Beretta M9 vs 92: Same Gun Different Name?
Sometimes titles, numbers, and codes mean a whole lot of nothing when it comes to the difference between two guns.
When comparing the Beretta M9 vs 92, this is exactly the case – these are essentially the same pistol, just a different name. The difference in name simply comes down to the designation of each model.
Though the M9 is designated for military use and the 92 for civilian and law enforcement use, these models are essentially the same weapon with very slight variations. Both perform equally when it comes to accuracy and durability.
At the end of the day, the choice between the two will likely be determined by what you are able to find readily available on the market, but it never hurts to be informed. This article will cover the history, makeup, and slight differences between these two “wonder nine” pistols.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Beretta M9
Essentially the military equivalent to the 92FS, the Beretta M9 won the US contract to replace the Browning M1911 after NATO decided to standardize their munitions for logistics, according to the Marine Corps Association.
Coming from the development of the Beretta M1922 and M1951, this pistol is modeled off of the open slide of its predecessors. Chambered in 9mm, the M9 comes standard with a 15-round magazine and is a great example of why NATO went with that cartridge size over the larger .45 ACP. Compact models hold 10 rounds, while there are extended magazines on the market that hold up to 20 rounds.
An aluminum frame with polymer grips makes the M9 an absolute grunt when it comes to working in all situations, and the pistol has literally been used all over the world since its creation in the 1980s.
Easy to use and reliable, this gun is a great option to add to any arsenal.
If you’re looking for a Beretta M9 holster, check out our selection of IWB, OWB, and pocket carry styles to customize one for your carry setup.
Beretta 92
Up until the 1980s, revolvers were still the number one type of handgun used by law enforcement. When the Beretta 92 hit the market, it was game over.
The first of what would become one of the greatest pistol series going, the 92 was designed to be the most reliable and accurate semi-automatic pistols of its time. The gun features the same open slide, aluminum frame, and polymer grips that the M9 does. With high-quality safety features, this weapon is the premiere handgun for those who like concealed carry.
This double/single action pistol comes standard with a magazine that holds 15 9mm bullets, making it great for taking down targets without running into low capacity issues.
There have been many variations to the gun since this model reached the market, but they all build upon the same features that make this firearm so great.
Specifications: Beretta M9 vs 92
Beretta 92 vs M9: Size & Capacity
As you may have guessed, the difference between the Beretta M9 vs 92 has nothing to do with size or capacity.
These two guns both stand at 5.4 inches tall, 8.5 inches long, and 1.5 inches wide with a 4.9-inch barrel length. As well, both the Beretta 92 and Beretta M9 weight is 33.3 ounces.
NATO’s choice to standardize to 9mm was based on the option for higher capacity with as little diminishment in stopping power as possible. These pistols both come with standard 15-round magazines versus the regular 10-round magazines common to many .45 ACP pistols.
There are compact 10-round versions available, as well as extended round capacity magazines.
Beretta M9 vs 92: Ergonomics
Frame
The frame of the M9 and 92 are both made out of aluminum and have a 1.4-inch polymer grip. Great for shooters with bigger hands!
Though there are various aftermarket products for customization, these handguns were designed with interchangeable parts for an easy breakdown with features like their tool-free disassembly latch.
Slide & Barrel
The Bruntniton-coated open-top slide is a staple on most of Beretta’s handguns, so it should come at no surprise that it’s featured on the M9 and 92. An enlarged hammer pin stops the slide from flying off the rear of both these guns.
The slide and barrel design allows for a reduction in instances of jamming or malfunctions while also being weather and corrosion-resistant.
Beretta 92 vs M9: Sights & Optics
Back in the 1980s, unfortunately, firearm companies were not cutting edge when it came to sights and optics.
Sights are not much of a factor in the Beretta M9 vs 92 debate. Both pistols have a standard iron sight dot/bar system. While both guns have a 6.1-inch sight radius, the M9 does feature a squared-off rear sight.
In regards to optics, neither the Beretta M9 or 92 come ready upon purchase.
If you’re looking to slap an optic on your pistol, these definitely aren’t for you, but the tried and true dot/bar iron sight is tried and true for target acquisition. Or, other variations of the Beretta 9s, like the 92X series, are available optics-ready.
Beretta M9 vs 92: Controls
Safety
Safety mechanisms are essential to every firearm, especially if you’re planning to conceal carry. Yet again, there is no difference between the M9 and 92 regarding this feature.
Reversible magazine releases and ambidextrous safety-decockers are standard on both guns, as well firing pin blocks that stop the hammer from striking the firing pin in case the weapon is dropped.
Trigger
The only difference between these two guns is that the M9 features a straighter trigger guard compared to the mostly round one of the 92.
Both guns feature rear undercuts making the trigger reach all that much easier. And while resting in double action mode, both the M9 and 92 have a trigger pull weight of about 7.5 lbs.
Beretta M9 vs 92: Which is Right for Me?
As you now see, there are hardly any differences between the Beretta M9 vs 92 that make one better than the other or more preferable to certain shooters.
It is a fact that the Beretta M9 is the military-designated name for their version of the 92. The only reason to seek one over the other is if you specifically collect military guns. Otherwise, both are equal in terms of accuracy, durability, and performance when put to use, which is what matters most when considering a gun purchase anyway. That said, since the 92 is more readily available to civilians, they are easier to find and have more customization options.
If you’re looking for something specific in the M9 family, there are now numerous options on the market with varying levels of deviance from the original, including the 92FS, 92 LTT, and the latest 92XI.
The Beretta M9 and 92 are both distinctive 9mm pistols with a proven track history from their service around the world. Pick one up and see for yourself. If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster for one of these pistols, head to our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
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