much better place for the safety.
I give Beretta some props for thinking outside the box a bit. The barrel on the 92 moves a bit differently than others. Then, their Cougar had the swiveling barrel that also worked really well.
Speaking of finish, Beretta's is second to none, yet they cost hundreds less than the German guns.
Berettas, in general, are reliable, accurate, a good value, AND they look good and feel good. It is hard to get so many of these virtues in one gun.
The comments about racking the slide on it, are spot-on. It isn't like the sound or feel of it makes any difference to the cartridges, but there's something abouth the human factor while doing it. It is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who can appreciate fine machinery.
I onced asked someone (username PSP, I think) about the difference between a Beretta (in this case, an 85) and a Bersa (Thunder 380). The Bersa is well respected in the 380 world as accurate, reliable, and soft-shooting. But PSP went on to say: "The Bersa works fine, but it feels like it was made in a tractor factory. the Beretta feels like it was made by people who have been making guns for 500 years." (which is the case)
The only real contenders vs. the Beretta 92 are, IMO:
- Browning Hi-Power (single action only, lower capacity, not as good looking)
- CZ75 (or 85) : Not as well finished, not as good-looking, lower capacity, better grip, just as accurate
I won't put down Glocks to make the Beretta seem better. They are probably more reliable, and just as mechanically accurate, but they squeak sometimes and sound and feel really cheap, and are harder to shoot well. They're lighter and smaller. Glock appeal to the people who think guns are just tools.
Anyway, you seem to have taken a shining to the Beretta, and it is a good gun, so go for it. I don't think you'll regret it, and I don't think you'll crack the slide either.
Beretta 92s, on the other hand, are usually love at first sight. They are on the big side, but it doesn't seem to interfere with function at all. Even my wife with her tiny hands said it feels good.
I owned a Taurus PT-92, which is the previous generation Beretta, withe the frame mounted safety. Keep this one in mind. The finish is not quite as nice as on a Beretta, but the frame seems like a much better place for the safety.
I give Beretta some props for thinking outside the box a bit. The barrel on the 92 moves a bit differently than others. Then, their Cougar had the swiveling barrel that also worked really well.
Speaking of finish, Beretta's is second to none, yet they cost hundreds less than the German guns.
Berettas, in general, are reliable, accurate, a good value, AND they look good and feel good. It is hard to get so many of these virtues in one gun.
The comments about racking the slide on it, are spot-on. It isn't like the sound or feel of it makes any difference to the cartridges, but there's something abouth the human factor while doing it. It is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of anyone who can appreciate fine machinery.
I onced asked someone (username PSP, I think) about the difference between a Beretta (in this case, an 85) and a Bersa (Thunder 380). The Bersa is well respected in the 380 world as accurate, reliable, and soft-shooting. But PSP went on to say: "The Bersa works fine, but it feels like it was made in a tractor factory. the Beretta feels like it was made by people who have been making guns for 500 years." (which is the case)
The only real contenders vs. the Beretta 92 are, IMO:
- Browning Hi-Power (single action only, lower capacity, not as good looking)
- CZ75 (or 85) : Not as well finished, not as good-looking, lower capacity, better grip, just as accurate
I won't put down Glocks to make the Beretta seem better. They are probably more reliable, and just as mechanically accurate, but they squeak sometimes and sound and feel really cheap, and are harder to shoot well. They're lighter and smaller. Glock appeal to the people who think guns are just tools.
Anyway, you seem to have taken a shining to the Beretta, and it is a good gun, so go for it. I don't think you'll regret it, and I don't think you'll crack the slide either.
Slide failures were due to using over powered 9mm rounds. With standard rounds the failures would probably have never happened. I believe Beretta beefed up the gun to minimize those failures, anyway.
The Beretta 92 series are excellent weapons, if you like the 9mm cartridge.
The Beretta 92 series are excellent weapons, if you like the 9mm cartridge.
dfsixstring
Member
I recall, many years ago when the military changed over to these. I was in the service at the time. I was very impressed with this pistol. I was an MP and carried it daily both here in the US and overseas.
I recall being able to shoot a relatively tight grouping at 25 yards - with a gas mask on. We were required to qualify under extreme conditions at the time. I loved the weight, oversized grip and butter-like trigger these had.
I was at my local indoor range (Larry's Pistol and Pawn) on Saturday and noticed they had one on the rental wall. I got it and ran a few mags through it. It all came back to me. The first shot at 15 yards was dead center. I'm so used to shooting lighter handguns these days that this thing felt like it had no kick at all.
If I could afford one - I'd buy one today just for nostalgia.
I recall being able to shoot a relatively tight grouping at 25 yards - with a gas mask on. We were required to qualify under extreme conditions at the time. I loved the weight, oversized grip and butter-like trigger these had.
I was at my local indoor range (Larry's Pistol and Pawn) on Saturday and noticed they had one on the rental wall. I got it and ran a few mags through it. It all came back to me. The first shot at 15 yards was dead center. I'm so used to shooting lighter handguns these days that this thing felt like it had no kick at all.
