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.