The Beretta 92 is among the most combat proven pistols in the world. The only malfunctions I have witnessed — in more than 40 years with the Beretta 92 — are related to magazines or poor quality ammunition. The pistol is among the most reliable firearms ever designed and manufactured.
The Beretta Model 92 was introduced more than 45 years ago. Based on the double-action trigger of the Walther P38 — using a very similar external drawbar and oscillating wedge lockup — Beretta redesigned the Walther slide and designed a recoil system using one recoil spring, rather than the dual springs of the P38.
The Beretta 92 is a double-action first-shot type. The original used a slide lock safety. Requests from Italian police and military resulted in the Model 92 being introduced with a decocker-type safety. Detail changes in the magazine release, and a redesigned locking block continued. The U.S. Military has used the Beretta 92 since 1981. While there are more modern versions, the Model 92/M9 remains in use worldwide.
Beretta 92XI Features
In recent years, one of the most interesting developments has been the Model 92XI SAO (Single Action Only) pistol. This is a single-action-only version of the Beretta 92. The 92XI SAO features the open-top slide of the original pistol but adds optics ready compatibility.
The single-action pistol uses a modern, flat-faced trigger. The ambidextrous safety is a speed type. This safety firmly locks up with a positive ident. The slide features well-designed, forward cocking serrations. Some versions feature a Cerakote slide. My version is cut from natural stainless steel. The pistol features a light rail in the aluminum frame.
Beretta introduced the Vertec frame some years ago. The Vertec is a straight backstrap grip, similar to the 1911 pistol. This makes for a good fit for the 92XI SAO. The Vertec grip frame is more similar to the 1911 than the original model 92 in feel when firing.
The pistol features a deftly machined “S curve” on the front strap. Both front and rear grip strap are nicely serrated. The grip panels are black hard plastic. The barrel is 4.7 inches long. The barrel length offers excellent velocity, due to the full powder burn in the relatively long Beretta barrel.
The sight radius is a generous 6.1 inches. The rear sight is serrated. The red, fiber-optic front sight offers rapid target acquisition. The pistol is supplied with two 18-round magazines. Older magazines lock in and function. The restricted 10-round magazines work. I also tested Beretta’s extended 20-round magazine.
I collected a good supply of 9mm Luger ammunition for the initial range work. I lubricated the Beretta on the long, bearing surfaces and barrel locking wedge. Loading the magazines was easy enough, although as is usually the course, loading the final rounds requires considerable effort.
The 20-round magazine I had on hand was difficult to load from about the round 15 on. While it functioned fine, I don’t feel an extra two rounds is worth the considerably increased effort to load this magazine.
When loading the magazine, I loaded three or four rounds, tapped the back of the magazine, repeated the process until the magazine was full, then slapped the magazine home and dropped the slide. This is the proper drill for reliable function.
The safety was positive in operation and locked the slide in place when applied. The primary ammunition used in all drills was Federal’s American Eagle FMJ ammunition.
Beretta 92XI SAO Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Single
Barrel length: 4.7 inches
Firing mechanism: Semi-automatic
Grip width: 1.5 inches
Magazine: 18-, 15-, or 10-rounds
Overall height: 5.4 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Overall length: 8.5 inches
Rail: Yes
Safety: Frame-mounted safety
Sight radius: 6.1 inches
Sights: Fiber-optic front sight, full serrated black rear sight
Slide finish: Cerakote (standard), Bruniton (Launch edition)
Weight unloaded: 33.3 ounces
Range Testing
I deployed the pistol from a simple Galco belt slide. Drawing required some adjustment, compared to my usual carry gun. The grip fit my hands well. The safety is well designed, but not as easily operated as the 1911.
I clicked the safety off, during the draw, rather than waiting until I was on target which was an adjustment for this handgun. Combat shooting results were excellent. The pistol stayed on target. As a result of light recoil and limited muzzle flip, transitions between targets were rapid.
The Beretta 92XI SAO’s trigger responded well to a trained shooter. I fired 100 rounds in rapid fire at 7, 10, and 15 yards. Results were excellent. Moving to firing for accuracy, I settled into a solid benchrest firing position.
I used the Speer 124-grain Gold Dot and Federal 147-grain HST loading. Five rounds were fired for each group, taking care to fire slowly with the sights properly aligned. At a long 25 yards, the Beretta put five Gold Dots into 2.1 inches. The 147-grain HST was at 1.9 inches.
