The Beretta 92 pistol was selected as the primary sidearm of the United States military in 1985. Definitely making it a battle proved handgun. The gun also serves a great number of police officers and armed citizens in the US and abroad.
As a military pistol, the 92 is designated the M9. Otherwise, it is functionally identical to the civilian version. The M9 officially entered US military service in 1990. The Beretta 92 is chambered in 9mm. A .40 Smith & Wesson chambered Beretta pistol called the 96 is very similar to the 92.
Made in several configurations over the years, the updated 92A1 pistol is the latest version. Beretta added an accessory rail to the A1, which allows a shooter to mount a white light or laser on the pistol. Additionally, the A1 holds 17 rounds in the magazine, instead of the original 15 rounds. Yet, the magazines are completely interchangeable.
Ergonomics and Recoil
The Beretta 92 is a large gun and fits those with larger hands best. Shooters with small hands sometimes have problems obtaining a good grip and properly addressing the trigger. Shooting the mild 9mm from the large Beretta pistol generates relatively little recoil.
Trigger and Accuracy
Many Beretta 92 pistols are equipped with a double-action/single-action trigger. Some models are equipped with a double-action-only trigger. This handgun has a slide-mounted safety that also acts as a de-cocker.
You will find that these pistols are generally accurate, though load selection often has a great deal of influence on grouping. Heavier bullets (147 grain typical) frequently see a measurable improvement in accuracy when compared to lighter bullets. However, only by testing actual loads will the shooter determine which load is most accurate in the gun.
Reloading and Disassembly
Reloading the 92 is typical for a modern semi-auto pistol. A mag release button is located on the left side of the gun’s frame. Pressing it will allow the magazine to drop free of the gun.
Disassembly is fairly easy. After ensuring the pistol is not loaded, the user merely presses in on the takedown lever from the right side of the gun and rotates the lever down on the left side of the pistol. The slide assembly then is free to be removed from the gun’s frame.
Reliability and Durability
The 92 is widely regarded as being very reliable and surpasses all of the US Army’s endurance testing by a wide margin. However, the US Navy SEALs declined to use the Beretta 92 after its adoption by the military. According to some sources, the Beretta slide was believed to be a weak point, and the teams decided to use the SIG Sauer P226 instead.
However, the US military as a whole seems to be pleased with the pistols. In 2012, the US Army awarded Beretta with a new contract for up to 100,000 new model 92 pistols.
Final Verdict
The Beretta 92 is a solid performer and is second only to the Colt 1911 in handgun service to the armed forces of the United States. Through multiple wars, the handgun performed with distinction and is clearly one of the top handguns being manufactured today.