Beretta 92 fs

[Argonaut]

Well, after 12 years of wanting one of these, I finally "pulled the trigger". So far I've put 200 rounds through it, trigger pull is a little stiff , but I'm getting used to it. This is an extremely accurate handgun for a no-frills factory stock model. Unfortunately, my wife can out shoot me with it( she put 15 rounds in a 5" group at 30 yards), luckily it's a bit too heavy for her liking. She's considering a Bersa .380 or a Walther PPK, we'll be going to a local range this weekend that rents a wide variety of handguns to see what she's comfortable with. For the record, she can only out shoot me because she had a semester of handgun training in college, while I am self taught.... I am currently seeking a better teacher.:001_smile

[eski11]

Nice weapon, I carried the Beretta 96A in a .40cal for a long time till we switched over to the H&K .40cal. Every once in a while I will dig out my Sig P220 .45 and throw a few rounds down range

[Mako72]

I have had mine for about 12 or 13 years, love it! If you are only going to be using it for a target gun you can get the triggers lightened up pretty nice, but don't do it if its going to be a carry or home defense peice. Enjoy it!!

Jay

[Godan]

The Berettas have been both loved and hated since the military adopted them. You are fortunate to love yours, since we are all human and will practice more with a gun that gives us pleasure. In that regard, I have a suggestion for the .380 your are considering for your wife. Since you are (wisely) not focusing on modern mini-autos, you might take a look on Gunbroker, etc., for a post-WWII Mauser HSC. They are simple, reliable and well-tested. Magazines are available. For an older design, they have remarkably visible sights that allow a zero at 50 yards - well beyond the supposed limit for a .380. They are smooth on the outside, an important consideration for concealed carry, the grips are ergonomic and they look good. My bias is that a Mauser HSC was the first "civilian" weapon I acquired after leaving the military. It served me well for several years. Although I have transitioned to Glocks as a practical matter, I have been considering another HSC as the basis for a complete custom rebuild - just for old times' sake.

[BTK]

I carry a Ruger LCP little 380 for backup while on-duty. Tiny little thing and reliable. I'd choose the PPK over the Bersa, but they can be finicky. The little Sig 380s are also excellent, tend to be more reliable, and are easier to hang on to size wise than my LCP.

[Easttexasman]

I have a Taurus PT92 which is a clone of the Baretta 92.It has to be the easiest weapon to shoot I have ever used.

[noahpictures]

I shot the Elite version of the 92 and it is the smoothest 9mm that I've shot. Congrats.

[MrMurphy]

Have her try an older Sig P230 or a Bersa. Both will outshoot a PPk and be more reliable.

If you can find a 70s production HSC those are good, but parts are nonexistent.

A Kahr P380 or P9 would also be a good choice.

For the 92.... most are glass-smooth out of the box. I've owned one since 2005, carried one for 3 years backing up my M4 or M249/M240 and never really had an issue. If you know what you're doing, it'll do fine. Other guns will generally do it in a smaller/lighter package, but for a full size holster piece, the M9/92FS still works well. I prefer Glocks, but the 92 sticks around simply because in the dark, other than a Glock, it's the one piece my brain automatically knows how to run without thinking about it.

Get good Beretta or MDS (OEM factory mags) magazines, choose a decent load and carry on.

For non-target shooting, MagPul's pistol video is excellent in information and it's well shot (you can see what they're talking about, unlike a lot of them).

[Argonaut]

I appreciate all the advice, although I just noticed I spelled "Beretta" wrong in my thread title. I really like the Bersa 380, but ultimately it will be up to her. She doesn't want a "girlie" gun, and from what I've seen, can handle a full size 9mm. This weapon won't be for concealed carry, her job would make it next to impossible not to have to leave the weapon in her vehicle. Accuracy and comfort are her main concerns, I think a 380 would be the smallest calliber she would go for. The only concern with the Bersa for me is the short barrel length hindering accuracy, though I know some very experienced shooters that love the Bersa. On the other hand, if she were to find a 9mm that fit her hand better and a tad lighter, we wouldn't have to keep two types of ammo on hand. I think the main problem is all the high capacity mags for most of the guns make the grip too fat for her hands, the most comfortable full size gun she has held, not fired, was a 1911. I'll be damned if she gets one of those before I do.:001_smile

[MrMurphy]

If it's purely a range/house gun. Have her try a Kahr K9 or T9. They have the same grip angle as the Browning Hi-Power, which fits 'everyone' and it's actually skinnier than a Walther PPK. They shoot very well and women generally love them

8 or 9 shots of 9mm. They're concealable pieces primarily, but make a good house gun if you accept the lower capacity. They're DAO, but a light DAO trigger, so it would work the same as your Beretta (point and squeeze).

