M&P vs Beretta 92 Compact

[mag318]

Of all my M&Ps I carry my 9c the most. Today I picked up a Beretta 92 FS Compact Inox and thought I'd post some photos next to my M&P 9c. I've always like the Beretta 92 series along with the old 3'rd generation S&W semi autos. Now everything is high speed/low drag polymer. I've always felt that the 92s and 3'rd Gen Smiths were safer pistols with their traditional DA/SA systems and hammer drop safetys. When I saw the new Beretta 92 Compact at Shot Show I had to have one. The last INOX 92 I bought was way back in 1990 and I used it as a duty pistol for the last 10 years of my career.
As you can see from the photos the 92 Compact is larger than my 9c. But it feels great in hands and I can see carrying it IWB during cooler jacket weather. The last 5 pistols I've bought all had polymer frames so it was refreshing buying an all metal pistol for a change. As much of a S&W guy I've always been I have to admit that Beretta still makes a fine semiauto.

[HereSinceTheLongHunters]

Shot next to a kid with a Beretta 92 this weekend. Beautiful gun, felt good, easy to dis-assemble, de-cocker.. had it polished up real nice too.... so many guns, so little time.

[MichiganScott]

I've got an older blued 92 compact without the rail. It's got just about the smoothest double action first shot trigger pull I've ever fired outside of an N-frame. My 3913 can't even come close.

It's been relegated to safe queen status along with my 92 full size since I bought both a M&P FS and M&P C. I shot revolvers too much over the years to ever get totally comfortable with the safety of the Beretta or the 39 series Smiths. The frame mounted safeties on the Taurus or 1911 always seem more natural.

[Denversteve]

If the size and weight doesn't bother you too much, Beretta's always shoot like butter.

[kbm6893]

Hammer will always beat striker fired plastic for me. I have 2 Beretta's. The new compact INOX looks sweet, but I can't deal with the black controls on the stainless finish. I do have an M&P 9 Shield just for carry, but it's not a gun I admire. Just fills a niche. Berettas feel like they roll on greased ball bearings when you rack the slide. Installing a D spring for 5 bucks lightens that double action pull considerably, too.

[D Rock]

I've got both M&P 9c and Beretta Compact L.

The 9c was actually my first auto bought in 2008, just revolvers before that. It's a great carry pistol and very accurate.

I got my 92 Compact in 2011 and although it's heavier that the 9c and only carries one more round, I still love to carry it in a Comp-Tac Infidel. Every time I shoot it, which is about every two weeks, I say "Why am I not carrying this daily."

The real reason I don't carry it daily is that I carry my 3913 every day. Otherwise it would be the 92 Compact. Just so smooth and easy to shoot. With the compact, when I draw and fire two down range, they always end up right on top of each other.

Dave

[George9]

Sorry guy's and S&W The Beretta is a top notch gun.. Well built well fit gun that feels like it's on roller bearings with a trigger that breaks like a glass rod out of the box.. Beretta is a High dollar gun but something you have.. Well you already know your best choice! If I had the money I would have got a Beretta model 87 for a .22 had a model 92 and sold it years ago was young and foolish.. still have a Beretta model 71 .22 and a model 1935 in .32 cal they are among the most reliable guns I have.. never had a malfunction with the .22 in over 20 years and countless rounds even cheap ammo seems to function all the time in this gun.. My 1935 is a bit of a classic from WWII my dad got when he was in Italy serving in WWII.. George

[mag318]

I ordered a skeletonized Elite hammer from Beretta along with the "D" spring and just installed them. My 1'st range outing I put 150 rounds through the Beretta.
50 Federal 115 grn FMJ
50 Federal 124 grn FMJ
50 Federal 147 grn FMJ
Naturally functioning was 100% flawless and what surprised me was the double action accuracy. Since the 1'st shot is usually double action I did some DAO drills dropping the hammer after each shot. At 15 yards here is the result.
I don't know if the skeletonized hammer does anything ofther than perhaps slightly increasing lock time, I just like the way it looks. As for the "D" spring I thought the double and single action wasn't heavy to begin with. But after installing the new spring it did reduce the DA pull by at least 2/3 pounds and it feels great DA or SA. Changing the hammer and spring took all of 10 minutes after watching an excellent YouTube video Beretta puts out.