The pistol is reliable, accurate, and exhibits Beretta craftsmanship. This is a fine handgun with good qualities. If you like the Beretta 92, but don’t wish to work your way through a double-action trigger and desire a pistol with one easy-to-use trigger action, this is the Beretta 92 for you.
Of course, we all love the 1911, but what other single-action-only guns make your favorites list? How does the Beretta 92XI SAO 9mm compare? Share your answers in the Comment section.
Disassembly is simple enough, maintenance isn’t demanding. 
The 92XI is delivered in a lockable hard case. 
A single-action-only design that comes off well, the 92XI features ambidextrous safety levers. 
The 92XI features the most modern oscillating wedge design. 
Beretta’s 92XI is relatively thin for a full-size 9mm due to a slim grip panel design (compared to the Beretta 92). 
This handgun features modest recoil and limited muzzle flip. 
The author finds the 92XI to be a well-designed and capable handgun. The front sight is a bright fiber-optic, with an open-top slide. Overall, the Beretta 92XI SAO features a clean design with much to recommend. The 92XI safety lever locks the slide, unlike some single-action variants. Combat accuracy in rapid fire is excellent. 
The author’s test mule was a stainless-over-aluminum framed version. 
The cocking serration and well lubed long bearing surfaces ensured manipulation was smooth. 
The Beretta 92XI SAO is a top notch variant of the Beretta 92. 
After a few hundred rounds, the pistol seems reliable. 
The author found the Inforce light a good match for the Beretta 92X1. 
The pistol is well made of good materials.
Have owned 4 M92 Berettas over the years .
Shooting approximately 10 k total through them and had a failure to feed that was due to a beat up old magazine. That came with an old well used Italian Police 92s.
Have seen others shoot and have shot 5 shot groups with Hornady XTP and Federal 9bp 115 gr loads that were barely over 1 ” center to center over sandbags . Not a Ransom rest !
Until the Glock and M&P came out. I personally considering the 92 series the most reliable and accurate duty grade gun around. With maybe the HK P7 as good.
Keep up the great articles !
My first comment goes with SAO pistols. I’ve always loved the 1911, tried, & true, all the way through.
But another fabulous pistol that SAO. Is the hi-power, I’ve owned 3 copies throughout the years. Then I purchased the actual browning and it did not disappoint, however the copies were equally as reliable.
Second comment goes for the beretta. I’ve owned 4 different berettas throughout the years as well.
My first was the M96 (40 cal)
The second was M92
Third was 92A1
Finally I have the 92X and it is by far my favorite.
I bought a 92SB right before the military adopted the Beretta. I put over 6000 rounds through it with no malfunctions. I recently picked up a 92G from Wilson Combat. Another Great pistol! The only thing I think I would change would be having the hammer drop safety stay engaged, but that’s just my preference stemming from the SB.
Although far from being a Taurus fan, I did acquire a PT92 clone of the Beretta many years ago. It became a ‘loaner’ for very many CC classes a partner and were teaching. Always worked 100%, even when limp-wristing was observed.
The Taurus has a frame mounted safety – much more ergonomic than the slide-mounted safety/de-cocker the Beretta 92/M9 has. This enables the Taurus to be carried ‘cocked and locked’, i.e., like a M1911, which I much prefer.
For a time, I worked p/t at a LGS/Indoor Range. A Beretta M92 was on the rental rack and got rented & shor A LOT. Always basic range ammo, 115 gr FMJ. It seemed to break about 3 to 4 locking blocks a year. Not sure if this is a widespread problem. Those rental guns never were cleaned until function problems cropped up – perhaps that caused it, don’t pretend to know.
Bob Campbell, I spent 30 years in the Army, but it was long before the M19 was the issue handgun. I was a firearms instructor for the M1911 and S&W 38, M14 and M16. Never had any dealings with the M19 when on active duty. When I decided to participate in the CMP Pistol School I found out that they were issuing M19’s to shoot the course of fire. I purchased the 92 to familiarize myself with the M19, and as previously noted, did not find it anywhere near match accuracy. It was not only my personal 92 but the M19 that I was issued by the CMP that had issues. I was reporting on my personal experience with the M19. I still shoot both personally and competitively across the National Match Course with a S &W model 41 22 caliber pistol, M17 9mm for the centerfire stage and a Colt Gold Cup .45, all of which perform flawlessly and accurately. Can’t quite say that for either the 92 which Beretta couldn’t even get it to group and replaced the barrel and slide, then to be issued a M19 on the firing line that had the same issues that I experienced just does not allow me to give the M19 a clear bill of health.
