Being a DA/SA, it will be closer to the PX4 than anything else you shot in terms of the trigger. If you didn't mind the DA pull, the 92FS should shoot as well, if not better than the PX4 (especially if you were shooting one of the compacts). I don't care for the location/design of the safety, but IMO it is not necessary to use with the heavier/longer DA pull anyway. Great choice for a first gun though.
Beware ... 1st time gun buyer question to follow!
- Thread starter 2toss
- Start date
Pond James Pond
New member
I can only comment as an ex-beginner myself. I have been shooting now for about 4 years now and in that time I have owned 2 centre-fire semi-automatics.
Each time I got one I thought it was a perfect fit until I learnt a bit and realised it was not. The first gun was a Glock G19 3rd Gen. I was accurate and the trigger was predictable with a decent reset, but only after some time did I realise that the angle of the grip was not for me which explained why my follow-ups were not so quick.
Lesson 1:
I am now aware that a gun has to compliment my natural posture and grip.
I replaced it with a CZ75 (SP-01). This addressed the above problem beautifully. I could fix an object, close my eyes, draw my (unloaded) weapon, line-up on the target, open my eyes and find the sights pretty much dead-on. In addition to that the grip fit my hand like a glove. However, in trying the gun in the shop, I'd done single-action trigger break and reset tests and it was all satisfactory. At home, in doing dry-fire practice, I ended up doing a lot more double-action shots. At this point I noticed that trigger pull for my index finger was actually quite hard due to the trigger reach. To the point that I started wondering if it had been the best choice.
Lesson 2:
I now know not to just focus on the trigger break (and reset). I also need to really zero-in on every aspect of the trigger pull: each muscle and joint to see if there is part of the trigger pull that would be a stress point for me over time.
I've kept the CZ and don't see myself selling it, at least not for that trigger.
However, I've written all that rambling text to say that whatever you get, a) don't be surprised if you find that it is not as perfect for you as you initially thought and b) to try and mitigate point a) try to think of every aspect of the gun's feel before you purchase: particularly whether or not any aspect of handling it feels odd, unnatural or uncomfortable, no matter how minor.
I hope this gives you pause to just go through all your needs before laying down a big wodge of cash.
Each time I got one I thought it was a perfect fit until I learnt a bit and realised it was not. The first gun was a Glock G19 3rd Gen. I was accurate and the trigger was predictable with a decent reset, but only after some time did I realise that the angle of the grip was not for me which explained why my follow-ups were not so quick.
Lesson 1:
I am now aware that a gun has to compliment my natural posture and grip.
I replaced it with a CZ75 (SP-01). This addressed the above problem beautifully. I could fix an object, close my eyes, draw my (unloaded) weapon, line-up on the target, open my eyes and find the sights pretty much dead-on. In addition to that the grip fit my hand like a glove. However, in trying the gun in the shop, I'd done single-action trigger break and reset tests and it was all satisfactory. At home, in doing dry-fire practice, I ended up doing a lot more double-action shots. At this point I noticed that trigger pull for my index finger was actually quite hard due to the trigger reach. To the point that I started wondering if it had been the best choice.
Lesson 2:
I now know not to just focus on the trigger break (and reset). I also need to really zero-in on every aspect of the trigger pull: each muscle and joint to see if there is part of the trigger pull that would be a stress point for me over time.
I've kept the CZ and don't see myself selling it, at least not for that trigger.
However, I've written all that rambling text to say that whatever you get, a) don't be surprised if you find that it is not as perfect for you as you initially thought and b) to try and mitigate point a) try to think of every aspect of the gun's feel before you purchase: particularly whether or not any aspect of handling it feels odd, unnatural or uncomfortable, no matter how minor.
I hope this gives you pause to just go through all your needs before laying down a big wodge of cash.
101combatvet
New member
You do realize that there is a huge surplus of M9 magazines out there don't you? They work in all the 92 series pistols that Beretta makes, big plus.
Break down is also faster than the CZ75.
And my point is that if they ban mags, the M9s aren't going to be let go as surplus.
I certainly have no trouble taking a CZ down. I don't think the 92 is a bad gun, I just think the CZ 75 is a better gun. When I worked on my first 92 back in the 80s, my first thought was that I would like to be a fly on the wall when the first military armorer worked on one.
Besides, steel trumps aluminum every time.
As always, YMMV.
I certainly have no trouble taking a CZ down. I don't think the 92 is a bad gun, I just think the CZ 75 is a better gun. When I worked on my first 92 back in the 80s, my first thought was that I would like to be a fly on the wall when the first military armorer worked on one.
Besides, steel trumps aluminum every time.
As always, YMMV.
101combatvet
New member
The real point being that there are caches of M9 magazines everywhere, not true about the CZ75. Also, I have seen shortages with "good" original CZ mags.
Lastly, the aluminum frame when taken care of will out last the shooter ten fold.