[Mako72]

I appreciate all the advice, although I just noticed I spelled "Beretta" wrong in my thread title. I really like the Bersa 380, but ultimately it will be up to her. She doesn't want a "girlie" gun, and from what I've seen, can handle a full size 9mm. This weapon won't be for concealed carry, her job would make it next to impossible not to have to leave the weapon in her vehicle. Accuracy and comfort are her main concerns, I think a 380 would be the smallest calliber she would go for. The only concern with the Bersa for me is the short barrel length hindering accuracy, though I know some very experienced shooters that love the Bersa. On the other hand, if she were to find a 9mm that fit her hand better and a tad lighter, we wouldn't have to keep two types of ammo on hand. I think the main problem is all the high capacity mags for most of the guns make the grip too fat for her hands, the most comfortable full size gun she has held, not fired, was a 1911. I'll be damned if she gets one of those before I do.:001_smile

Most women actually find .380s harder to use. Do to the blowback design, they often are harder to cock and have greater recoil than a slightly larger 9mm. The Kahr P9, K9, CW9 would be an excellent choice(its my daily carry) if she is comfortable racking the slide. Otherwise a Glock 19 or M&P would be a good choice. If she is comfortable with the 1911, Springfeild Armory makes a couple in 9mm that are very nice and have almost no recoil do to the heavier frame. Remember that you'll get to shoot it as well so don't be to sore about getting her one first if its what she likes. I would suggest having her rent some pistols or work with an instructor that has some she can use so she can shoot as many different types as possible, then she will know which one is right for her. Hope that helps!!

Jay

[Ron991]

Just for the hell of it have her try a Ruger LCR. I have one chambered in a .357 mag, only because it can handle .38 sp rounds, and also handle 38 sp. + P rounds, so it is a little more versitle in that regard. With .38 sp. rounds has surprisingly very little muzzle flip, and is easily controlled by my wife. It is a beast with .357 rounds though I must admit, but yet controllable, and still can stay on target. All, and all I am very well pleased with this pistol, as at first I had my doubts, but it has made a believer out of me.

[LittleLebowski]

M&P 9mm Compact. Perfect for what she wants. Small, reliable, durable, concealable yet she can shoot it all day on the range.

[aggieoutlaw]

The Bersa is a great gun for the price. It's very easy to conceal, functionally very similar to your 92fs, and surprisingly accurate. The biggest downside is .380 ammo prices. I would probably steer clear of PPK. My wife's favorite gun is a 357 loaded with 38's. The Ruger Security Six. Can't go wrong with a Ruger wheelgun!

[MrMurphy]

The -Six was a great series of guns, my very first handgun was a 4" Security-Six. But the GP100s are even stronger. Nothing wrong with them as a general utility gun.

[hicksdm]

I have used the Beretta my entire 19 year career so far with no complaints. Even bought one for home use. As earlier stated I can operate it in any condition without even thinking about it. Mine has never let me down and that is all I can ask for out of a defense weapon. As far as the .380, I have a Bersa and enjoy it. Easy to hide and not to difficult to shoot. Can be a pain to take apart and clean but not impossible. You are a wise man in allowing her to pick out her weapon. To many times I have seen husbands buying their wife a weapon they think they should have instead of allowing her to try it herself.

[Argonaut]

So far her favorite gun is the Bersa, not the .380, the 9mm HC. I was actually impressed with the look and feel of the firearm. It's a little smaller and lighter than my 92, but still has a good solid feel to it, and holds 17 +1 rounds. The local range does not have this model to rent, but she is pretty impressed with it. From what I've read, they are very well thought of. Apparently they are a very "tight" gun new out of the box and really improve after 200-400 rounds. Also they don't have a long trigger pull, something she did not like about my 92. The local Academy Sports has an all black one in stock, but she wants the two tone. Academy doesn't take orders, so I'll have to go through a dealer or online to get her the one she wants. For the price of the Bersa compared to most models, I'm not complaining.

[MrMurphy]

Yeah, the Bersa 9mm's aren't a Glock when it comes to beat-it-to-death reliability, but for the money, they run well.

[Don Barbiere]

One of the most safe pistols out there!

