Beretta is a renowned Italian firearms manufacturer that produces some of the finest weapons ever designed. Italy has a long-standing tradition of crafting high-quality guns. In fact, two of the best weapons in my gun safe are Italian. The US Army and Navy also recognize this quality, having used the Beretta M9 as their standard-issue sidearm since 1985. Beretta’s success in the US market has led to the creation of a dedicated US division.

As an admirer of the civilian counterpart to the M9, the 92FS, I was excited to compare the Beretta M9 and the 92FS. These two guns share a nearly identical design, but they have some fascinating differences worth exploring.

Beretta M9 vs 92FS Specs

Can you spot the difference? The Beretta 92FS and the M9 look nearly identical, which isn’t surprising given their many shared specifications. Both fire 9mm ammo, can operate in single or double action, and have a barrel length of 4.9”, among other common features. Before exploring what sets them apart, let’s delve into the background of how these two exceptional guns were developed.

A Brief History of Beretta 92 Pistol

When it comes to purchasing a pistol, Beretta stands out as one of the oldest and most reputable gun manufacturers in the world. The company is located in the Val Trompia iron mining district of Italy.

The company was founded in the 16th century. As the oldest active firearms manufacturer in the world, Beretta has a long history, including the invention of the breech-loading cannon in 1650. They have since provided weapons for every major European war. Beretta provides firearms for military, police, and personal use and has supplied over 600,000 M9 handguns to the US military.

In 1976, Beretta introduced the Beretta 92 pistol, the design that serves as the foundation for both the 92FS and the M9. When the US military announced a competition to design a new sidearm for their forces, Beretta adapted the 92 into the M9 specifically for military use. They also created the civilian 92FS as a safer variant of the M9.

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The Beretta M9

The Beretta M9 is the ultimate combat and tactical pistol. It has been the standard sidearm of the United States Armed Forces since 1985. And is now utilized by the US Armed Forces across all branches.

The M9 Beretta service pistol has an overall length of 8.5 inches and a 4.9-inch chromed barrel. This duty weapon features a 9mm magazine with a 15+1 round capacity. The pistol is finished with a corrosion-resistant Bruniton matte black coating and includes polymer grip panels, ensuring effectiveness in any situation.

The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol known for its lightweight design. It incorporates multiple automatic safety systems to assist and prevent accidental firing. Additionally, it is designed for easy maintenance with fully interchangeable parts. The M9 utilizes a short recoil and a delayed locking block system.

In terms of 9mm handguns, the M9 is somewhat heavier and bulkier, making concealed carry potentially less comfortable. However, its added weight serves a practical purpose by reducing muzzle flip and recoil. Thus, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, especially in single-action mode.

To sum up, the Beretta M9 stands out as a legendary pistol valued for its reliability, accuracy, and durability. Field-tested over years of military service, this tactical handgun has proven its resilience in harsh conditions. Its distinctive style sets it apart, making it a highly attractive choice among sidearms.

The Beretta 92FS

The M9’s cousin, the 92FS, is one of the most durable pistols available. It is available in both double-action and single-action configurations as well. It includes a delayed locking-block system with a short-recoil that provides exceptional accuracy. Thus, it’s a dependable semi-automatic handgun that’s also popular for self-defense. The 92FS is a low-cost pistol that has long been the industry standard for tactical use.

Furthermore, the 92FS stands out with its unique design compared to other pistols.  It is finished in Bruniton black coating. The inside of the barrel has a chromium lining that reduces wear and protects against corrosion.

The Beretta 92FS has proven to be a tough gun that has survived some of the harshest conditions. It can endure temperatures as low as -40°F up to 140°F. It has been tested rigorously in seawater, dirt, and snow. It just proves its reliability and resilience. You can rest assured that it is a weapon that is hard to beat.

Some limitations are the absence of a modern rail adapter, and the inability to add a pistol light to it. For some people with small hands, this gun may be difficult to wield due to its wide grip and long trigger reach. However, personally, I find it comfortable and manageable to use.

