M9A1: The Evolution of a Classic Tactical Pistol. The Beretta M9A1 tactical pistol evolved from the base design of the battle-tested and proven M9, with input from military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Developed to meet the demanding requirements of the US Marine Corps, the M9A1 incorporates the established reliability.
[Last Edit: 11/15/2018 2:56:47 AM EDT by M4A1Carbine]
Original post - Beretta 92 variants
Post 1 - 92FS vs M9
Post 2 - Spring weights, technical specs and links
I thought I'd consolidate a lot of information and questions people typically have about the 92 series of pistols. Feel free to post any additional information or correct anything I've posted and I'll try to update the OP as necessary. I do not take credit for a lot of the info here, some of which has been taken from previous threads here.
Beretta designations for calibers:
92 - 9x19mm
96 - .40S&W
98 - 9x21 IMI
99 - 7.65mm Luger
*Please note Beretta included G and D slides in a variety of different variants, usually for police contracts. The Compact L, Compact M, Centurion, Full size, etc frames all had various combinations of -G and -D configured slides depending on what the customer requested.
92 (1976)
The original Beretta 92 with a step slide, frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip. Between 5000 - 7000 were made with the step slide design before it was dropped for the straight slide in 1977.
92 (1977)
An updated 92 with a smooth slide but still had the frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip.
92S (1978)
In order to meet requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in the 92S which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The later relocation of the magazine release button means these models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas.
93R (1979 - 1993)
A select fire version on the 92 capable of three round burst. The R stands for Raffica which is Italian for 'burst.'
92SB (1981-1991)
Designed for the USAF. Added a firing pin block, ambidextrous safety/decocker and moved the magazine release from the grip to the bottom of the trigger guard.
92SB Compact (1981 - 1991)
Compact version on the 92SB. Overall length was 197 mm, barrel length 103 mm, magazine capacity 13 rounds (also accepted standard 15-round magazines).
92SB Compact Type M (1983)
Compact version of the 92SB with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92F (1984)
Designed for US government testing and Later adopted by the US military as the M9. Changes included:
'Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
Modified the front of the trigger guard so that one could use finger support for easier aiming.
Recurved the forward base of the grip to aid aiming. Hard chromed the barrel bore to protect it from corrosion and to reduce wear.
New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which allegedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain blued finish.'
M9 (1985)
Designed for the US military to replace the 1911A1, originally modeled on the 92F and then later on the 92FS. The M9 features a strait dust cover, non radiused back strap and 'snowman' style half moon and dot sight. It does not have the standard 'read owner's manual' warnings. Military M9s will also have assembly numbers on the hammer. Beretta made a desert storm version with 'OFFICIAL SIDEARM U.S. ARMED FORCES' on the slide.
M9 General Officer (1985)
Designed to replace the RIA M15 1911. It is identical to the standard M9 sidearm, except it has a 'GO'-prefix to its serial number range, starting with GO-001. It comes with a metal belt buckle that comes in gold metal for Army generals and silver metal for Air Force generals. Air Force model shown with polished slide & barrel.
92G (1989)
In G configuration, the lever only decocks the hammer and rotates the rear part of the firing pin. The hammer decocking lever, after operation, automatically returns to the firing position. Created at the request of the Gendarmerie Nationale de France. Also manufactured under license in France by GIAT Industries as the PA MAS G1 (shown).
92FS (1989)
Made with an enlarged hammer pin to prevent the side from coming off the rear of the gun in the event the slide breaks. Earlier models had a strait dust cover, later models use a curved dust cover. The 92FS has a radiused back strap and three dot style sights different from the M9.
92FS INOX
Stainless 'INOX' pistols manufactured in Italy with a stainless steel slide, anodized frame, and all lightly bead blasted to make the slide / frame appear as one satin stainless steel finish. Came with three dot fixed sights and plastic guide rod.
92FS Compact Type L (1989)
Compact version on the 92FS with shortened barrel and slide, and shorter frame. Came with 13 rd magazines, but also accepts standard 15-round magazines.
92FS Compact Type M (1989)
Compact version of the 92fs with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92 DS (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and manual safety, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92D (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and no safety lever, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92CB (1992 - 1993)
Single action only with front barrel bushing.
92 Stock (1994)
Heavier Brigadier slide. It is also designed for sport shooting and includes a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy.