Lastly, the aluminum frame when taken care of will out last the shooter ten fold.
noonesshowmonkey
New member
I would recommend renting as many of those possible. Find one that suits you.
The Glock aftermarket is great. You can get a reliable .22 conversion for it if you want to buy bricks of cheap practice ammo. Either way, 9mm let's you shoot the cheapest of any of the common handgun chamberings.
The Glock aftermarket is great. You can get a reliable .22 conversion for it if you want to buy bricks of cheap practice ammo. Either way, 9mm let's you shoot the cheapest of any of the common handgun chamberings.
Beretta 92FS was my first and still favorite gun! Still serves as my primary home defense weapon and now you can get factory Beretta 17rd mags. You won't regret it as your first gun no matter what your second one is.
You'll probably also notice that besides military use, which makes parts and accessories common, it's also featured in many, many movies and cop shows because of its cool looks and easy rapid fire.
You'll probably also notice that besides military use, which makes parts and accessories common, it's also featured in many, many movies and cop shows because of its cool looks and easy rapid fire.
101combatvet
New member
These days they have a product called gun grease, works wonders.
Small hands? Mine fits perfect.
It was never a real contender in the Army selection trials, I knew the Project Manager.
However, you use what works best for you.
BigJakeJ1s
New member
You've tried a revolver, and SAO (1911), DAO (glock/striker), and DA/SA pistol actions, in 22lr and 9mm.
In the interest of trying different guns that fit/feel differently, I would recommend trying a DA from CZ, Sig, HK and others.
I would also recommend trying other striker-fired pistols, such as Springfield XD series, S&W M&P series.
I would also recommend trying other calibers, such as 45 acp and 40 s&w, and maybe a revolver in 38 special/357 magnum.
Find a shooting range that rents a variety of handguns to try out.
It is important to try shooting as many different kinds as practical, since often location and feel of controls does not matter until you have shot, cleaned, cleared (or at least drilled clearing) a malfunction, swapped magazines, loaded a magazine, etc. with the pistol. Grips, size and weight influence perceived recoil that won't be apparent until you have shot the handgun. The goal is to try anything you might encounter in target and defense situations.
Andy
In the interest of trying different guns that fit/feel differently, I would recommend trying a DA from CZ, Sig, HK and others.
I would also recommend trying other striker-fired pistols, such as Springfield XD series, S&W M&P series.
I would also recommend trying other calibers, such as 45 acp and 40 s&w, and maybe a revolver in 38 special/357 magnum.
Find a shooting range that rents a variety of handguns to try out.
It is important to try shooting as many different kinds as practical, since often location and feel of controls does not matter until you have shot, cleaned, cleared (or at least drilled clearing) a malfunction, swapped magazines, loaded a magazine, etc. with the pistol. Grips, size and weight influence perceived recoil that won't be apparent until you have shot the handgun. The goal is to try anything you might encounter in target and defense situations.
Andy
BigJakeJ1s
New member
That's not surprising; the they ended up choosing a poor replacement for the 1911.
They're already choosing another replacement, after half the duration of the 1911.
Andy
For me, the Beretta 92fs is like shooting the Cadillac of the pistol world. I know I'll get flamed for saying such a thing on here, but for me, it's true. It fits my hand and I can shoot well with it. I carry one concealed every day (some say it is impossible)
I like the controls even tho some don't like the upside down safety. It works for me, but I can see why others don't like it.
I like the controls even tho some don't like the upside down safety. It works for me, but I can see why others don't like it.
Independent George
New member
As you've no doubt gathered from the responses, the 'right' pistol varies from person to person. Nobody can tell you what the best gun to buy is, and, really, you shouldn't worry too much about finding that perfect gun right away.
You like the Beretta; so buy a Beretta! Shoot the heck out of it, and enjoy yourself. If you decide to switch later on, there's nothing wrong with that.
You like the Beretta; so buy a Beretta! Shoot the heck out of it, and enjoy yourself. If you decide to switch later on, there's nothing wrong with that.
Well, I don't see what that has to do with my own preferences. But then you have your own mind set, and if you can't accept the fact that someone might prefer another, superior gun over your Beretta, well, so be it.
As a gunsmith, I worked on plenty of Berettas starting from the early 80s on. I was not impressed, and still am not.
The last decent 9mm that Beretta had was the 951.
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101combatvet
New member
You have difficulty remembering what you posted, you wrote about aluminum frames being a problem which is BS. I have a 92FS with other 10,000 rounds through it and there is NO wear. Now you're writing about cracking slides which you know nothing about. Your posts are starting to show a serious lack of knowledge.
Thank you all for the very thoughtful replies. The five guns that I have shot were not selected as potential pistols for me, but were what the instructors provided in the classes, to just provide some general exposure to a few different models. I will look at some of the other suggestions as well.
Thank you, and happy holidays to all,
2toss
Thank you, and happy holidays to all,
2toss