Thinking of buying a Beretta 9mm

[PinnedAndRecessed]

As the title says, I'm thinking of buying a Beretta 9mm (92FS, maybe?).

I've heard the quality has deteriorated of late, as in MIM and plastic parts. I expect most of my recent manufactured handguns have MIM. Some have plastic (viz., my Glock 17).

Is Beretta a decent choice? What should I look for? What's a decent out-the-door-price?

Thanx.

BTW, it'll just be for plinking.

 

[Surefire]

I haven't heard of MIM parts....maybe someone can confirm.

Some of the parts do have plastic coating now though, but it shouldn't affect performance.

I highly recommend the 92, based on shooting a rental (I recently ordered one myself).

 

[gudel]

People don't seem to have problem buying Kimber.
Ignore the BS you read on this board or anywhere else about plastic hammer or what not. They yap, yet they don't own one.
the 92FS is a great gun. I love mine.

 

[10-Ring]

I have to 92's in my stable I consider both to be excellent guns. I have buddies that have bought similar guns in recent years after shooting mine and they seem to be very happy w/ their purchases

 

[silicon wolverine]

The 92s are good guns but STAY AWAY from the 9000 series. I completely destroyed one from a simple case failure. It took chunks out of the slide, barrel, and frame. Teh trigger gave me a nasty blood blister too. When i called Berettas service dept they siad and i quote "Oh yeah weve been having quite a few problems with those doing that". The 92 i had wasnt a tackdriver but great for plinking. The 9000 was a POS

SW

 

[dsk]

If you can find an older 92FS with all metal parts that is in great shape, that would be my vote.

 

[Black Majik]

I agree w/ Dana on this one.... look for an older model 92FS, with the straight dustcover and all metal parts. They're still out there in great condition. You'll just have to shop around.

My 92FS has been flawless from the beginning. They're quality pistols.

 

[Old Dog]

I've three, two Inox and one blue (Bruniton finish). All flawless, accurate, reliable. I see new blue 92s going for around 500, or even under that ..., new Inox for up to 600 ... prices vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer, and also at gun shows. Would assume price depends greatly on location. I've seen some of the older Inox 92s (without the black levers, with straight dustcover) selling used, but in great shape, for 450 - 500 hereabouts. I have personally not encountered any lemons on the used Beretta 92 market.

Every collection needs at least one 92FS for a shooter. Excellent piece for introducing new shooters to centerfire autopistols.

 

[choochboost]

...look for an older model 92FS, with the straight dustcover...

I too am considering purchasing a 92fs. What is the difference in dust covers between the old and newer versions? Anyone have pics for comparison?

 

[Billy_H]

One of the favorite guns I own, a great shooter and great quality.

 

[JNewell]

I have a 92 that I have shot the cr@p out of in training. Shot till it's almost literally smoking. Fed it every sort of ammo. Run it till it is filthy. It's like the old Timex ads.

 

[atblis]

I am pretty sure

you can get them for under $500
Decent guns. You need to buy what you like. That means it fits you, and you can shoot it well. Not what everyone else tells you to buy.

 

[raveneap]

I have a 92FC I was issued NIB in 1988 and bought when I retired. It shoots as well today as it did 18 years ago. An outstanding pistol. Also have a 96 - 40 S&W version of the 92. Also excellent. It's a couple of years old.

96 top - 92 FC bottom.

 

[MadMercS55]

I have a newer 92FS with the polymer parts and all. I replaced the guide rod with a Wolff's steel unit and went with a 15lbs recoil spring over the stock 13lbs one since I run hotter ammo occasionally. I have 1160rnds through mine without any troubles. The polymer parts are not as big a deal as some make them out to be. The trigger for example still has steel in it.
The dust cover isn't that big a deal for me aside from style, so get which one you like better. Beretta supposedly went with the polymer parts to cut production costs and get the 92FS at a lower price point. Around here that seems to hold true since a NIB 92FS can be had for $475 with 3 mags. As for the MIM parts, from what I've gathered, Beretta reportedly doesn't use them. The quality on my 92FS and 2 PX4's are all top-notch, no degradation of overall quality at all.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I just bought a new 92FS last October and finally got a chance to shoot it last week. It shot like a champ. No problems of any kind. Very smooth and comfortable to shoot. My first love is my Glock 23, but I found myself enjoying my Beretta a great deal.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Get an Elite II!

 

[ArmedBear]

Beretta 92 is a big gun for a 9mm. But it sure shoots nice!

I'd venture to say that the CZ-75 is every bit its equal for a better price.

 

[Surefire]

The 92s are good guns but STAY AWAY from the 9000 series. I completely destroyed one from a simple case failure. It took chunks out of the slide, barrel, and frame. Teh trigger gave me a nasty blood blister too. When i called Berettas service dept they siad and i quote "Oh yeah weve been having quite a few problems with those doing that". The 92 i had wasnt a tackdriver but great for plinking. The 9000 was a POS

The Beretta website says that the slide of the 9000 is made out of steel ALLOY....which might indicate that it is not as strong as normal slides.

I consider the 9000 and Tomcats to be throw-away guns. Not built to take a lot of shooting...

 

[Surefire]

I'd venture to say that the CZ-75 is every bit its equal for a better price.

I like the CZ75, I've had a couple in the past (one in .40, one in 9mm). The CZs were more accurate in my hands than the Beretta 92, but the Beretta seems more reliable (both CZs didn't like hollowpoints). Both are good guns, I'd say the CZ offers more bang for the buck. The Beretta has better internal metal work, and smoother action (especially the slide).

 

[Navy87Guy]

I have three Berettas. I like both my 92's -- although I prefer the 92G which is the decocker only version. I just picked up an new Beretta PX 4 Storm in 9mm. It's very sweet. I don't mind a polymer gun or some of the plastic parts that everyone seems to complain about. I've put thousands of rounds through my Berettas without a single glitch.

Jim

 

[CAnnoneer]

It's a great gun, but consider getting a Taurus PT92AFS instead. It is virtually the same quality, comes from Beretta machines and Beretta trained gunbuilders, has frame-mounted safety, and costs half as much. I got it and love it!

 

[MachIVshooter]

The Beretta website says that the slide of the 9000 is made out of steel ALLOY....which might indicate that it is not as strong as normal slides.

Since all steels are alloy, you need specific knowlegde of composition and the process used to yield the final product to praise or condemn the metallurgy. I personally have had zero problems with my early production (first year) 9000S type f. I have not kept accurate count of rounds fired, but I would venture a guess of a little over 2000-including a good deal of +p. It does have a very thick grip for a 9mm (or even .45 for that matter), but I have large hands, sooooo.......

My 92FS Inox has also been virtually flawless. I own 7 Beretta firearms and will continue to buy them so long as they keep making them in Italy and the US.