92 Combat (1994 - 2001)
Designed for sport shooting, the 92 Combat came with a heavy Brigadier slide and was single-action only with a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy. It also came with an additional longer barrel that was weighted.
Beretta 92FS Brigadier (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a reinforced, thickened slide; dovetail front & rear sights, and hogue rubber wrap around grips. (shown in INOX)
Beretta 92FS Centurion (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a compact barrel and slide assembly mounted on the full sized frame.
92 Elite 1 (1999 - 2001)
Included the heavier Brigadier bruniton finished slide with front serrations, Inox finished stainless barrel, thin skeletonized hammer, bevel of the magazine well and flat hammer spring cap. Came with decock only (G-Model) feature and dovetailed front sight.
92 Billennium (2001)
A limited edition to celebrate the millennium, 2000 were made and 1000 imported into the US. Featured a brigadier slide and frame mounted safety.
92 Elite 1A (2001)
This option is essentially a black Vertec with a bruniton Brigadier G slide, blackened stainless barrel and thicker skeleton hammer.
92 Elite 2 (2001)
This option replaced the Elite I option in 2001 and includes the same features as the original Elite plus removable Novak type sights, extended magazine release catch, checkered front/rear grip strap, thicker (than Elite I) skeletonized hammer, and lighter D-spring. This option is available only with the stainless G-Model slide, also with front serrations. The stainless barrel for the Elite II has a target crown.
92G-SD (2002 - 2005, 2015)
The 'Special Duty' variant (aka Super Dave variant) was designed in conjunction with Dave Harrington as his ideal Beretta 92. Includes a heavy Brigadier slide, G-style decocker-only lever, replaceable night sights, extended mag-release, beveled mag-well, and Picatinny rail.
Beretta 92 Vertec (2003)
A version of the Model 92FS that addressed complaints about the grip width of Model 92 pistols. The backstrap of the grip on Vertec models is made more linear; another change is the addition of an integral Picatinny rail to the frame.
Steel 1 (2004)
A collectors edition with a steel frame version and nickle plating. Available in both SAO or DA/SA.
Beretta 90Two (2006)
A face-lift version of the basic Model 92 design. Key changes are modular one-piece grip panels (available in various shapes), integral Picatinny rail under the barrel (with cover), restyled slide and integral recoil buffer built into action.
M9A1 (2006) - A version of the M9 with an integrated Picatinny rail, aggressive checkering on front and rear grip, beveled mag well and sand resistant magazines (PVD coating). Issued to the United States Marine Corps.
92 Elite III (2008)
Limited production pistol featuring a flush crowned barrel, hogue rubber grips, stainless finish, Novak sights, skeletonized hammer, SD frame, and picatinny rail. Included a set of standard 92 grips, 3 magazines with mag bumpers and custom hard case
92A1 (2010)
The 92A1 was based on elements of 92FS and 90two. The overall shape and styling builds on the 92FS, with an accessory rail on the underside of the frame; internal design reflects the 90two. Included a removable front sight, captured guide rod, automatic locking take down lever, curved trigger guard and the 90-two style rail. Made in Italy and came with three 17 rd magazines.
92FS Compact L M9A1 (2011)
A compact version of the 92FS made in the US, now with a M9A1 style frame and available in INOX.
M9A3 (2015)
A Beretta Engineering Change Proposal for the M9, includes many new features such as dovetailed night sights, vertec grip, threaded barrel, interchangeable 'F' and 'G' decocking levers, over center safety levers, three slot 1913 rail, larger magazine release, M9A1 grip checkering and beveled mag well, 'D' hammer spring, and earth tone finish. Offered in black starting in 2018.
Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical (2015)
Some features of the limited production Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Tactical include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), enhanced Brigadier slide, a modified M9A1 style checkered frame with accessory rail and rounded trigger guard. This model also features enhanced accuracy with an 'Elite' style match grade stainless barrel with recessed target crown, the action features a 'D' hammer spring for lighter trigger pulls, and Trijicon dovetail tritium front sight and Wilson Combat rear sight. Wilson Combat G-10 grips, Wilson Combat steel guide rod and numerous other features to enhance performance. The 92G Tactical is finished in Beretta black Bruniton and marked with the Wilson Combat logo.