Tabby
Yours is the only complaint concerning M92 accuracy I have heard in 40 plus years.
A military policeman kills a terrorist at 83 yards with his m92 in a famous incident- it must bu effective.
Tabby
Yours is the only complaint concerning M92 accuracy I have heard in 40 plus years.
I have owned a lot of, single action autos, I bought a new Beretta 92X, 17 rounds, Well it is one of
the best I’ve had pleasure to shoot, accurate, does not hiccup or stove pipe. I added fibre optic
sights, lighter main spring, hammer spring, and a few other little modifications, But this 92X,
Is the, absolute best I have ever owned !!!!!!!!!
DEADARMADILLO; You should try 124 gr or higher, some of the 115sare under-powered to cycle a full-sized pistol. Stovepipes are a timing issue.
The 92 as a young man’s pistol. I carried a 1911 .45 pistol (Mfg. Singer–under a 500 licensed Govt. contract) when I was young, and it was (then) state of art and standard issue. My son & grandson carried the 92 in the military. Moving on, I was on the PD pistol team and shot a lot of matches with a wheel gun. Into retirement, I find the Sig Sauer P320full sized pistol with their Romeo Pro red dot & 17 round mags, or an equivalently pistol, satisfactory. I do not have to worry about ammo management at all when jumping through the hoops when annually qualifying under LEOSA. Nearly 84 yoa, I needed to use the P320 to assure that I could still qualify under LEOSA.
Any of the current military versions of the P320 must be superior to the 92 or the Govt. would not have replaced it. I agree with Bob Campell’s article: The 92 is an outstanding pistol for young men with young men’s vision and steady hands.
I have a 92 and while it is very accurate, unlike another’s comment, mine has started to not eject spent casings. Cleaned the hell out of it and going back to the range today or tomorrow. We’ll see.
I purchased a Beretta 92 in preparation to head out to Camp Perry to attend the pistol school and shoot the leg match. At Camp Perry the shooting is done at 25 yards and consists of the National Match Course, 10 rounds slow fire, two strings of 5 shots Timed fire within a 20 second time limit, then finished off with two strings of 5 rounds rapid fire with a 10 second time limit. My reason for buying the 92 was to practice with a pistol that would be similar as issued by the CMP to shoot the match. I purchased the 92 in November to allow for plenty of time to prepare for the match, but unfortunately it didn’t happen that way. I took the pistol to the range after a lot of dry firing in order to get used to how the safety system operated as well as the first shot double action. I started out at 50 feet, which is 25 feet closer to the target than we would be shooting at Camp Perry. I tried 115, 124 and 147 gr ammo. The 115 and 124 gr ammo would not even stay on the 24 x 24 inch target backer much less in the scoring rings. The 147gr would at least hit the backer but with no consistent pattern. I tried shooting at closer ranges and even at 7 yards the group was inconsistent with a 12 inch pattern. Further inspection showed that one could see daylight between the slide and the barrel. There was 0.010 to 0,012 clearance between the barrel and slide.
I sent the pistol back to Beretta’s repair facility, After a month they sent a initial report back stating that 4 people had shot it, and it would not hold a 4 inch group at 5 yards. They then stated that they were going to replace the barrel and slide. Six weeks later and I finally got the pistol back. They are obviously not a repair facility that is quick to turn around. I again went to the range and while the pistol would hold a group within the scoring rings at 50 feet the shots were far from consistent. I went to Camp Perry and the M-19 I was issued had the same problem with the slide and barrel. The pistol also fired as bad as the 92 did before it was sent back for warranty service.
While the M19 was carried by the US Military for many years, I doubt that it was a very effective firearm at distances beyond 10 yards. While I found the pistol reliable, not issues shoot or cycling, the accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I have a Sig Sauer M17 and a Colt Gold Cup 1911 that easily hold a 6 inch group at 50 yards. Would I recommend a Beretta 92, no I do not. Since the issue repeated itself with the two Beretta’s I fired I find the accuracy standards to be sub standard.