If I could afford one - I'd buy one today just for nostalgia.
Whiskey11
Member
I made the mistake of buying one...
...now my XD45 Tac will get no love at all.
It is certainly an accurate bugger with 52 shots in a 3" grouping (and a few fliers) at 12.5 yards while shooting from sandbags. 9mm is cheap as chips and the trigger is amazing in single action. Trigger breaks like glass and the reset is silly short compared to the XD. My hands are on the side of huge, so I added the hogue grips to mine and it makes an even larger difference on comfort for me.
There is only one cure for wanting an m92, and that is buying one. It may not be the smallest, lightest, or even best 9mm out there, but it is one heck of a great firearm!
...now my XD45 Tac will get no love at all.
It is certainly an accurate bugger with 52 shots in a 3" grouping (and a few fliers) at 12.5 yards while shooting from sandbags. 9mm is cheap as chips and the trigger is amazing in single action. Trigger breaks like glass and the reset is silly short compared to the XD. My hands are on the side of huge, so I added the hogue grips to mine and it makes an even larger difference on comfort for me.
There is only one cure for wanting an m92, and that is buying one. It may not be the smallest, lightest, or even best 9mm out there, but it is one heck of a great firearm!
yuppiejr
Member
"In their day they were good guns, but when compared to other new alloy or other steel and even polymer framed guns they are really out dated.
If the US military didn't use it as its standard side arm, it would probably be no longer made.
In comparison the browning hp, sig , cz75 , glocks, xd, fnh are a lot better guns."
I'm not following the logic, "old" design does not = bad... it's not like the Colt 1911 style pistol fell off the face of the planet when the US military moved to the Beretta M2 sidearm... good designs including the Colt 1911, Browning High Power/CZ75, Sauer 38h (later Sig P230/232) and Beretta 92 have evolved and improved over time because the basic design was sound. The same may be said for modern Glock pistols or the various poly + alloy autos that have come after (XD, FNH, etc..) - they have the shoulders of giants to stand on and much to prove before I'd throw out a blanket statement like they are "a lot better guns."
I'd argue we live in a pretty golden time of firearm design... the sheer variety of quality pistols that can be purchased is staggering and the power of the internet tends to mean even the worst, most neglected designs can be brought to some level of function with a bit of reading and elbow grease.
If the US military didn't use it as its standard side arm, it would probably be no longer made.
In comparison the browning hp, sig , cz75 , glocks, xd, fnh are a lot better guns."
I'm not following the logic, "old" design does not = bad... it's not like the Colt 1911 style pistol fell off the face of the planet when the US military moved to the Beretta M2 sidearm... good designs including the Colt 1911, Browning High Power/CZ75, Sauer 38h (later Sig P230/232) and Beretta 92 have evolved and improved over time because the basic design was sound. The same may be said for modern Glock pistols or the various poly + alloy autos that have come after (XD, FNH, etc..) - they have the shoulders of giants to stand on and much to prove before I'd throw out a blanket statement like they are "a lot better guns."
I'd argue we live in a pretty golden time of firearm design... the sheer variety of quality pistols that can be purchased is staggering and the power of the internet tends to mean even the worst, most neglected designs can be brought to some level of function with a bit of reading and elbow grease.
Jonah71
Member
I asked my local gun shop owner to let me know if a used 92 showed up at the shop. His response was "OK, but you have that CZ why would you need one?" He should know by now it's not a question of "need."
SigP229R
Member
First full size semi-auto I ever bought was a 92f and it was the gun I used to qualify for my ccp. I liked it so well I bought a 92fs Centurion first of this year. My estimation is one of the best most rock solid pistols ever made,
Whiskey11
Member
Paul, what kind of failures? What ammo? Estimated round count? I have only put 250 through mine but zero failures of any type.
After 300 rounds, I've had FTE, FTF, and slide not locking back on the last round. Ammo was Federal and Tula, which my beat-up old P6 and Israeli BHP have had no problem with. So far it is rivaling Kahr for junkiness. Hopefully it will break in but as of now I have zero confidence in it for anything but a range gun.
If I have to send it back, I have to pay to ship.
If I have to send it back, I have to pay to ship.
ForumSurfer
Member
I owned one and would love to own another. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I really, really, really dislike slide mounted safeties, though. But that is just personal preference.
Are the D models double action only? I've never researched nor shot one. Those are some nice looking berettas you have!
KurtC said:
Are the D models double action only? I've never researched nor shot one. Those are some nice looking berettas you have!
Rob96
Member
You state the 92fs is an outdated design yet site guns like the BHP and CZ are being better. I really don't understand your logic. I carried the M9 as a duty weapon in a very hot humid environment and it always went bang. Never any issues of rust. Despite its size for caliber, is any easy pistol to shoot well. I owned a CZ-75. It would choke on 147gr loads. With 115 and 124 gr loads it would begin to suffer feed issues before getting through a box of ammo.
Have read writings from guys, both active and retired Special Ops that hve used this weapon in real situations and really have nothing bad to say about it. Even one current member in SF has written he shoots the 92fs best despite other platforms feeling better to him.
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