Bottom line: If I had to keep one and lose the other, I'm keeping the 92FS full size hands down. The Elite IA was similarbut utilized the Vertecsstraight backstrap grip design and railed frame. The Compact holds the same 13 rounds and is about the same weight and length as my Browning, so those werent a factor in my decision on switching. Or call it a Beretta brand Glock. The butt of the 92 Compacts is roughly the same length as other compact models, but the ammo capacity is only 13 rounds of 9mm, compared to the 15 rounds youll usually get from other guns. Is there a laser made for the compact L w/o a rail? What do you think of the Beretta 92 Compact? We have a fair amount of experience with the 92 platform in the course of our instruction business and Im going to have to go against the flow on at least a few things based on our experience on the range. This goes to show that one should put their firearm through its paces before trusting it as a defensive weapon. ._ta-basicForm .hs-form-required{ I would have likely been harsher if the pistol didnt still function after the hammer release broke. Great, thorough review. We do holster-oriented action shooting class and get to see a lot of stuff. The pistol is serviceable as issued. Disassembly is achieved by locking the slide to the rear with the magazine removed and the safety disabled, then rotating the disassembly lever down. Ive only had 1 mechanical breakdown but it was the locking block. As far as accuracy is concerned, during slow fire the pistol shoots as well or better than anything else, rivaling my CZ-75 as one of my more accurate handguns. I know I gave mine a 4 star rating, not sure if its getting published though, hah. The Compact L will accept any 92FS magazine, so increased capacity is available if so desired. There is also a rare variation that is a single-column magazine type. This slide is reinforced at the locking lugs for greater durability, creating a trademark hump in the slides contour when viewed from the side. For what its worth, new shooters have typically been more comfortable with this handgun than any of the other 9x19mms I provide. Compatible surplus magazines are available by the boatload. ammo both steal and brass cased FMJs through it so far. The pistol illustrated was delivered in a hard plastic case with a cleaning rod, gun lock and spare magazine, and the pistol is finished in a durable bluing that is flawless in execution. Introducing a new member of the 92 family, Taking some of the best features of the 92/M9 family. Beretta 92FS vs Glock G19 size comparison | Handgun Hero Beretta 92FS vs Glock G19 Beretta 92FS DA/SA Full-Sized Pistol Chambered in 9mm Luger Check Price vs Glock G19 Striker-Fired Compact Pistol Chambered in 9mm Luger Check Price Dimensions Details Capacity Dimensions Customary Metric Want to sell a firearm? Breaks down easier than any semi I have ever owned. The pistol also includes a wraparound style rubber grip to mimic the feel of the standard M9A1 backstrap. I shot a compact and for me the double action trigger just isnt as good [to me] as my single action Browning, and the Beretta is thicker too, which is also a negative for me. Viewed in profile, the Type M appears to be identical to the standard Compact L, but closer inspection will reveal a slightly narrower grip to accommodate a single stack 8-round magazine. As against, Beretta M9 has a single dot front sight and the rear has a half-circle in the center. Still, a regrettable purchase so far. Assuming that the hammer was dropped his would prevent the gun from being fired. The Beretta isnt a small pistol, but it is light enough and features a good reserve of ammunition. If it were based on how I feel about the fun personally, Id rate it 5 stars all day. The Beretta 92FS has been setting the standards for best military, police and tactical pistol for over a quarter century. The Vertec also modernized the 92 design by including an accessory rail on the frame, a beveled magazine well to accommodate quick reloads, and a dovetail cut in the front of the slide to allow the use of different aftermarket front sights. If you are used to DA/SA guns, first shot on target is no problem with the snag-free DA. During one of my few first range sessions with the Compact L, I discovered that the safety/decocker ceased to function. 9MM LUGER (9X19 PARA) SEMI AUTOMATIC 15 ROUNDS 4.75 BARREL. This cycle continues for the service life of the weapon. } This allows the slide to be removed by sliding it forward off the frame. background-color: #f65325; Dont know how that ten made it back here to the East coast. ._ta-formTitle{ In 2011, Beretta introduced the latest compact model based on the M9A1, featuring an accessory rail and aggressive grip texture. A slight forward flare was added to the contour of the grip front strap. I have a Beretta that had the identical broken part. I purchased my Beretta 92FC in the early 80s. Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. This is a desirable pistol. Shopping with us is absolutely safe - you never have to worry about credit card safety when shopping here Share your latest AR build or photos from the range with #RangeDayFriday for a chance to win a new firearm! In 1975 this locking mechanism, along with aspects of the then new Model 84, was used as the basis for a larger high-capacity service pistol design that became the Model 92. Good review but all your star ratings are too generous. Sold it last year (and still maybe, kinda sorta regret it). At 6am, if you leave your hotel by a pre-booked cab, you should get to the airport before 6:30am and should be good, as Erik said earlier, 2-hours before the flight, having online checked-in and to do baggage drop plus little formalities. I have a 92A1 that is by far my favorite semi-auto range gun. For 92 fans looking for that holy grail pistol combining the best of all of the above features, Beretta and Wilson Combat joined forces to offer the 92G Brigadier Tactical in 2014. Overall: * * * * Ive never had a single reliability issue with any of them. and I have tried to get a different hammer spring for the Beretta but every place Ive tried is OUT OF STOCK. That being said, I can't say I wasn't surprised when I finally got to handle the Beretta 92FS. A friend thought it was normal to have to worry about misfeeds, until he noticed that guy with the Beretta never had those problems, gave up on his seventh or eighth 1911 and bought a Beretta. We see 92s every month and know some things about people shooting them. 8m. I tried a couple of smaller pistols as well, but once I figured out I could carry a full sized firearm concealed with little consternation they seemed a little silly. I own the Inox version. Here in the States Beretta is probably best known for their handguns. I carried several firearms and ended up settling on the GP100. I like the Beretta 92 Compact very much. Among other things, the Vertec attempted to address the common criticism that the 92 series is difficult to use for shooters with smaller hands. Individuals with smaller hands will have to alter their grip to reach the controls, but I have found that disabling the safety as part of the draw stroke to be easy enough regardless of hand size. Id have to respectfully disagree with the assessment of the 92. Recoil control in a 9mm caliber handgun this size presents little difficulty and while rapidly addressing multiple targets, the pistol and the shooter produced good results. Never had any jams or misfires. Nor for me. Just eliminate the voting and give it to the politicians to vote themselves in office. I like Beretta, I own and carry a PX4. What I do know is that it broke, and that it probably wasnt supposed to. While the 92FS is the most common variant, there were several 92 models that preceded its introduction in 1985, and countless variants have been produced since, including several that have directly addressed some of the more common gripes folks had with the 92FS. The way things are going out there you folks will be turning in your firearms soon enough. . Once the long double-action press is learned, speed to a first-shot hit is good. Overview of Beretta 92FS. For a very brief period in the early 2000s, Beretta produced limited-run special edition compact models called the Custom Carry (a 92 FS Compact L with a single-sided safety lever) and the Custom Carry II (a 92FS Type M Inox with asingle-sided safety lever and Novak rear sight). But if this new compact can ameliorate that issue we will definitely be looking into it. More unsettling, I found that with the lever in the safe position I could still pull the trigger and fire the handgun as long as the hammer was back. No issues what so ever. It is more versatile, modern, and simply, an objectively a better gun than the 92FS. Shooting the Compact L is enjoyable; the heft of the handgun results in a less snappy recoil impulse, making reacquiring the sights and taking the next shot very easy. The pistol comes equipped with the standard 92FS steel 3-dot sights. After the Landon trigger and other upgrades, perhaps that will change. The extra weight, while not ideal for carrying, is perfect for actually shooting. I recently purchased a px4 compact and the first session of firing was rough. I contacted Beretta USA to notify them of the issue. Better yet move it to the frame. The fit and feel are excellent. Quick Cash Offer Get Offer color: #fff !important; I recommend on-safe carry as long as the user practices manipulation of the safety extensively. You cant easily see it, and you have to memorize which way is safe vs fire. I