[JNewell]

I have a pair of Beretta 92Ds (think: flat revolver) that I love and that shoot like lasers...but they are huge, and even the "compact" has a huge grip. The appeal of the Shield to me is the very thin slide and grip, which is a big plus for concealed carry.

[mag318]

I agree that the Shield is a great CCW, especially in warm weather.

[shawn mccarver]

Originally Posted by Denversteve

If the size and weight doesn't bother you too much, Beretta's always shoot like butter.

Yes, if you can get past the 16 lb. trigger pull in double action mode - oh - and the fact that it is a 9mm. LOL

[jajo]

The 92s are pretty sweet guns. The LGS just happens to have the compact INOX on the shelf, and I spent a little too much time checking it out. Might have to get it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Denversteve]

Originally Posted by shawn mccarver

Yes, if you can get past the 16 lb. trigger pull in double action mode - oh - and the fact that it is a 9mm. LOL

Unless I missed it, he was asking/comparing 2 different 9mm's. Nothing wrong with 9mm - certainly nothing that every military on the planet finds objectionable.

[M3Stuart]

See that this thread is not that old.

I've been thinking about the 92 fs compact inox and had a couple quick questions: How much does it weigh? How long is the barrel?

You'd think one could just go to the Beretta website and look this up... I tried and cannot seem to find the these specifications.

I've had a 92fs for many years. Regarding reliability: I've shot thousands of rounds through mine and never had one single FTE, FTF, or any other kind of issue using several different brands of ammo. I'm not a huge 9mm guy, but am thinking that a lighter, more compact METAL 9mm might just fit the bill I'm not dissing the M&Ps or other 'plastic' guns, just not a huge fan of them myself. Though I am thinking about a Shield for cc.

Thanks in advance for your information.

[Engine 21]

Nice pick. Next to an S&W my next choice is Beretta. Come to think about it
I need to start looking for a Beretta

[George9]

Beretta, Ya get the Beretta compact for sure. You have a Beretta and know how good it is.. Sorry M&P guy's & gal's.. I'm not sure of the size of the compact but it's about tops in my book.. I know you will see and feel a big difference in size and weight from you 92FS you have now.. Keep both if you can as you will kick yourself if you don't.George

[D Rock]

You can scroll down on this Gander Mt page for some specs. Weight is listed as 31.6oz
http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...ndgun&i=693733

I have the earlier version with out rail and mine is 37.55oz loaded with Gold Dot 124g and one in the chamber.

Dave

[Ken NC]

I have really tried to like the Berettas, but as a lefty, i have found it hard to adjust to the the external action components, which (for me, with my grip) seem to rub against my thumbs. I don't think this would be an issue for a righty, or perhaps other leftys. But the M&P, on the other hand, is very lefty-friendly.

[pharmer]

I have one Beretta pistol, the Centurion has full size frame, compact upper. I like it but it is a holster size gun. Carrying it would be like hiding out an N frame, lotsa folks do it. Joe

[D Rock]

Nice looking pistol, pharmer.

Dave

[Arik]

I always liked the look of Berettas i just wish i liked their DA pull. I much prefer the consistency of sticker fired vs the traditional DA/SA. S&W 3rd gens being an exception.

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[dlay]

I just recently bought a used(like new) with box etc, 92fs inox, and love the gun, so smooth and like they say, feels like it is on ball bearings. It is now one of my favorites. I just bought a 9mm shield, like it a lot, but the quality is no where what the 92 is. Each has its own purpose, still like the quality firearms though.

[BAM-BAM]

I got a 92 F-compact in 1988 still have it and have added a few more since. The 92compact to me is like a Sig 228 with a 4.25" barrel.... concealable but closer to full size than compact.

I've had one FT Feed/eject; in what is it ......25-26 years..... and that was a reload with a deformed case I missed loading the mag.

The D spring is the best $5 trigger job in the world....

Mine is generally a house gun; since about 1990 I generally carry a 3913 or PC 6906. But at 13+1 backed up with 2 17 round mec-gar magazines w/ collar (centurion size grip)....it has been carried in a Sparks Summer Special and a Miami Vice Shoulder holster ( winter under a coat)

[B0308]

I guess it all depends on preference. I've got a couple of 92F's, a SIG P220 and have had other SA/DA, my least favorite semi-auto format. The frame mounted de-cockers, being marginally better than the slide mounted ones.

