The Best of the Beretta 92
There are plenty of guns deserving of the descriptions, iconic, prolific, classic and timeless. Some are iconic because of their romantic notoriety, such as the Tommy Gun. Others are timeless and classic because of the length of time they have been in production and the frequency we see them in the movies and TV shows, such as the 1911 and AR-15. Some firearms are prolific due to the sheer volume of production like the AK-47. However, few firearms are justifiably described using all those words. The Beretta 92/M9 is one of those very few firearms.
Design on the Beretta 92 (M9) started in 1970 with Beretta designers Pier Carlo Beretta, Vittorio Valle and Giuseppe Mazzetti. The group utilized Beretta innovations from successful pistols in the past such as the straight feed—no feed ramp between the magazine and chamber—and double-stack, high capacity magazine of the Model 84, as well as borrowing from the locking block barrel design of the Walther.
Early military adoptions came from the Italian Navy and Brazilian Army shortly after the Beretta 92 was presented in 1975. The Beretta 92 operates double/single-action with an open slide and short recoil delayed locking system. It proves itself year after year, meeting our militaries’ strict requirements. Test after test shows the Beretta M9 will shoot 10-shot groups of 3 inches or less from 55 yards. Currently, the Beretta 92 is available in four configurations and four calibers.
Over one-million Beretta M9s have been contracted to international military and police forces. At last count, in 2012, Beretta produced over 600,000 Beretta 92 handguns for the U.S. military.
1911 purists are not happy about it, but the Beretta 92 is as iconic, classic, timeless and prolific as they come.
The following six articles are the Shooter’s Log best of the best stories on the Beretta 92.
It is hard to argue a pistol that has served our country for 20 years.
Art of the Gun: Beretta 92 Series M9
The art of the gun is more about the aesthetics, rather than functionality of the gun—gun porn if you will—and the Beretta 92 is “like a fine Italian suit.” In this post, you will find a short history of the pistol, but most importantly, eight professionally taken photographs of the Beretta 92 in different configurations and finishes—many of them owned by Cheaper Than Dirt! staffers. Save the images straight to your computer or mobile device and lust after the beauty of this piece whenever you want.
Firearm of the Week, the Beretta 92 Series, Pistol 9mm M9, the One with MOJO
It all started in 1979 when the Joint Service Small Arms Program began searching for a new side arm to replace the 1911. Since the first model, the Beretta 92SB, the gun has gone through a few modifications and versions in its 20-plus-year military history. Find out some of the Beretta M9’s history and why one law enforcement officer chooses this particular piece in our weekly firearm of the week homage to the Beretta 92.
In Defense of the Beretta 92
It is hard to argue a pistol that has served our country for 20 years. Though many have tried to compete, our military keeps choosing the Beretta M9 for its general-issued side arm. Undoubtedly, 1911 fans and purists will argue this choice, but gun writer, Mike Branson makes a strong argument for the Beretta 92. Try reading, “In Defense of the Beretta 92” without being slightly convinced.
Old Reliable: The Beretta 92
Gun writer, competitor and Top Shot competitor Caleb Giddings states his case why the Beretta 92 is a viable contender if you are looking for a metal-framed, double/single-action pistol. You might just be surprised how well this gun could suit you after reading this piece, “Old Reliable: The Beretta 92.”
Beretta 92 FAQ
The Beretta 92 is such a popular firearm it has its own FAQ page! If you have questions—we have answers! This post lists 13 of the most common questions we receive about the Beretta 92. If you have read stories about fatal malfunctions, we clear those up, as well as addressing what parts are compatible, which ammo to use and how to mount accessories.
SHOT 2015—Beretta M9A3
Even though the military rejected Beretta’s latest modifications, upgrades and improvements to the M9 does not mean civilians cannot appreciate the new model. As we glimpse into the future in this article, this short story gives you a run down of what is to come for the Beretta M9/92… and a lot of us can’t wait!
Do you own a Beretta 92? If you had to defend it against a die-hard 1911 owner, what you would say? Tell us in the comment section.
View all articles by CTD Suzanne
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Tags: 9mm Handguns, Beretta 92, Beretta Firearms, Handguns
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Comments (19)
mkw
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Having fired both pistols extensively under various conditions, I can say without reservation that through 92fs is a DECIDEDLY superior pistol to a 1911. Admittedly, a bit of personal prejudugicell is involved here. The 1911, for me, is ergonomically horrible. Whereas the Beretta fits my hand perfectly. I’very had more than a few 1911s fail me mostly because my hand is of such a size and shape that unless an extended grip safety is installed, I do not fully depress it. I consider the concept of a grip safety to be a brilliant solution in search of a problem, anyway. Just one mans opinion. For a man with large hands, the Beretta is the way to go. The 1911 has a great track record, to be sure. It just doesn’t work for me. If the Beretta didn’t exist, I’d still be a revolver guy! Ruger GP100 or Smith 686 of course! Thank you Beretta for 490 years of great guns!
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Joseph
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I love my 92fs it’s easy to use clean and maintain. I also love my 1911 great to shoot but it’s a pain to clean! I’m glad I have them both and I would buy more of them.
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Packing Some Extra Heat: Top 10 Midsized Carry Guns
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[…] Since we have so many military veterans either leaving the service or making a career out of it, there’s no way we couldn’t mention the Beretta 92 FS Compact. Staying true to the tried, tested and trusted design and format of the standard-issue military service pistol, the 92 FS will feel very familiar to anybody who has served. Of course, Beretta’s high quality control is evident, and the unique open-top slide lends itself well to reliable function with pretty much any 9mm Luger ammunition you can stuff in the magazine. Click here to learn more about the Beretta 92. […]
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fred
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Berretta is the maker of the finest weapons available. I cannot wait to be able to purchase the M9A3, and would appreciate being notified when they become available to the public.
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C.Wilson
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I deployed to Afghanistan in ’06 -’07 as part of an infantry unit. My MOS at the time was 91W, field medic. That particular pistol saved my ass countless times.
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RPK
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After it replaced the S&W Combat Masterpiece M-15, I carried the M-9 the remainder of a 20+ career in a military combat field. In peacetime, conflict and war, I trusted my life to it. I trusted it to protect my Comrades In Arms. I trusted it to protect the Citizenry of this Country. I trusted it to defeat any foe in every part of the world, desert or jungle. It fired everytime. Wet, dirty, muddy, snow, or sand filled…regardless of the climate, never a malfunction. It NEVER let me down!
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Nick
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I am sitting on a new Brigadier by Wilson Combat, with both the SRT and Magwell upgrades. Beautiful gun. From reading about Beretta (I have owned a PX4, great shooter), I know I ought to keep it. However, I also have several custom CZ pistols as well as modified DA/SA Sigs. I am trying to convince myself to just say “screw it” and make the Brigadier a keeper!
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JOSH
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My father a 1911 fan told me to think hard on chosing my first pistol. I chose the 92 after reading up on it. I stand my ground on saying it is one of the best pistols I have ever shot. And safe from accidental discharges when using for EDC (Every Day Carry) and Competition. Very accurate and reliable. I let all 1911 fans shoot it and laugh as their minds quickly change. Thank you Beretta on great firearms
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