Beretta is an Italian firearms manufacturer that produces some of the finest weapons ever designed. There is a long tradition of quality guns coming from Italy. In fact, two of the best weapons in my gun safe are Italian. The US Army and Navy seem to agree on this as well. The M9 has been their standard-issue sidearm since 1985! In fact, Beretta sells so many guns in the US that they have now got a US division.
I always liked the civilian cousin of the M9, the 92FS, and I, therefore, jumped at the chance to do a Beretta M9 vs 92FS comparison. These are two guns of practically the same design, but with some intriguing differences.
Beretta M9 vs 92fs
| Pistol | Beretta M9 | Beretta 92FS |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Single/Double | Single/Double |
| Barrel Length | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Caliber | 9×19mm Parabellum | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 15 rounds standard | 15 rounds standard |
| Width | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Height | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Weight Unloaded | 34.2 oz (970 g) | 33.3 oz (945 g) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s) | 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s) |
| Effective Firing Range | 50 m (160 ft) | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Feed System | Detachable box magazine | Detachable box magazine |
Can you spot the difference? The Beretta 92FS and the M9 appear to be almost identical. It’s no wonder as they share many of the same specifications. These two both fire 9 mm ammo, can be single/double action, have a barrel length of 4.9”, and many other features in common. Before we dive into what sets them apart we’ll start with a bit of background of how these two great guns came to be.
A Brief History of Beretta 92 Pistol
When it comes to purchasing a pistol, Beretta is one of the oldest and most reputable gun manufacturers in the world. Located in the Val Trompia iron mining district of Italy.
The company was founded in the 16th century. Beretta is actually the oldest active firearms manufacturer in the world. In 1650 they invented the breech-loading cannon. Since then they have supplied weapons for every major European war. Beretta sells weapons for military, police, and personal use. They have supplied over 600,000 M9 handguns to the US military.
In 1976, Beretta introduced the Beretta 92 pistol. This is the design on which the 92FS and the M9 are both based. The US military announced a competition to design a sidearm for their overall forces. Beretta then adjusted the 92 into the M9 specifically for military use. They then made the civilian 92FS as a safer version of the M9.
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 a total length of 8.5 inches, with a 4.9 inches’ chromed barrel. This duty weapon comes with a 9mm magazine that holds 15 rounds plus one. The pistol finish is Bruniton matte black coating and is corrosion resistant. The M9 incorporates polymer grip panels which are effective in any situation.
Beretta M9 is a lightweight semi-automatic pistol. It features many automatic safety systems to assist and prevent unintended firing. Also, to make maintenance easier, the gun is completely interchangeable. The M9 has a short recoil and a delayed locking block system.
Now, for a 9mm handgun, the M9 is a bit heavy and bulky. You can still conceal carry this pistol but it might not be as comfortable as you think. Nonetheless, the M9’s increased weight is one of its useful features. It lowers muzzle flip and dampens recoil. Thus, allows for speedier follow-up shots, particularly in single-action mode.
To sum up, the Beretta M9 is a legendary pistol that has shown itself to be reliable, accurate, and sturdy. Proven and tested in years of military use. This tactical battle handgun has withstood the worst environmental conditions. It has a stylistic advantage over others, making it one of the most appealing sidearms on the market.
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