[cat4025]

After 18 years with the 92 I'll say that it's one of the finest out there! I think the biggest factor in choosing a handgun is how it fits your hand. When I say fit, I mean the grip and where your fingers and thumbs meet the controls as well. If you can't reach the controls without having to twist the gun or stretch your thumb to drop a mag you're not going to be as effective with it as you should be. Case in point, I have a HK USP that I love to shot. However, the magazine release is somewhat below the natural reach of my thumb and I found myself reaching for it. That's not a good thing. I opt to carry a 92 or a 1911 since the controls were all within my hands natural range of motion. I don't put a lot of stock in how big of a caliber I can shot. In summer months I carry a LCP .380, just less to conceal with no jacket or heavy shirt. Most handgun engagements take place 5 yards or less. A shot from a .380 is going to suck just as bad as a 45. Being able to use the gun effectively is what makes the difference. I'd pick up as many guns as I could and work the controls, you'll see right off that some just do not fit your hand.

[Mark_M]

Like the OP, I've wanted one for a long time too, and finally snagged one 2 years ago. I love this pistol and the classic design. I'm not really a Glock kind of a guy.

[Ron991]

Solid well made piece that has proven itself over the years. Good choice. As I get older I am transferring a-lot of my handguns, and such over to my sons, so they can legally own them. Having owned a 92 for over 20 years I can attest to their dependability. As far as 9mm handguns go I think the piece you purchased has only one equal, bar none and that being the CZ 75. IMHO

[Marco]

Could a Mod edit the title of this thread, please? The correct name of this legendary Italian weapon is Beretta, not Berreta.

P.S. My father used this powerful gun for over 20 years when in service for the Italian Military Police. And he was always very proud of it. :thumbup1:

[Ron991]

185923

Hey Marco, I bet this pic. would bring back a few memories from your Dad....

[Marco]

185923

Hey Marco, I bet this pic. would bring back a few memories from your Dad....

It actually does. Thank you kindly, my friend. :001_smile

[Ron991]

If it seems that I tried to hi-jack this thread, I'm sorry, that was not my intention at all. There is a link between these two historic gun makers. If you research both family's you will find the link. Really very fascinating actually.

[penmanship]

here in Canada, we have pointy sticks !

[Ron991]

here in Canada, we have pointy sticks !

All it takes is one voice, just one to start a movement....

[noahpictures]

I gotta say that I am a fan of Beretta style thumb safety. I like Glocks but if I had it my way I'd add a Beretta style thumb safety to it.

[Godan]

I gotta say that I am a fan of Beretta style thumb safety. I like Glocks but if I had it my way I'd add a Beretta style thumb safety to it.

What would the thumb safety do that the three Glock safeties do not already do?

[noahpictures]

What would the thumb safety do that the three Glock safeties do not already do?

Mainly personal preference. Although rare, accidental discharges (not in my experience) have occurred that weren't due to user error.

[plpenn]

The model 92's and 96's are great guns and hold up very well. I have a Bersa .380 and it is a good gun to carry due to size and function but not my fav.

[Don Barbiere]

Yap, one fine gun...

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/Berettadeprived/leah_2Medium.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/Berettadeprived/leah_1Medium.jpg

[MrMurphy]

Seen a young airman have a negligent (it wasn't accidental, he was a ()(&(*)ing idiot) discharge regardless of safety.

The gun's made to run with the safety OFF and be used as a decocker, just like Walthers.

You can't stupidproof a mechanism. Someone out there will find a way to be more stupid.

And people do forget to remove safeties, as one jeweler found out when he tried to 'click-click" a Walther PPK. Training failure.

Glock has a safety model designed for the Norwegian military. In the ensuing 20+ years nobody else has seemed to find the need for it. After carrying a Glock for 10 years, i never did either.

Our M9's were always carried safety OFF round chambered. Other than one idiot, we never had issues (training success). In his case he claimed the gun (in a right-thigh Safariland 6004 triple retention holster) 'just went off' and hit him in the LEFT knee (destroying it.... 19 yr old and crippled for life).

We wondered where he got the JFK bullets. He'd drawn it (against regulations) and was playing around with it and fired it into his left knee. He could have done that with any pistol, even a safety-on 1911 which has multiple built in safeties as well as the manual one.

You can't stop operator stupidity.

[xjrob85]

Great choice! I just bought one myself about a month ago. It was my first pistol and I did a lot of shopping and testing before I decided on it. I've put about 1000 rounds through it and I couldn't be happier. It was definitely the best pistol for me and I love its great heritage and reputation. I'm sure I will get other pistols in the future, but this one will be special.