To glock or beretta?

Status
Not open for further replies.
F

Five-O

Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
113
Location
San Jose, CA
Hi all. Ok, here goes. I know it may have been discussed in the past, but just too lazy to figure out how to retrieve archives.
My sister lives in Texas, and she's finally decided to buy a gun. She is taking a gun course where she'll shoot wheel and auto pistols.
She's asked my what model and caliber I suggest.
I'm a Glock man so naturally I recommended a G19. She asked what I thought of the Beretta.
I don't know anything about Berettas other than they are expensive and have now become the side arm of choice of major police departments. I think she wants a compact, small caliber. She may get her CCW permit in the future once she's confident she can handle a weapon.
Any suggestions, ideas, comments?
Thank you
Eddie
 
Beretta's 92FS was at one time very popular with police departments, due mainly to it's adoption by the US Army (dubbed the M9). They are a fine pistol, on the large and heavy end of the spectrum and can be/ have been accurized to outshoot the famed 1911 (it's happened in Nat'l competitions). Aftermarket support is excellent.

Fast forward a few decades and Glock, Sig and Smith & Wesson's M&P lines have replaced nearly all of those Berettas. While the G17, G23, Sig P2xx and M&P are all respectable and reliable pistols, most departments choose them for economic factors.

Back to your sister, the Beretta may be too large for her (my sister is 5'11" with big mitts), same with the Glocks. For cc a compact Glock, Ruger, Smith or Springfield would be more suitable, though for range duty might be a less ideal choice. The other factor is a stiff recoil spring. Finally, it is rather easy for any autoloader to be weak wristed, causing it to jam. (perhaps with her training she'll have these issues worked out).

Remember too that what a woman wants may speak louder than practicality, ergonomics or informed opinion. Perhaps introducing her to THR forums might allow her to make her own informed decision.

Best of luck.
 
Beretta's are solid guns. I used to own 2 Glocks before buying my 92F. I no longer own those Glocks(23c and 19).

The problem with the 92/96 series is that they are duty pistols. Meaning its hard for tha majority of people to conceal carry them. Cost wise(barring specialty or INOX models) they are no more expensive than Glocks.

You can get into the PX4/Cougar series and they will be a bit smaller. There is also a sub compact PX4 out there. these things are pussycats to shoot. The recoil is extremly light due to the rotating barrels. Regarding recoil in myh experience, PX4<Beretta 92< Glock 19. the Beretta 92 is known to be a very light recoiling gun. Shooting a 9mm PX4 next to my 92F(using same ammo) the PX4 recoiled less despite being 6oz lighter.

As far as small, concealable guns, I would recommend looking into Kahr Arms. My CW9 retains a 1911-ish grip and is smaller/lighter than the G29 in almost every category. Its large enough to be able to practice and not be sore and small enough to where people with small hands will fall in love with the grip. The price is good too @ ~$425.
 
Through the years, I've owned a Beretta 92, 96, and 84. I still have an 87 that is one of my plinkers. I think the handiest was the 84. Even though it is a .380, it's size was just right for concealability. It is also small enough to fit the hand just right.

Try to get your sister to try one out.
 
Heck, I'l 6'1", and 176 lbs. I carry a Beretta 92 comncealed in a IWB holster every day :)

I love Berettas :)

Beretta-Group71.gif
 
If she is a NEW shooter, AND wants to carry concealed someday, get her a S&W .357 revolver 2-3". She can practice with .38 loads all day long and not have to get too overwhelmed with the autos. Yet.
 
Berettas are good and reliable guns. However, Glocks are more practical. They typically have higher magazine capacities, are more durable, have more after market accessories, and consistant triggers. In addition, the Glocks have the passive safeties. With that being said, both Glocks and Berettas are combat proven, solid, accurate, and reliable platforms.
 
She is taking a gun course where she'll shoot wheel and auto pistols.
She's asked my what model and caliber I suggest.
Click to expand...
Tell her to take the course as planned. After that she'll have a better idea of what she wants, and will be easier to help.
 