92FS Centennial (2015)
Celebrating 100 years since the company’s first semiauto pistol was adopted by the Italian Military, Beretta offered a limited edition 92 Centennial collector’s edition. Single-action-only steel 92 with a frame-mounted safety (no decocker) and has the years 1915 and 2015 engraved in Roman numerals on either side of the Brigadier-style slide. The same numerals are featured around the medallion logo in the center of the premium-wood grip panels.
92 FS Fusion (2015)
A very limited edition 92 with 60 pistols made in 9x19mm, 30 in 9x21 IMI, and later 40 addition pistols offered in black. Comes with a hand made Italian leather case.
Wilson Combat 92G Centurion Tactical
The 92G Centurion Tactical features all-steel Beretta and Wilson Combat custom parts. Features include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), Centurion length slide, a modified M9A1-style checkered frame with accessory rail, and rounded trigger guard. The 92G Centurion Tactical ships with two 17 and one 20-round capacity magazines. This new model also features an Elite-style, match-grade stainless barrel with a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy and an Ameriglo “Hackathorn” high visibility dovetailed tritium front sight paired with a Wilson Combat black battlesight rear. The 92G Centurion Tactical also features gray/black Wilson Combat Ultra Thin G-10 grips, Wilson Combat Mag Guide and oversize mag release.
Langdon M9 (2017)
The Ernest Langdon M9. A limited run M9 with Ernest Langdon’s favorite upgrades and accessories but keeping the classic and proven M9 DNA. Includes a steel trigger, 'D' hammer spring, 'G' conversion kit, slim VZ grips, black rear sight, orange front dot sight, oversized mag release, and slotted grip screws.
92G ELITE LTT (2018)
The Elite LTT Features include a Vertec/M9A3 Slide with front cocking serrations, a dovetail fiber optic front sight with a square notch rear sight, a stainless 4.7 inch barrel with target crown, solid steel guide rod and a beveled rear slide. The frame is built on a M9A1 frame with checkering on front and back strap, a beveled magazine well with no lanyard loop. It includes the exclusive radiused trigger guard and rear slide rail, the ultra thin VZ/LTT G10 grips with stainless steel trigger and hex head grip screws. It comes equipped with an oversized magazine release, a 'D' hammer spring and skeletonized lightweight hammer. The gun ships with three magazines.
Post 1 - 92FS vs M9
Post 2 - Spring weights, technical specs and links
I thought I'd consolidate a lot of information and questions people typically have about the 92 series of pistols. Feel free to post any additional information or correct anything I've posted and I'll try to update the OP as necessary. I do not take credit for a lot of the info here, some of which has been taken from previous threads here.
Beretta designations for calibers:
92 - 9x19mm
96 - .40S&W
98 - 9x21 IMI
99 - 7.65mm Luger
*Please note Beretta included G and D slides in a variety of different variants, usually for police contracts. The Compact L, Compact M, Centurion, Full size, etc frames all had various combinations of -G and -D configured slides depending on what the customer requested.
92 (1976)
The original Beretta 92 with a step slide, frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip. Between 5000 - 7000 were made with the step slide design before it was dropped for the straight slide in 1977.
92 (1977)
An updated 92 with a smooth slide but still had the frame mounted safety and magazine release located on the grip.
92S (1978)
In order to meet requirements of some law enforcement agencies, Beretta modified the Beretta 92 by adding a slide-mounted combined safety and decocking lever, replacing the frame mounted manual thumb safety. This resulted in the 92S which was adopted by several Italian law enforcement and military units. The later relocation of the magazine release button means these models (92 & 92S) cannot necessarily use later magazines, unless they have notches in both areas.
93R (1979 - 1993)
A select fire version on the 92 capable of three round burst. The R stands for Raffica which is Italian for 'burst.'
92SB (1981-1991)
Designed for the USAF. Added a firing pin block, ambidextrous safety/decocker and moved the magazine release from the grip to the bottom of the trigger guard.
92SB Compact (1981 - 1991)
Compact version on the 92SB. Overall length was 197 mm, barrel length 103 mm, magazine capacity 13 rounds (also accepted standard 15-round magazines).
92SB Compact Type M (1983)
Compact version of the 92SB with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92F (1984)
Designed for US government testing and Later adopted by the US military as the M9. Changes included:
'Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
Modified the front of the trigger guard so that one could use finger support for easier aiming.
Recurved the forward base of the grip to aid aiming. Hard chromed the barrel bore to protect it from corrosion and to reduce wear.
New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which allegedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain blued finish.'
