The Beretta 92 model didn't make the final cut for my last purchase but I am looking at it hard this time around. I will probably be using the handgun for concealed carry but will most definitely be using it for home defense and a range gun. I would like some input regarding the different Beretta 92 models with this in mind. Thank you.
Which Beretta 92 model?
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bannockburn
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I have never found the stock Model 92 to be a very good fit for me (wide grip and small hands). The only one that I can actually get a comfortable feel with the grip size and shape is the Vertec model. A straight backstrap design along with thinner grips helps a lot with the overall ergonomics and trigger reach.
JTQ
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Zaydok Allen
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I was asking myself the same question last October. Then Wilson came out with the WC/Beretta 92 Brigadier Tactical. I knew right then and there, that was the one for me. The upgrades are all real nice, the gun shoots really nicely, the fit and finish are a step up from the regular 92's, the slide cycles very smoothly, and if you get the trigger job done, it is amazing. Though the trigger is now a bit lighter than I care for on a HD/carry gun.
OregonJohnny
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It depends on what features you want. Beretta 92 variants currently being made, in order from least expensive to most expensive:
• M9 - Standard sidearm of the US Military since 1985, dot-on-post sights (fixed front), all M9s are made in the USA.
• 92FS - Differences from the M9: 3-dot sights (fixed front), radiused backstrap (a very slight cut out at the top of the backstrap to allow a slightly shorter trigger reach), slanted dust cover versus the straight dust cover of the M9, 92FS models can either be made in the USA or Italy.
• 92G - Same as the 92FS in every way except the decocker lever automatically springs back up into the fire position after it decocks the hammer - there is no safety.
• M9A1 - Has the sights and radiused backstrap of the 92FS, but has checkering on the frontstrap and backstrap instead of grooves, a beveled magazine well, and a 1913 rail on the frame. Made in the USA.
• M9A1 Compact - Same as the M9A1 but has a shorter frame, slide and barrel, and comes with 13-round magazines, but will accept all Beretta 92 magazines. Made in the USA.
• 92A1 - Adds the following to the 92FS: Internal recoil buffer system, railed frame, rounded trigger guard and a dovetailed front sight. Made in Italy.
• 92 Brigadier - Identical to the 92FS except: the slide is heavier and has more material ("wings") around the locking block area, the front sight is dovetailed, and it comes with rubber finger groove grips.
• 92 Vertec - A 92FS slide that has a dovetailed front sight, with a railed frame that has a straight backstrap rather than the standard curved frame. Made in the USA.
• 92G-SD - Brigadier slide, G mechanism (decock-only), night sights, front and back checkering, beveled mag well, railed frame, recessed target crown barrel. Made in the USA.
• Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical - based on the 92G-SD, but with the following differences: rounded trigger guard, Wilson Combat rear u-notch battle sight, barrel shortened from 4.9" to 4.7", very slight dehorning of the slide, oversized and checkered magazine release, skeletonized hammer, Wilson Combat fluted guide rod, G10 grips, Wilson Combat emblem on the slide and the lighter "D" hammer spring. Made in the USA.
Different models come with different magazines, but they will all accept any magazine made for the Beretta 92. Flush-fitting factory magazines come in 10, 15 and 17-round varieties with various finishes. Mec-Gar makes 18-round flush mags, and 20-round extended mags. At least 3-4 of these models can be had in either Bruniton (Black) or Inox (Stainless) finishes.
Whichever model you get, the "D" spring is the best $5 modification you could ever make to a gun, and get yourself some 17, 18 or 20 round magazines. Don't let anyone tell you the Beretta 92 "only holds 15 rounds". Not anymore, people. And seriously look into a G model. The biggest complaint from most people about the 92 is the safety, and how it can be unintentionally swiped down during slide manipulations. The G models eliminate this problem.
If you buy it brand new, disassemble and completely clean off all factory grease. Drop a healthy dab of oil on all critical parts, then shoot the crap out of it and enjoy one of the most reliable and best-looking semi-auto handguns ever made.
• M9 - Standard sidearm of the US Military since 1985, dot-on-post sights (fixed front), all M9s are made in the USA.
• 92FS - Differences from the M9: 3-dot sights (fixed front), radiused backstrap (a very slight cut out at the top of the backstrap to allow a slightly shorter trigger reach), slanted dust cover versus the straight dust cover of the M9, 92FS models can either be made in the USA or Italy.
• 92G - Same as the 92FS in every way except the decocker lever automatically springs back up into the fire position after it decocks the hammer - there is no safety.
• M9A1 - Has the sights and radiused backstrap of the 92FS, but has checkering on the frontstrap and backstrap instead of grooves, a beveled magazine well, and a 1913 rail on the frame. Made in the USA.
• M9A1 Compact - Same as the M9A1 but has a shorter frame, slide and barrel, and comes with 13-round magazines, but will accept all Beretta 92 magazines. Made in the USA.
• 92A1 - Adds the following to the 92FS: Internal recoil buffer system, railed frame, rounded trigger guard and a dovetailed front sight. Made in Italy.
• 92 Brigadier - Identical to the 92FS except: the slide is heavier and has more material ("wings") around the locking block area, the front sight is dovetailed, and it comes with rubber finger groove grips.