I'd prefer any of my M&Ps or Glocks over any SA/DA due consistent trigger pull and the option of a frame mounted safety. But then, that's just me.

To each his own, YMMV

[Osprey]

This post kind of reminded me of a "polymer" vs. "metal" debate we were having at the office, a spin off of a Sig (P-series) vs. Glock debate. A point I made in that discussion was that we have 100+ year old metal guns still shooting today, but we're missing a few decades of polymer data because we'll need to wait 'til 2080 or so to see how the initial wave of Glock pistols are holding up.

The reliability of polymer guns is easy enough to measure today, but we'll need to wait another 60-70 years to see how the "longevity" of polymer holds up. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, every "gun guy" would benefit from have both polymer and metal handguns in their armory.

BTW, I carry a Kahr (polymer), love my Glocks, and have a Beretta 92D cached at a friends house...just in case.

...sprey

[D Rock]

This thread started quite a while ago and since then I've added a 15 round magazine and CZ SP-01 Base Plate to my Beretta Compact.
CZ CZ 40P AND CZ SP-01 MAGAZINE BASE 0430177001 [CZ SP-01 BASE PLATE 0430177001] - $7.95 : Greg Cote, LLC

It was the idea of a member at the Beretta Forum, tin-tin.

I like it a lot. Still not as light as an M&P 9c but the 15 rounds makes me feel better about the weight.

Here's my 2011 Italian Compact with the extended magazine.


Dave

[FloridaFeMan]

Big fan of S&W (Shield 9 and .40, BG .380, M&P 15 Sport and 15-22). I really like the Beretta 92 series. The compact looked real interesting but given I own both Shields as well as a Glock 23 and 26, I decided on a full size Beretta and picked up an M9. I got an amazing deal, $440 brand new plus a $50 mail in rebate for military. I know an old design but one that is reliable and a pleasure to shoot. Definitely a keeper for me.

[mag318]

Took my full size 92 (my former duty pistol) and my 92 compact to the range last week. One of my shooting compadres is a M&P full size fan, and he's quite proficient with his M&P. He shot both my Berettas which was his first experience with the 92 and commented on how smooth they were. We were also discussing the pros and cons of the SA/DA system, some thing I really likes in the older S&W semi autos. The biggest pro was safety from an LE standpoint. Clearing a house or other structure that long first shot trigger pull is an added bit of safety. There is no way that first shot is going off by accident should you be startled by the sudden appearance of a person in that house or structure.
After putting 50 some rounds thru my 92s my friend now plans on buying one. And although I really like my M&P9c and carry it regularly, if I could only own 1 9mm pistol it would be the Beretta 92 Compact L hands down. It's that good a pistol.

[dlay]

I just bought the shield, but still want a inox compact 92. They just have class.

[SteelOnSteel]

Just sold my 92fs compact inox. Took the money and purchased a M&P 45c. Never did like the 92, trigger pull was too much either da or sa, safety was strange, just wasn't for me. Wife and I both have Shields, love them, going to give the 45c a try.

[Nakanokalronin]

I've had a Beretta 92A1, 92 Compact (no rail), 92FS, 92D Centurion and 92 Elite.

I've sold off the 92A1, the Compact and FS model. The 92A1 is nice but a little front heavy. The 92FS was okay, but I prefer a decocker only "G" model and the Compact wasn't much smaller than the FS model. I gave my dad the D model only because he liked it so much, but it has the smoothest DAO trigger I've ever felt.

The only 92 model I have left and will definitely not get rid of is my Elite. I've done a few mods to it and find it to be an excellent shooting gun. I don't think I could buy another 92 unless it was in a G or D configuration. Unfortunately Beretta has discontinued both configurations and have completely given up on the Elite and any special models now.