went with the 13lb spring. Since the hammer release broke, one could reasonably argue that the pistol is not durable. The new ammunition features a distinctive HEX-VENT bullet design. Save. When it comes to personal defense, serious handgunners attempt to retain the power, accuracy and reliability of the service pistol, while deploying a shorter and lighter version. This is because the safety, when in the safe position, disconnects the DA mechanism. One star for looks, and another for absolute reliability. A friend had his Beretta so I borrowed his. } It's not a cheap gun. Not a single successful cycle of operations in 100 rounds. The compacts are smaller and more convenient for carry. The 92FS Compact's. But either way I wouldnt waste too much time with malfunction drills. I taught for seven years with many hundreds of M9s. The pistol accepts all Beretta magazines, including the 20-round extended version. Again, just reporting the things we actually see on the range with other people and their 92s every week. Since then, the majority of 92 variants produced have also been made available as a 96 option, sold both to cops and commercially to non-uniformed citizens. The new pistol, designated 92FS, became the standard configuration for this firearm, and the civilian variant of the modern M9. In the meantime, some Beretta owners may be tempted to create their own Centurion by mating their 92 Compact slide to a full size 92 frame, but Beretta does not recommend it. Excellent. Im guessing lots of times reviewers will say their gun is slightly better than comparable models because they have chosen to buy that gun for themselves based on their criteria. I dont understand why any manufacturer still uses slide mounted safeties or decockers. Just like the military, I trust my life to them. 17 reviews. It is part of their directly assigned duties. Got it on the table this am and started to get familiar with it. These are the ones that came with my 92 when I lived in Seattle. That said, the accessory rail, replaceable front sight, and flared magazinewere welcome changes that have been utilized in many other models. Now, two of our closest friends in the action pistol competition world are Master-class 92 shooters but theyre almost freaks. Please be respectful of others. The difference is notable when I shoot them side by side. display: flex; I can hit soda cans at 25 yds all day long. There is a short take up on the single action, due to the need to lift the firing pin block out of the way, followed by a hard stop and a light crisp break. Ended up trading it for a NIB Shield + 2 extra mags at a local gun shop. Despite this, however, Ive found that there are a lot of misconceptions about the Beretta 92 that seem to pop up again and again. re: its DA/SA trigger I simply pull the trigger back with my thumb and fire in SA mode and unlike the Glock, if the round doesnt go-off, I can pull the trigger again for a second strike. It really is just very easy to shoot well. Your email address will not be published. It includes a railed frame but, unlike the M9A1, uses the standard grip serrations of the original 92FS. The reset is short, audible, and tactile, allowing for a quick follow up SA shot. Price: $ 745 (MSRP) $650 (street). vs Beretta 92 FS Compact DA/SA Compact Pistol Chambered in 9mm Luger Check Price Dimensions Details Capacity Dimensions Customary Metric Want to sell a firearm? The new 92 Compact Rail is a formidable companion for those requiring a smaller format. Another conspicuous attribute of the first Model 92 was the heel-mounted magazine catch, which was common among European-designed pistols of that era, instead of a thumb-activated magazine release button. Not everyone, and I understand the choir here ought to be more knowledgeable than that, but its a big problem. This is a step foregone by most makers. Of all of the Beretta handguns that have crossed my path, from the Beretta 1934 to the latest Inox, this particular pistol impresses the most and is well worth its price. Shortly after introducing the 92F, Beretta released the updated 92FS, which included a minor internal safety improvement. This coupled with the open top slide and beefy extractor ensures this pistol is not likely to see any feeding or extraction issues. background-color: #f05321; Eventually, the 92SB Compact L was replaced by a compact version of the 92F and then the 92FS in 1990. Using an overhand grip with my thumb under the safety and pointing rearward, I am able to ensure that the safety remains in the fire position. As soon as I can replace the hammer spring and polish a few parts Im hoping the trigger will be a little lighter, Ill stick with the HK p30. Still, the problem I had must be reflected, and I docked the pistol one and a half stars. The 92FS is a proven design