• 92 Vertec - A 92FS slide that has a dovetailed front sight, with a railed frame that has a straight backstrap rather than the standard curved frame. Made in the USA.
• 92G-SD - Brigadier slide, G mechanism (decock-only), night sights, front and back checkering, beveled mag well, railed frame, recessed target crown barrel. Made in the USA.
• Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical - based on the 92G-SD, but with the following differences: rounded trigger guard, Wilson Combat rear u-notch battle sight, barrel shortened from 4.9" to 4.7", very slight dehorning of the slide, oversized and checkered magazine release, skeletonized hammer, Wilson Combat fluted guide rod, G10 grips, Wilson Combat emblem on the slide and the lighter "D" hammer spring. Made in the USA.
Different models come with different magazines, but they will all accept any magazine made for the Beretta 92. Flush-fitting factory magazines come in 10, 15 and 17-round varieties with various finishes. Mec-Gar makes 18-round flush mags, and 20-round extended mags. At least 3-4 of these models can be had in either Bruniton (Black) or Inox (Stainless) finishes.
Whichever model you get, the "D" spring is the best $5 modification you could ever make to a gun, and get yourself some 17, 18 or 20 round magazines. Don't let anyone tell you the Beretta 92 "only holds 15 rounds". Not anymore, people. And seriously look into a G model. The biggest complaint from most people about the 92 is the safety, and how it can be unintentionally swiped down during slide manipulations. The G models eliminate this problem.
If you buy it brand new, disassemble and completely clean off all factory grease. Drop a healthy dab of oil on all critical parts, then shoot the crap out of it and enjoy one of the most reliable and best-looking semi-auto handguns ever made.
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OregonJohnny
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Here is my home defense Beretta:
A Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical with Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light and Beretta factory 17-round magazine. The only modification I've made to this gun is switching out the hex grip screws for slotted screws.
The 92G Brig Tac is the most well-equipped factory Beretta pistol you can buy. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice...If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
A Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical with Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light and Beretta factory 17-round magazine. The only modification I've made to this gun is switching out the hex grip screws for slotted screws.
The 92G Brig Tac is the most well-equipped factory Beretta pistol you can buy. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice...If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Zendude
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Oregon, that's the best one page data on the different 92s that I've seen. Going to print it out and keep it for reference. Do you know if the Vertec is made in a compact model? The grip on the std 92 is a bit bulky to me.
usfan
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Ohen Cepel
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Another vote for the G but they are harder to find unless you pony up for the Wilson now.
G version Centurion is a good carry option (slightly shorter slide and barrel than a std 92) as is the compact.
I prefer one without a rail for carry but with for HD use since I leave a light on my HD pistol.
There are several non-gunsmith aftermarket light rails for the 92s if you find one you like that doesn't have a rail on it.
There are also D models (DAO) which I didn't like at all till I bought one. Mine shoots great and the trigger, while long is nice. Often they sell very low for what they are, police turn ins often, I got mine for right under $300 a few years back.
Wilson makes thin grips for them as did a company named Trausch (sadly gone now) which make it feel much different in the hand.
G version Centurion is a good carry option (slightly shorter slide and barrel than a std 92) as is the compact.
I prefer one without a rail for carry but with for HD use since I leave a light on my HD pistol.
There are several non-gunsmith aftermarket light rails for the 92s if you find one you like that doesn't have a rail on it.
There are also D models (DAO) which I didn't like at all till I bought one. Mine shoots great and the trigger, while long is nice. Often they sell very low for what they are, police turn ins often, I got mine for right under $300 a few years back.
Wilson makes thin grips for them as did a company named Trausch (sadly gone now) which make it feel much different in the hand.
OregonJohnny
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Thanks. No, they've never made a Vertec Compact, to my knowledge.
Actually, Beretta is making standard 92G models right now and have been for at least 5-6 months. Brand new ones are all over Gunbroker and the gun shops. I believe they're only about $50-75 more than a regular new 92FS or M9.
JTQ
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The G models have been in production for a few months, and while they may be available on Gunbroker, I haven't seen any in the local gun shops yet. I was in one of the bigger local outfits today, and the guy behind the counter chuckled a little when I asked him if they've seen any G models yet.
Zaydok Allen
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OJ,Here is my home defense Beretta:
A Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical with Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light and Beretta factory 17-round magazine. The only modification I've made to this gun is switching out the hex grip screws for slotted screws.
The 92G Brig Tac is the most well-equipped factory Beretta pistol you can buy. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice...If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
Does it say WC01 on your gun? Did you get your hands on the first production gun?
OregonJohnny
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Ha! I wish. I'm sure Bill Wilson got that one, and a few others.
No, I just chopped the last 2 digits off in Photoshop. It is one of the first 200, though. I was following all the "secret new Beretta" forum chatter leading up to the Wilson/Beretta official unveiling. So I was ready to pounce the first day they went on sale.
usfan
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Ohen Cepel
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Oops, didn't know the G's were back out.
The M9A3 may be sold on the open market this year also which would be nice.
The M9A3 may be sold on the open market this year also which would be nice.
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