[gumbe]

Resurrecting this thread after a year. I own an elite, centurion and fs. Now, on my way to pick up the compact and my life will be complete:-)

[Ronin2]

I own a M9, a 92FS and a 92FS Centurion. To me the Centurion is "the gun" that the 92FS should have been. It the ideal combination of full size frame and compact slide/barrel... IMHO.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Ronin2

I own a M9, a 92FS and a 92FS Centurion. To me the Centurion is "the gun" that the 92FS should have been. It the ideal combination of full size frame and compact slide/barrel... IMHO.

Yep...................................

[dogsoldier]

Originally Posted by mag318

Of all my M&Ps I carry my 9c the most. Today I picked up a Beretta 92 FS Compact Inox and thought I'd post some photos next to my M&P 9c. I've always like the Beretta 92 series along with the old 3'rd generation S&W semi autos. Now everything is high speed/low drag polymer. I've always felt that the 92s and 3'rd Gen Smiths were safer pistols with their traditional DA/SA systems and hammer drop safetys. When I saw the new Beretta 92 Compact at Shot Show I had to have one. The last INOX 92 I bought was way back in 1990 and I used it as a duty pistol for the last 10 years of my career.
As you can see from the photos the 92 Compact is larger than my 9c. But it feels great in hands and I can see carrying it IWB during cooler jacket weather. The last 5 pistols I've bought all had polymer frames so it was refreshing buying an all metal pistol for a change. As much of a S&W guy I've always been I have to admit that Beretta still makes a fine semiauto.

I carried a Beretta 92 Compact Type L 'Custom Carry' on duty several years ago. I REALLY want a 92A1 Compact in Bruniton....since 92FS Compact Type Ms are so scarce.

[mag318]

I enjoy seeing old threads I started still being viewed and commented on. Some threads just refuse to die.

[fw1965]

That is an absolutely beautiful gun ! .... I just might have to get myself one .

[mag318]

Originally Posted by fw1965

That is an absolutely beautiful gun ! .... I just might have to get myself one .

If you do buy one I guarantee you won't regret it.

[CQB60]

I found a 92FS Compact Type L sans rail, today in 90% condition for $400 so I laid it away. The double action seemed smooth but only a range visit will tell for sure. Its fun to research a pistol and find threads like this, here. Happy Thanksgiving Y'all

[joeintexas]

Funny this thread resurfaced today, just pulled the old 92fs inox out today and shot a couple boxes of reloads. I forgot how smooth it shoots. Sweet.

[OldCop876]

I own an M&P 9C, a 9mm Shield, and a full-sized Beretta 92FS. All have factory night sights. Both Smith and Wesson and Beretta offer really good discounts to current and former LEO's and military personnel, and most of their LE guns come with three magazines, which is a nice touch.

There is something I love about all of them. I love that the 9C can be turned into a 17-shot full-size pistol by adding a magazine with an X-grip, and I love that even the short magazines hold 12 rounds. I can live with the trigger. I actually prefer this gun to my much-loved Glock 19 as a "Do It All" handgun. If I were back on the job, I'd cheerfully carry the M&P 9C both on and off duty.

I love that my Shield 9mm is so thin you can almost forget you are wearing it. I love its trigger, and I love that it is just heavy enough so that the recoil is easily managed by a new shooter. I think of it as the modern re-incarnation of the Model 39-2, especially with the 8 round magazine installed. It is my most consistently popular 9mm among my students, the one they choose to buy after their initial training class. My biggest problem with the Shield is keeping one. Students keep wanting to buy them from me. Finally, I love that the Shield is affordable, even without a police discount.

My Beretta 92FS is a big, beautiful pistol and is a total joy to shoot on the range. It is measurably more accurate at long range than the two Smiths. I often let novice students shoot it as their first semi-auto, because it almost shoots itself, and gives them a great first result. I also love being able to tell them that if they buy a Beretta, they are buying a product from the oldest company in the world that is still in business.

I love it because it is a fine example of a service pistol, and I can remember setting records back in the day in police service auto competition with stock 92's. I've carried it concealed in a good holster, even IWB, and know it can be done, and I remember when the Beretta 92 was a reliable autopistol when there were not many guns that could say that. I'm still a bit surprised at how many of my students with large hands still buy these, even at civilian premium prices.

So, I'm not getting rid of any of the three of them any time soon. I love all three, and each in its own way is a fine example of how much our sidearms have advanced in the last 30 years.