The decocker and the safety are both ambidextrous. The magazine release is placed in a convenient location for easy access. The 92FS comes with fixed tactical three-dot sights as standard. They make focusing on your intended aim a breeze. Yet, the three-dot sights have the disadvantage of being difficult to see in the dark.

Another safety feature of the 92FS is the red loaded chamber indicator. A chambered cartridge pushes up a red marker on the slide, indicating the firearm is loaded. The marker drops when the chamber is empty. Additionally, it also includes an exterior hammer so you can see if the gun is cocked.

Beretta M9 VS. 92FS – The Differences

At first glance, they appear quite similar. However, what sets them apart? Let’s delve into their specifications to uncover the differences.

Hammer

When examining the safety features, the distinctions between these firearms become evident. With the M9, there were incidents where the slide would unexpectedly shoot back toward the operator, posing a significant danger. In some cases, this resulted in the slide hitting a soldier in the face, which is highly undesirable during combat situations. To address this issue, Beretta implemented a larger hammer pin in the 92FS, effectively preventing the slide from moving backward towards the user. This modification clearly enhances the safety of the Beretta 92FS.

Sights

When it comes to sights, I hold strong opinions. In previous articles, I’ve criticized Glock for using plastic sights. For me, that is confusing to the eye and makes target acquisition difficult. This is despite the fact that I love everything else about Glock firearms.  Beretta, on the other hand, employs fixed iron notch and post front and rear sights for both the M9 and the 92FS. However, the similarities end there. The M9 features a two-dot sight system with a white dot on the front sight and another below the center of the rear sight window. In contrast, the 92FS uses a three-dot sight system with dots on the front sight and on both sides of the rear sight picture.

Although the two-dot system isn’t my favorite, it’s still a step up from Glock sights, which I can’t seem to stop criticizing. Moving on, the M9’s two-dot system is okay. These sights are robust and durable, ensuring they won’t deform or break if the gun is dropped. Daily holster use won’t wear them out either. Target acquisition is decent with these sights. However, the 92FS’s three-dot system is easier on my eyes. It offers the same durability advantages as the M9 sights but allows for quicker target acquisition. It’s important to note this is a personal preference. Before deciding on a purchase, try out different sight configurations for yourself. Many people prefer the two-dot system.

Finish

While they share the same fundamental design, there are slight variations between them. The differences are noticeable at first glance and seldom go unnoticed. The Beretta 92FS features a standard Black Bruniton finish and Black Synthetic Grip. In contrast, the Beretta M9 comes with a basic Blue finish and Synthetic Grip. The color of the barrels is less important as long as they are both chrome-lined. It is beneficial for reducing wear and preventing corrosion.

Looks-wise these are pretty similar as you can see below. However, there are other variants of the 92F that are more visually different. The 92 FS Inox features a stainless barrel and slide. The frame is likewise anodized, with black and stainless steel options.

Frame/Dust Cover

One noticeable difference between the M9 and the 92FS is the shape of their dust covers. The frame is the most noticeable visual difference between the two firearms. Unlike the M9’s flat dust cover, the 92FS has an inclined dust cover that extends in front of the trigger guard. This slanted design under the slide defines the front portion of the gun’s frame. Holsters specifically designed for the 92FS may not be suitable for the M9 due to this unique feature. Holsters made for it are one-of-a-kind.

Also, even if the gun fits in the holster, it might hinder a quick draw. It’s essential that your firearm fits snugly in the holster while facilitating a clean and swift draw when necessary. Remember this when choosing between the Beretta M9 and the 92FS.

Magazine

The 92FS and the M9 both have a standard capacity of 15 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, magazines for the M9 are available in capacities ranging from 15 to 18 rounds. Beretta factory magazines come in 10, 15, or 17 rounds, and aftermarket companies like Mec Gar produce magazines holding 18 to 20 rounds, assuming no legal restrictions apply in your state.

