I want a Beretta but I have a question

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Engineer03

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I have been looking for a new 9mm and I have narrowed it down to the venerable Beretta 92 series. Are there any particular versions that are better than others? Is there a difference between the 92f Compact or the 92fs Compact L. Do the 92 compacts use the same mag as their bigger siblings? Are the Italian made pistols really better than the US made ones? I appreciate any advice my fellow cgn'ers can provide.

The Eng
 
Compacts use a different mag. I prefer the thinner grip of the vertec models. I have had both US and Italian models and never really saw much difference. I have had a total 8 different models and currently have 4, 96a1 vertec inox, 92 elite 1a, 90-two and an M9A3.
 
For me the holy grail is a 92 Centurion G. It couples a little shorter barrel length with the qualities of the full size frame. G models are a decocker only version and really transform the 92 series into a much more user friendly platform. Unfortunately, Centurion G's are as rare as hens teeth so you would likely have to put up with a regular Centurion, if you can even find one.

The grip length of the Beretta 92 is fairly short in the full size making the Compact L kinda redundant especially if you use full size MecGar mags. The base plates on the MecGars are much thinner than factory 92 mags. MecGar mags also have a better taper on the top end of the mag making mag changes much more positive.
 
I am a 92 fan too! Unfortunately I have more damned pistols than I know what to do with already - and I'm not willing to swap any for a 92. It's on my bucket list, I guess.

I advocate against compacts unless you have a requirement for them or provision to carry. Bigger guns handle easier on the range, longer sight radius etc etc. If I had your money though - I would get a boutique accurized gun right out of the gate! Everyone deserves a good BBQ gun AND a shooter rolled into one! It's a matter of economics dontchya know...!

Wasn't Ed Brown hot rodding the 92's awhile back?
 
I have a full size 92FS and a 92FS Compact L. Absolutely love them both. The Compact has a light rail if that's important to you, and will accept the full size mags just fine, but of course they'll stick out of the grip a little. Mine are both US made, have had no problems with them.
 
So let me get this straight, the 92f and the 92fs Compact L are not the same? I just figured the Compact L was just a newer version. I'm interested in a shooter that both my wife and I can use. I'm using a M&P9 but my wife doesn't like it. She doesn't have an issue with full size pistols so I could get a 92fs but I found a couple of 92f models that I thought were intriguing. The accessory rail is not a feature I absolutely need but I like the look and wouldn't turn one down if the price was right.
 
Unless you are stuck on Beretta name go get a girsan compact ot at least compare the two side by side. I did and ended up with this one. Amazing quality and fraction of the price. Sadly I have to say it's actually better quality than original. Smooth action. Steel guide rod. Nice finger groves for good grip. Original Mags fit as well. I had a girl who never shot a gun fire it like a pro. Very accurate gun. Made on brand new machinery.
For sale at the site sponsors

http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_3_494
http://www.alflahertys.com/collections/all/products/girsan-compact-mc-9mm-blued-cmc9
For that price you can buy two. One for you one for the wife. Lol.







 
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drslav said:
Unless you are stuck on Beretta name go get a girsan compact ot at least compare the two side by side. I did and ended up with this one. Amazing quality and fraction of the price. Sadly I have to say it's actually better quality than original. Smooth action. Steel guide rod. Nice finger groves for good grip. Original Mags fit as well. I had a girl who never shot a gun fire it like a pro. Very accurate gun. Made on brand new machinery.
For sale at the site sponsor

http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_3_494

For that price you can buy two. One for you one for the wife. Lol.
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+1 on your post.

The finger grooves just feel great and ya they sure shoot awesome.

My Girsan 16 Railed, money saved not buying a Beretta brand I've spent on mags and ammo while still having spent less then what I would on a 92A1.

43E65BC5-10C7-40CF-B8DF-7553D469D69E_zpscpsruzu3.jpg


Just need to order a holster from Solely Canadian next and then just have more fun at the range with it.
 
I own an italian made beretta and it's my favourite pistol over a german P226 and a jericho 941 (which are close seconds). I REALLY like the CZ pistols but just can't justify the $$ for them since I have the jericho. The Beretta has never had an issue with anything at all, feeding, accuracy, handloads, etc etc. I did get a wood grip for mine, but the stock grip wasn't horrible. My buddy has a girsan and I will admit the grip feels really good, but I guess the stuckupsnippity guy in my head just wants the legit animal. Functionally the girsan was top notch, but it was a girsan.

Of 12 pistols I own, the 92fs gets the most "watching TV and fondling a gun although honest it's not weird" time. It just feels like it wants to watch whatever movie you put on and have some chips. It's that kind of gun.


(I should add that mine is a 92fs)
 
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Make sure you shoot a Beretta before buying one; I don't mean fondling one at the gun shop for a couple of minutes, I mean firing at least 50, better 100 rounds. For me, the standard grips plain hurt my hand after about 40 rounds, but the vertec fits me perfectly.

I'd personally prefer a FS model over the F.

Beretta family chart: http://berettaforum.net/vb/showpost.php?p=911260&postcount=2

There's actually a 92FS Compact Inox on the EE right now (and tons of 92 and M9)
 
Thanks drslav for muddying the waters for me! I had not considered a Girsan so I will look into them. I am partial to the Beretta though, so the girsan will have to be pretty darn good. I agree, domyalex, that i should try before i buy but my club is pretty small and i havent seen one there. Ive only seen and handled an M9 but not been able to shoot it. As I said, this is a going to be shared with my wife so she will have input and she is VERY partial to the 92fs. I will be he king EE tonight to see what is out there.Thanks for the input fellas, I really appreciate it.
 
I wouldn't buy a Girsan personally, i handled and shot a few and they are NOT a Beretta yes they are a few hundred $ less but ya get what ya pay for. The original is a bit more but trust me buy once cry once ;)
I have an M9 and would not sell it as its my most accurate pistol.
 
84fuegoturbo said:
I wouldn't buy a Girsan personally, i handled and shot a few and they are NOT a Beretta yes they are a few hundred $ less but ya get what ya pay for. The original is a bit more but trust me buy once cry once ;)
I have an M9 and would not sell it as its my most accurate pistol.
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I agree, although cheaper and a good firearm they are not a Beretta, you get what you pay for. If both you and your wife are going to use it Id recommend one of the vertec models which are my favorite and fit my medium sized hands a lot better, or get a new M9A3 which is also a vertec but comes with the extra wrap around grip that mimics the regular 92.
 
Engineer03, if you specify your location, you are very, very likely to find other CGN-ers who will let you try their toys (just bring commercial ammo).

I have the M9A3 and absolutely love it (big plus is that you can switch between vertec and regular grips).


Engineer03 said:
Thanks drslav for muddying the waters for me! I had not considered a Girsan so I will look into them. I am partial to the Beretta though, so the girsan will have to be pretty darn good. I agree, domyalex, that i should try before i buy but my club is pretty small and i havent seen one there. Ive only seen and handled an M9 but not been able to shoot it. As I said, this is a going to be shared with my wife so she will have input and she is VERY partial to the 92fs. I will be he king EE tonight to see what is out there.Thanks for the input fellas, I really appreciate it.
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