I love the Beretta 92FS. I've only had 2 or 3 guns that have never given my issues: 92FS, a S&W Model 10, and, so far, my current 642.

The 92FS is the only gun with a slide-mounted safety that I would use. Because it's spring-loaded you can swipe it off with the same motion you'd use on a 1911 or Hi-Power; you just have to start your thumb higher. I would prefer a G model, though. One downside with the FS is making sure you re-sweep the safety off anytime you manipulate the slide (reload, malfunction clearing, etc.) to ensure the gun will fire.

The gun does have a big grip, and I have smallish hands, somewhere between a small and medium glove size. Despite that, I've done better shooting with the 92FS than nearly any other gun, and that includes shooting 1911s.

I do think the 92FS is a bit too big for me to carry on a regular basis. I'd love to get a 92 Compact, or even better, the Type M single-stack. Other people may have better luck with it based on their body type and/or clothing.

I always wanted to try the D hammer spring, but never did. I did add the Wolff Border Patrol trigger return spring for more durability.

If I wanted a double-stack 9mm gun for carry, it would probably be between a Sig P229, particularly the DAK model, and the Glock 19.

This picture is a little misleading. The hardest part of a gun to conceal is the grip frame. Look at the Beretta's grip frame and compare that to the K-frame's. I had a Glock 23 and a 3" 65. It was easier for me to conceal the 65 than the Glock because of the difference in the grip frame size and shape.

If you're mechanically inclined at all and comfortable working on your gun, the F models are easily coverted to Gs by disassembling the safety lever mechanism and, if I remember correctly, simply removing a detent or something like that. Instructions for this common modification can be found online.

This is almost a must-do mod. It greatly improves the factory trigger and works particularly well, creating a very nice light trigger pull, with the addition of swapping in an Elite II (skeletonized) hammer, but you'll want to test this combo for reliable ignition with all the ammo primers you shoot before carrying the gun.

These mods, including the EII hammer, also apply to and work well in Beretta's Cougar series pistols. This highly modified 8040F has been G'd and carries a D spring and EII hammer.

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SWHF #448

I have wanted a 92 ever since I got my Italian made PX4 Storm Compact. However, I really never had a use for the larger 92. Especially with the PX4 now.

The OP didn't want polymer, but anyone who doesn't mind and wants a great fitting conceal carry Beretta, the PX4 Compact in 9mm is excellent.

I bought mine the 1st month they came out. Got it because the hand fit and size was perfect for me. The fact it was the only Italian made one out of the PX4 bunch was great, as that is what I wanted. It has the rotating barrel, which the sub-compact doesn't. It can take the mags of the full size which can go up to 20rds I believe. Plus it is very attractive, at least in my opinion.

I have shot a few thousand rounds through it, and barely any wear. In fact, when they first came out they had too stiff of a recoil spring that wouldn't cycle most standard ammo. It took 800rds to break it in, and about that time they issued a replacement. I still keep the original in there as it does great with +P ammo. The gun is super accurate to the point where I don't even practice with it anymore as it is just a waste of ammo.

Maybe someday I will get a 92, I like the looks, I like it is Beretta, and I like it is all metal. Beretta definitely makes some quality guns.

TDA (SA/DA) metal hi-capacity 9mm.... yes, the Beretta is a fine choice.

Your 3 main options are Beretta, Sig, and CZ.

I've said it before, and I think most people agree- these are like classic muscle cars, choosing between a Mustang, a Camaro, and a Challenger. All of these are comparable, each with it's own minor plusses and minuses vs the others. They each work a little differently, and seem to be the best line at the options they present.

I'm a Mustang fan, we used to own (among others) a 69 Mach 1 with a 351 Windsor, it was/is the epitome of what a muscle car should be. That said, while I might poke fun at a similar vintage Camaro, it's good natured jesting only, and I greatly admire those also. And if cars were the price of pistols, I'd own one of those too.

The same applies among the Berettas, Sigs and CZs. My CZ 75 is my favorite, but I also own (and really, really like) the Beretta 92FS too.

Berettas are solid pistols. Not my first choice, but there is no denying the quality. Here is mine, a 92 G elite:

My favorite Beretta: my 92g on the day I got it





A better shooter than my Nighthawk Custom Predator 2 which cost nearly 4 times as much






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The Beretta 92 is one of the most underrated guns on the market today, which is funny considering how popular they were in the 1980-90s. They just seem a little big for the caliber. Every time I consider getting one, I cannot help but thinking about getting a Hi-Power instead. Either way its a great gun and I wish they would bring back the slick slide D-series and the single stack M model compact. And those Wilson models seem like a good deal for the money!

It is also strange that some vets I know praise the M9 and others have had more negative things to say. I suppose it comes down to individual piece issued to them, because the 92s out of the box seem very well made.

To the second paragraph........ over the years I've read/heard that much of the criticism was/is based on "low bidder" magazines and FMJ ammo.

The magazine issue is well known. The magazines were made by checkmate to a Government specification which called for the magazine to be parkerized inside and out. This was a deviation from the slick finish found in the beretta spec mag. Reliability suffered. Wasn't really checkmate's fault, it was the Army's fault.

Take a vet's perspective on these guns with a grain of salt. Most Soldiers have very little trigger time or training on the M9. Most Soldiers aren't issued a handgun. I've been in for nearly 13 years and never have been issued an M9. But, joes can talk a lot of trash.

I had the same predicament a while back. I had room in safe for only one full size 9mm. Do I sell my 92 fs and get a SIG 226?....I did and let me say that the SIG is definitely a better gun than the beretta IMO. Nothing wrong with the beretta ...Just sayin

When I had that problem, I bought another safe!


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SIG-Sauer slides had a rusting issue. Was that ever fixed?

I had one for several years and it was 100% reliable. I shot it a LOT. I could pretty much shoot the center out of the target with that gun. It felt big in my hands, but once I started shooting it was no problem.

Oh yeah - I bought it used, a 92fs model.
My personal opinion is to always stick with factory mags.

The one quibble I have is the frame, I'd prefer steel (and yes, I know it would weigh more). That said, it's been pretty much proven that the aluminum frames stand up to usage, they just don't offer the refinishing options (read: polished blue) that a steel gun like the CZ does. I know it isn't a durable finish, it just looks pretty to me.

They are designed to fulfill part of our NATO overseas purchasing quota, and perform admirably.