Grip

For those of you that know handguns, you know the grip is a big deal. Even a slight difference in shape or texture can make a huge difference in your feel of the firearm. When comparing these two firearms, a notable distinction lies in their grip configurations. In the 92FS, you’ll observe a narrower handle that forms a distinct arc towards the beavertail. For those unfamiliar, the beavertail refers to the flared end beneath the hammer. In contrast, the M9 features a broader grip with a less pronounced arc.

In comparison, I prefer the 92FS. Its narrower handle allows for a firmer grip, enhancing control while firing and managing recoil. Many users find that a smaller handle results in more precise follow-up shots, although this may vary depending on the shooter’s hand size. Moreover, there are several replacement grips available for customization.

Markings

I don’t focus on small details like the markings. But when reviewing the 92FS versus the M9 there is not a long list of differences. The Beretta M9 serves as the primary sidearm for the US military, hence each gun is stamped with “U.S. 9mm M9 Beretta U.S.A.” on one side and the serial number on the other. In contrast, the Beretta 92FS displays the country of origin with the serial number below and “MOD. 92FS-CAL 9MM Parabellum” on the opposite side. These distinctions may seem minor, but they matter to those aware of the M9’s military use compared to civilian models.

Accuracy

This isn’t a difference but worth mentioning. The actual test for a tactical gun’s usefulness would be at the shooting range.  The M9 proves to be highly accurate on the range and performs exceptionally well. Both the M9 and 92FS can achieve 10-shot groups of 3 inches or less at approximately 50 meters, based on official testing criteria. That’s roughly 55 yards, demonstrating reliability and precision. This level of match-grade accuracy is impressive, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot by Beretta. It sets the 92FS and M9 apart, as many other top-tier handguns require costly and time-intensive upgrades to achieve such precision. Undoubtedly, these pistols deliver exceptional accuracy straight out of the box!

Cost

The retail price of a Beretta 92FS pistol is currently $699 at the time of writing. Whereas the Beretta M9 retail price is $649. There is a small difference in the price range that you will hardly notice. The retail price of the 92FS Inox is $775, which is reasonable. It is made of stainless steel and is the result of upgrades. However, anything you get is worth the money because it isn’t too pricey. No wonder it is preferred by many law enforcement services. No pistol on the market today is as tough, reliable, safe, or accurate as the Beretta M9. As a result, this handgun has gained the label, World Defender.

Conclusion

As always, I want to emphasize that choosing a firearm is a personal decision. It’s crucial to try out both options before making a purchase. Personally, in the debate between the Beretta M9 and the 92FS, I lean towards the 92FS. The main reasons are straightforward: I have smaller hands, and the 92FS’s compact grip design significantly improves my control. Achieving tight groupings when emptying a magazine is important to me, and the 92FS meets this requirement well. Moreover, it simply feels better in my hand. There is nothing that can replace that perfect feel when you grip a handgun.

Another obvious advantage of the 92FS is that it will not smack me in the face. First, I know the odds are small that it would happen, but the idea that the M9 would let the slide fly back in my face is an unsettling one. I like my face. I do not want to see it get messed up by my handy sidearm. The 92FS’ hammer pin will ensure that this never happens.

Personally, I favor the three-dot sight system of the 92FS. Sight systems often play a crucial role in my handgun selection process. If I raise the firearm and struggle to acquire my target, it’s a deal-breaker for me. While aftermarket sights are an option, I prefer investing in a gun that performs well out of the box. This preference for sight systems is more personal to me than any other aspect of the firearm.

The 92FS was developed as an enhancement over the M9. While improvements don’t always pan out, in this instance, the upgrade is notably effective. When investing my hard-earned money, this aspect reassures me about my purchase decision. While it’s true that these firearms share many similarities, when comparing the Beretta M9 to the 92FS, my preference leans towards the 92FS.

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Updated: July 2024