The Beretta 92 model didn't make the final cut for my last purchase but I am looking at it hard this time around. I will probably be using the handgun for concealed carry but will most definitely be using it for home defense and a range gun. I would like some input regarding the different Beretta 92 models with this in mind. Thank you.
Which Beretta 92 model?
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92 G - decock only model, no safety. The 92's safety is an administrative safety, not one that you use when carrying it. The G model prevents accidental safety engagement either while carrying or manipulating the slide. The worst that could happen is you go from a SA trigger, back to the first DA pull.
Depends on use and if its for a collection.
I agree with Dan that the G models have the best safety (as in no mechanical safety lever needed for action) for "defense". Pick-up, pull trigger, go bang, de-cock hammer when done.
The Best looking models (IMHO) were the 92 SB with the rounded trigger guard and top notch bluing of that era. Or the Italian made all silver controls, 92 FSS INOX gun.
Any 92 model is an excellent contender for shooting so it really depends on which one you would like to own, and are willing to pay the money for.
When the Indiana state police got rid of their 92G's I was able to pick up a nice one for around $300, to me its the most practical for "use" of any.
I agree with Dan that the G models have the best safety (as in no mechanical safety lever needed for action) for "defense". Pick-up, pull trigger, go bang, de-cock hammer when done.
The Best looking models (IMHO) were the 92 SB with the rounded trigger guard and top notch bluing of that era. Or the Italian made all silver controls, 92 FSS INOX gun.
Any 92 model is an excellent contender for shooting so it really depends on which one you would like to own, and are willing to pay the money for.
When the Indiana state police got rid of their 92G's I was able to pick up a nice one for around $300, to me its the most practical for "use" of any.
Unless the INOX is either an older American made one, or a new Italian one, both with all stainless controls, I would not get an INOX. I hate the black parts on a stainless gun.
The 92 is not a very good carry gun. It's big. No bigger than other full size metal guns, but I wouldn't advise anybody carry them either. If you open carry, I guess it would be OK. If not, get the 92 Compact.
And the regular safety on a 92 is fine. I must have owned at least 5 92's, plus a couple of Cougars and even a PX4. And not one of them had the safety become accidentally engaged. I prefer a safety on a gun and wouldn't want a G model. If it worries you that much, there is a slim safety lever offered by Wilson Combat (I think). Makes accidentally engaging the safety basically impossible. Of course, you could always train to sweep the safety off on the draw. So if it had been put on safe accidentally, you were sweeping it off either way. 1911 users don't seem to have a problem with manipulating safeties.
But I'm down to one beretta. And it is the Vertec model in all black. The straight grip is a big improvement for me.
Good choice on a new gun. The beretta 92 in any variation is one smooth gun
The 92 is not a very good carry gun. It's big. No bigger than other full size metal guns, but I wouldn't advise anybody carry them either. If you open carry, I guess it would be OK. If not, get the 92 Compact.
And the regular safety on a 92 is fine. I must have owned at least 5 92's, plus a couple of Cougars and even a PX4. And not one of them had the safety become accidentally engaged. I prefer a safety on a gun and wouldn't want a G model. If it worries you that much, there is a slim safety lever offered by Wilson Combat (I think). Makes accidentally engaging the safety basically impossible. Of course, you could always train to sweep the safety off on the draw. So if it had been put on safe accidentally, you were sweeping it off either way. 1911 users don't seem to have a problem with manipulating safeties.
But I'm down to one beretta. And it is the Vertec model in all black. The straight grip is a big improvement for me.
Good choice on a new gun. The beretta 92 in any variation is one smooth gun
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wild cat mccane
New member
Caution though, the Beretta "stainless" color is a coating that may not resist rust as you might expect...
2ndsojourn
New member
I agree that it's a big gun for every day carry but since you already made up your mind, I cast another vote for the 92G. Safe to carry hammer down, ready to rock and roll.
I definitely would not recommend it for concealed carry. The 92FS compact model might fare well in that role and it uses the same frame as the M9A1 so you get the light rail and beveled magazine well. I got one for my wife and its a really nice gun. I've got a 92FS and its been amazingly reliable for about 6000 rounds. I've only ever had one stoppage and that was due to a bad primer with some cheap Wolf ammo.
In a full size version my preference would be the 92G. I've never accidentally engaged the safety on reloads but it is always something that's on the back of my mind. It is a somewhat awkward safety but I've actually trained to sweep it with my shooting thumb 1911 style without any issues. Its spring loaded so it doesn't take much effort to disengage it. I always keep the safety off but whenever I practice drawing and dry firing for the occasional IDPA match I engage it just to practice sweeping it off.
Whatever you end up with definitely put in a "D spring". It makes such a difference and it baffles me that Beretta doesn't put these in from the factory.
In a full size version my preference would be the 92G. I've never accidentally engaged the safety on reloads but it is always something that's on the back of my mind. It is a somewhat awkward safety but I've actually trained to sweep it with my shooting thumb 1911 style without any issues. Its spring loaded so it doesn't take much effort to disengage it. I always keep the safety off but whenever I practice drawing and dry firing for the occasional IDPA match I engage it just to practice sweeping it off.
Whatever you end up with definitely put in a "D spring". It makes such a difference and it baffles me that Beretta doesn't put these in from the factory.
jolly roger
New member
Have an American made Inox with all clear controls and a D spring. It's a keeper
I open carry an older 92 Centurion. It is a little smaller than the standard 92. I love this gun. It is accurate, easy to take down and fun to shoot. I don't know why people claim the 92 is to big for concealed carry, or any type of carry. IMO most mass produced handguns can be carried.
The 92G is what the French military carries from what I understand.
The 92G is what the French military carries from what I understand.
Arizona Fusilier
New member
I've got an oldie; Italian-made 92F. I would recommend it, but they are not current production, and you would have to get a used one.
It helps remind me of the Ferrari I can't afford.
It helps remind me of the Ferrari I can't afford.
357 Python
New member
At home I have an older 92F model made in Italy and when at work I pick up a 92FS (M9). My personal 92F has the D model hammer spring and is a very sweet shooter. I have combined it with a Beretta CX4 Storm Carbine that uses the same magazines and am very pleased. Wish I could have the Storm at work.
rt11002003
New member
I wanted the 92 model offered by Wilson, but their delivery time has stretched way, way out. I've reconsidered, thinking m/b it's too expensive. I may start research to see if there's a model I'd like.
It's a big gun! Everyone says so. I have trouble carrying a Kimber SOLO concealed. So, it would be a range gun. Home defense is covered by a pair of .357's, one on each floor/story. But, it does appeal to me.
I've reached the point where I prefer to carry a gun with a decocker. Seems to be the safest way to go. My SOLO has a safety and a long, long, long trigger pull. I'm fairly comfortable with it. But, I now have a gun which is outstanding, even if a bit larger/heavier than a SOLO. It's a HK p7. Different, but I like it.
It's a big gun! Everyone says so. I have trouble carrying a Kimber SOLO concealed. So, it would be a range gun. Home defense is covered by a pair of .357's, one on each floor/story. But, it does appeal to me.
I've reached the point where I prefer to carry a gun with a decocker. Seems to be the safest way to go. My SOLO has a safety and a long, long, long trigger pull. I'm fairly comfortable with it. But, I now have a gun which is outstanding, even if a bit larger/heavier than a SOLO. It's a HK p7. Different, but I like it.