M9 (1985)
Designed for the US military to replace the 1911A1, originally modeled on the 92F and then later on the 92FS. The M9 features a strait dust cover, non radiused back strap and 'snowman' style half moon and dot sight. It does not have the standard 'read owner's manual' warnings. Military M9s will also have assembly numbers on the hammer. Beretta made a desert storm version with 'OFFICIAL SIDEARM U.S. ARMED FORCES' on the slide.
M9 General Officer (1985)
Designed to replace the RIA M15 1911. It is identical to the standard M9 sidearm, except it has a 'GO'-prefix to its serial number range, starting with GO-001. It comes with a metal belt buckle that comes in gold metal for Army generals and silver metal for Air Force generals. Air Force model shown with polished slide & barrel.
92G (1989)
In G configuration, the lever only decocks the hammer and rotates the rear part of the firing pin. The hammer decocking lever, after operation, automatically returns to the firing position. Created at the request of the Gendarmerie Nationale de France. Also manufactured under license in France by GIAT Industries as the PA MAS G1 (shown).
92FS (1989)
Made with an enlarged hammer pin to prevent the side from coming off the rear of the gun in the event the slide breaks. Earlier models had a strait dust cover, later models use a curved dust cover. The 92FS has a radiused back strap and three dot style sights different from the M9.
92FS INOX
Stainless 'INOX' pistols manufactured in Italy with a stainless steel slide, anodized frame, and all lightly bead blasted to make the slide / frame appear as one satin stainless steel finish. Came with three dot fixed sights and plastic guide rod.
92FS Compact Type L (1989)
Compact version on the 92FS with shortened barrel and slide, and shorter frame. Came with 13 rd magazines, but also accepts standard 15-round magazines.
92FS Compact Type M (1989)
Compact version of the 92fs with single stack 8 rd magazines.
92 DS (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and manual safety, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92D (1990)
Double action only with a spurless hammer and no safety lever, 18 lb 'D' hammer spring.
92CB (1992 - 1993)
Single action only with front barrel bushing.
92 Stock (1994)
Heavier Brigadier slide. It is also designed for sport shooting and includes a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy.
92 Combat (1994 - 2001)
Designed for sport shooting, the 92 Combat came with a heavy Brigadier slide and was single-action only with a front barrel bushing for improved accuracy. It also came with an additional longer barrel that was weighted.
Beretta 92FS Brigadier (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a reinforced, thickened slide; dovetail front & rear sights, and hogue rubber wrap around grips. (shown in INOX)
Beretta 92FS Centurion (1996)
A version of the Model 92FS with a compact barrel and slide assembly mounted on the full sized frame.
92 Elite 1 (1999 - 2001)
Included the heavier Brigadier bruniton finished slide with front serrations, Inox finished stainless barrel, thin skeletonized hammer, bevel of the magazine well and flat hammer spring cap. Came with decock only (G-Model) feature and dovetailed front sight.
92 Billennium (2001)
A limited edition to celebrate the millennium, 2000 were made and 1000 imported into the US. Featured a brigadier slide and frame mounted safety.
92 Elite 1A (2001)
This option is essentially a black Vertec with a bruniton Brigadier G slide, blackened stainless barrel and thicker skeleton hammer.
92 Elite 2 (2001)
This option replaced the Elite I option in 2001 and includes the same features as the original Elite plus removable Novak type sights, extended magazine release catch, checkered front/rear grip strap, thicker (than Elite I) skeletonized hammer, and lighter D-spring. This option is available only with the stainless G-Model slide, also with front serrations. The stainless barrel for the Elite II has a target crown.
92G-SD (2002 - 2005, 2015)
The 'Special Duty' variant (aka Super Dave variant) was designed in conjunction with Dave Harrington as his ideal Beretta 92. Includes a heavy Brigadier slide, G-style decocker-only lever, replaceable night sights, extended mag-release, beveled mag-well, and Picatinny rail.
Beretta 92 Vertec (2003)
A version of the Model 92FS that addressed complaints about the grip width of Model 92 pistols. The backstrap of the grip on Vertec models is made more linear; another change is the addition of an integral Picatinny rail to the frame.
Steel 1 (2004)
A collectors edition with a steel frame version and nickle plating. Available in both SAO or DA/SA.
Beretta 90Two (2006)
A face-lift version of the basic Model 92 design. Key changes are modular one-piece grip panels (available in various shapes), integral Picatinny rail under the barrel (with cover), restyled slide and integral recoil buffer built into action.
