First Look: Beretta 92FS 9mm

First things first, this is one of the firearms I've wanted since I first saw it.  When I was in Basic Training in the U.S. Army, this weapon was more than an issued sidearm, it represented progress.  I was issued my first Beretta M9 during the first week of Military Police training.  I learned to shoot with the M9, ate, drank, and slept with it, and qualified "Expert" with it every time.  The Beretta M9 (92F) has been in service with the U.S. Armed Forces since 1985, when it replaced the M1911 45ACP sidearm.

Putting the past behind us, I will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the 92FS, and in a little bit, I will mention the differences between the 92FS and the M9 that is issued to the U.S. Armed Forces.

The first thing one notices when handling the Beretta 92FS for the first time is it's weight.  It's remarkably light for an all-metal weapon, weighing in at just over 2 pounds when unloaded.  The weapon comes packaged with two 15-round magazines, two bore brushes (one brass, one nylon) and a cleaning rod, a gun lock, and what is called an "Anti-Crush Device" inside the blue plastic case.  The case itself is very weak, and the "Anti-Crush Device" is a simple plastic cup that goes inside the case, that inspires a "What is this for?" response.

Once the initial "newness" of the 92FS wears off, and you start looking closely at it, a myriad of features become apparent.  One of my personal favorites is related to the safety/decocking system.  The decocking lever actually rotates the firing pin connector upwards into the slide.  Also noticeable on the top of the slide is the "block", which prevents the hammer from connecting with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled, and the locking block rises into position.  This is a unique set of safety features when compared with the other pistols we have reviewed here, but I believe it is a strong design.

The trigger pull is rather heavy on this pistol.  The initial "Double Action" trigger pull is around 14 pounds, and the subsequent "Single Action" trigger pull is about 6 pounds.  When compared to the Sig Sauer P220 we reviewed earlier (See First Look: Sig P220 .45ACP), the Beretta's trigger pull is slightly heavier.  The Sig's trigger pull was 12 pounds DA, 4.5 pounds SA.

The fit and finish of the 92FS is very impressive given the Beretta's $649 suggested price tag.  There is little lateral play in the slide, the trigger pull is smooth despite it's resistance.  The finish is flawless, and the warranty is decent.  That said, I feel I should cover one thing that many people don't know about the Beretta warranty: It can be extended from the standard 1-year warranty to a 3-year warranty, simply by returning the registration card to an authorized Beretta dealer, or mailing it directly to Beretta, within 30 days of purchase.  It's worth it to fill out the card and return it.

I know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I didn't have time to take some pictures of the Beretta before it made it's way to it's new home for the night.  When I write our next "Range Report" segment, I'll include pictures of the Beretta.  I will also add some to this post at the same time.


There is more to come, so be sure to check in frequently for updates!



UPDATE:  3/3/2012
Photos added, pistol is exactly as it was during the original review, with the exception of the grips, which were replaced recently.