that has been in service for decades in the U.S. Armed Forces as well as countless other military and police forces worldwide. During that first decade of its existence, the Beretta 92 underwent many critical changes to its design before it eventually became the iconic 92FS that were so familiar with today. So, if by some means the hammer can be cocked with the safety on, as in this case, the gun can still be fired. Weight: 2 lbs Your discussions, feedback and comments are welcome here as long as they are relevant and insightful. No idea when, or if itll be production or short run, though. Fortunately the sights are rather usable; the large dots make them easy to locate and the sharp flat top allows for good alignment. While there is nothing wrong with the earlier Winchester products, the new loads offer excellent potential. (If you wish to become a safe shooter, and a good shooter, find a certified NRA instructor and take the basic handgun course.). As the US militarys sidearm selection process lumbered forward from the late 1970s into the mid-80s, feedback from military personnel led to many other small changes in the 92s design. Its a little different if it had broken after 10 thousand rounds, but this soon? All of the strengths of the 92 in a compact size for off-duty carry, plainclothes work, or everyday concealment. The magazine release is large and easy to activate, but not so large as to have the shooter accidently press it under recoil. Last edited: Nov 20, 2011. If you have small hands, not a platform for you, but I like the M9. It still rotated the firing pin safety so it cannot discharge, but the decocker didnt work and the trigger can be pulled which drops the hammer, a failure of the safety system as designed. } One of the first users of this style slide was the US Border Patrol, who ordered the Brigadier version of the 96D in the hopes that the pistol would better hold up to the hot .40 S&W duty loads they issued at the time. While I am a huge fan of the Beretta 92 and 96 series pistols, once one moves into the compact serits of handguns, I would prefer my 225 over almost every pistol on the market I have held. Not only that, the great majority of safeties go (naturally) down during disengagement. Now about that slide mounted safety. Speed will come with practice and smoothness. The frame is anodized with a dye to match the silver appearance of the slide. Control the trigger, watch the front sight and you have a hit. Research indicates that there are fewer accidental discharges with the Beretta 92 than practically any other service pistol. Over the last 450 years Beretta has gained a reputation as a high quality manufacturer of arms; from easily and cheaply produced submachine guns for military use to some of the worlds finest sporting shotguns. With a short reach trigger and a drastically reduced backstrap, the Vertec model was a radical deviation from previous 92 models ergonomically speaking. All Rights Reserved. Bruges is lovely, but a very quiet town compaired to Amsterdam. As a collector I own many a pistol I feel is flat out terrible. }. The resulting bullet delivers highly consistent terminal performance. It quickly became a popular choice in American law enforcement and on the commercial market. Magazine capacity is another area where this pistol falls behind its contemporaries. Occasionally, an exceptional shooter will perform beyond expectation with the Beretta, others just dont get the hang of it. If your gonna be a criminal you might as well have a fifty round drum. The single action did not impress me at all. Its reliable & easy to shoot well. But this gun isnt just a personal favorite its one of the most ubiquitous full-size self-defense handguns in the country. Overall height: 4.85 inches to top of slide It also isnt the slimmest handgun, being noticeably wider than the others with a 1.38 thick grip. Easy to use, absolutely safe and delivering impressive firepower, the Beretta 92FS remains the sidearm of the US military and of allied forces the world over, as well as of countless police and law-enforcement agencies. The traditional blued finish was changed to the more utilitarian matte black Bruniton finish. All comments are held for moderation and will appear after approval. Broken parts after a few hundred rounds disqualifies a 5 star reliability rating. Deviation from previous 92 models ergonomically speaking, two of our closest friends in the safe,. Handguns in the early 80s but I like Beretta, I discovered that the hammer was dropped would. Will definitely be looking into it ammunition features a distinctive HEX-VENT bullet design became a popular choice American. For looks, and I have a 92A1 that is a formidable companion for those requiring a format... 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