M9A1 (2006) - A version of the M9 with an integrated Picatinny rail, aggressive checkering on front and rear grip, beveled mag well and sand resistant magazines (PVD coating). Issued to the United States Marine Corps.
92 Elite III (2008)
Limited production pistol featuring a flush crowned barrel, hogue rubber grips, stainless finish, Novak sights, skeletonized hammer, SD frame, and picatinny rail. Included a set of standard 92 grips, 3 magazines with mag bumpers and custom hard case
92A1 (2010)
The 92A1 was based on elements of 92FS and 90two. The overall shape and styling builds on the 92FS, with an accessory rail on the underside of the frame; internal design reflects the 90two. Included a removable front sight, captured guide rod, automatic locking take down lever, curved trigger guard and the 90-two style rail. Made in Italy and came with three 17 rd magazines.
92FS Compact L M9A1 (2011)
A compact version of the 92FS made in the US, now with a M9A1 style frame and available in INOX.
M9A3 (2015)
A Beretta Engineering Change Proposal for the M9, includes many new features such as dovetailed night sights, vertec grip, threaded barrel, interchangeable 'F' and 'G' decocking levers, over center safety levers, three slot 1913 rail, larger magazine release, M9A1 grip checkering and beveled mag well, 'D' hammer spring, and earth tone finish. Offered in black starting in 2018.
Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical (2015)
Some features of the limited production Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Tactical include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), enhanced Brigadier slide, a modified M9A1 style checkered frame with accessory rail and rounded trigger guard. This model also features enhanced accuracy with an 'Elite' style match grade stainless barrel with recessed target crown, the action features a 'D' hammer spring for lighter trigger pulls, and Trijicon dovetail tritium front sight and Wilson Combat rear sight. Wilson Combat G-10 grips, Wilson Combat steel guide rod and numerous other features to enhance performance. The 92G Tactical is finished in Beretta black Bruniton and marked with the Wilson Combat logo.
92FS Centennial (2015)
Celebrating 100 years since the company’s first semiauto pistol was adopted by the Italian Military, Beretta offered a limited edition 92 Centennial collector’s edition. Single-action-only steel 92 with a frame-mounted safety (no decocker) and has the years 1915 and 2015 engraved in Roman numerals on either side of the Brigadier-style slide. The same numerals are featured around the medallion logo in the center of the premium-wood grip panels.
92 FS Fusion (2015)
A very limited edition 92 with 60 pistols made in 9x19mm, 30 in 9x21 IMI, and later 40 addition pistols offered in black. Comes with a hand made Italian leather case.
Wilson Combat 92G Centurion Tactical
The 92G Centurion Tactical features all-steel Beretta and Wilson Combat custom parts. Features include steel ambidextrous decocker-only levers (G model), Centurion length slide, a modified M9A1-style checkered frame with accessory rail, and rounded trigger guard. The 92G Centurion Tactical ships with two 17 and one 20-round capacity magazines. This new model also features an Elite-style, match-grade stainless barrel with a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy and an Ameriglo “Hackathorn” high visibility dovetailed tritium front sight paired with a Wilson Combat black battlesight rear. The 92G Centurion Tactical also features gray/black Wilson Combat Ultra Thin G-10 grips, Wilson Combat Mag Guide and oversize mag release.
Langdon M9 (2017)
The Ernest Langdon M9. A limited run M9 with Ernest Langdon’s favorite upgrades and accessories but keeping the classic and proven M9 DNA. Includes a steel trigger, 'D' hammer spring, 'G' conversion kit, slim VZ grips, black rear sight, orange front dot sight, oversized mag release, and slotted grip screws.
92G ELITE LTT (2018)
The Elite LTT Features include a Vertec/M9A3 Slide with front cocking serrations, a dovetail fiber optic front sight with a square notch rear sight, a stainless 4.7 inch barrel with target crown, solid steel guide rod and a beveled rear slide. The frame is built on a M9A1 frame with checkering on front and back strap, a beveled magazine well with no lanyard loop. It includes the exclusive radiused trigger guard and rear slide rail, the ultra thin VZ/LTT G10 grips with stainless steel trigger and hex head grip screws. It comes equipped with an oversized magazine release, a 'D' hammer spring and skeletonized lightweight hammer. The gun ships with three magazines.