They typically have higher magazine capacities
Click to expand...

There are 17 round factory mags for Beretta 92s. And, there are MDS and factory 20 rounders too. Unless you want 33 round Glock mags, which no one would use in a carry gun unless they are at the range (or shooting a Keltec carbine), that's not really true.
 
There are 17 round factory mags for Beretta 92s. And, there are MDS and factory 20 rounders too. Unless you want 33 round Glock mags, which no one would use in a carry gun unless they are at the range (or shooting a Keltec carbine), that's not really true.
Click to expand...

MecGar also makes 18-round magazines that fit flush.
 
I'd recommend letting her shoot a metric #*-@-ton of different guns and then LETTING HER MAKE a choice. 8)
Click to expand...
There really isn't anything else that needs to be said here.

my $.02:
I like Glocks.
Berettas are pretty.
 
I have a Beretta 92FS. I bought it because I love the smooth function and its a great range gun. For CCW, its too big, the grip is too big for the most part. It does run like its on ball bearings though. For carry. The Glock is the easy choice for most cases.
 
If she wants something on the small side try the Beretta Cheetah 85FS. Its a .380, slim grip. My wife has one and loves it.
 
giggitygiggity said:
and consistant triggers.
Click to expand...

Most berettas also have a type "d" model which is double action only and removes the decocker and safety. The px4, in addition, has a type "c" (constant action) model that is single action only, has no hammer and the safety/decocker is removed.
 
I'm a Glock guy, but its pretty much a given that the thing to do is see what fits her hand. Shoot before buy and it will be much more likely to end up with a good match.
 
Am I the only one who noticed the Beretta's in that picture are arranged in a swastika?
 
Hardworker, Ship has posted that pic of his Beretta collection before with similar response. If you understand Eastern philosophy it will be less offensive and WAY more awesome! (think "peace" and how it might be achieved within the pic). Plus, he assured everyone he harbors no ill will towards any specific group or race, though I suspect if you broke into his house he might show some extreme prejudice; )
 
Am I the only one who noticed the Beretta's in that picture are arranged in a swastika?
Click to expand...

Geeze... If it'll make you feel any better, as soon as I get the 92A1, I'll have 5 Berettas. Then I can take a picture of a "Wheel-o-Berettas"

Anyway - the grips were turned the other way to avoid any issues with a swastika. But, I've seen others take that same shot with other guns as well. It looks much better than just lining them up side by side.

and as just stated above - while I was not trying to make a swastika, that symbol goes back thousands of years in Eastern Philosophies. Your'd be surprised to see it in many Buddhist temples.

And yes, the only social group I am prejudiced against is burglars :p
 
I prefer Glocks. Your sister may prefer Berettas, or something else entirely. The only way to find out for sure is to let her shoot a variety of handguns, and then decide for herself.

R
 
My suggestion

Advise your sister to go to the local range that offers Glolck and Beretta pistols for rent and shoot both. Choose the one that best fits her hand and she is most comfortable shooting. While Glock produces a fine gun, I prefer Berettas. Both mfgs guns are durable, reliable, and accurate. I own several Berettas and one Glock. I keep the Glock in my truck at all times and carry a Kahr PM9.

Beretta CX4 Storm, 9mm
Beretta PX4 Storm, 9mm
Beretta PX4 Storm SC, 9mm
Beretta 92FS Inox, 9mm
Beretta M9A1, 9mm
Beretta 84F, 380
Glock 30SF, 45ACP
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

W
  • Locked
Beretta .22 Bobcat or .32 Tomcat: Opinions?
2
Replies
25
Views
6K
ArthurDent
A
H
  • Locked
Help me help my neighbor buy a gun
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
orionengnr
O
P
  • Locked
Oh no.....my wife wants a Glock
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
Outbacker
O
D
  • Locked
  • Poll
Need suggestions for ladyfriend's 9mm
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
ugaarguy
ugaarguy
Plinkin' Logs
  • Locked
Helping pick an handgun for female friend
Replies
20
Views
908
Hokkmike
Hokkmike
Back
Top