Love it or hate it, the Beretta M9 9mm pistol has served the United States military as its standard sidearm since 1985. The more videos I produce on the pistol, the more discussion it seems to generate on whether it was a good choice, or whether or not America’s military needs would be better served by a different pistol (for example, the SIG P226 used by the Navy SEALs, or the Colt M45 issued to the USMC). The M9 featured in today’s photo is my “beater 9.” I have more rounds through this pistol than through any other gun I own (which only amounts to ~12,000 rounds, but compared with some of my pistols that only have 500-800 rounds, I notice a difference). Because it shoots anything for me (I don’t have problems shooting it, so long as it gets oiled every thousand rounds or so), I end up shooting it pretty frequently. What that means to me is that I shoot it better than most anything else, which just makes me like shooting it more. I don’t think any pistol is “perfect,” but the M9 works well for my purposes as a hobbyist target shooter. I prefer full metal guns to polymer-framed pistols, and although this baby has a wide back end (I’ve heard many complain the grip is too wide), the VZ grips
I have currently installed on it help to slim its profile a bit, and improve the grip’s overall tactile response. Despite the fact that I enjoy shooting this pistol, and that I shoot it relatively well, there is one thing I cannot stand about this gun: its slide mounted safety/decocker. If it were just a decocker, I’d have less complaint (although, I’m still not wild about its placement), but having a safety that is so unwieldy to disengage just screams impractical to me. I have to change my grip on the gun to flick the safety off when in the firing position. It’s awkward and cumbersome, which unnecessarily increases the movement needed to disengage, ergo increasing the time it takes between drawing and firing. In competition, that can detract from a shooter’s score, but in a self defense situation, fumbling with the awkward safety could mean the difference between saving your life, and …not. What do you think about the Beretta M9/92FS pistols?
Photo Friday: Beretta M9
If the World has turned to sh.., and as I head out the door I have time to grab only one gun, it would be my 92FS. That said, I agree totally with your comments on the safety/decocker placement. For that reason, I tend to leave it at home when I head to comps and stick with my 686 and speedloaders, which fortunately is just as competative in most of the events I shoot. But for a defensive firearm, the 92FS reliabiity and accuracy over short distances makes all the difference. Fortunately my male paws are large enough to deal with the awkward placement of the safety/decocker lever. The 92FS is just plain fun to shoot!!
AussieWombat1 Let’s hope you don’t “have” to grab that 92 sooner rather than later if you know what I mean…;)
If the World has turned to sh.., and as I head out the door I have time to grab only one gun, it would be my 92FS. That said, I agree totally with your comments on the safety/decocker placement. For that reason, I tend to leave it at home when I head to comps and stick with my 686 and speedloaders, which fortunately is just as competative in most of the events I shoot. But for a defensive firearm, the 92FS reliabiity and accuracy over short distances makes all the difference. Fortunately my male paws are large enough to deal with the awkward placement of the safety/decocker lever. The 92FS is just plain fun to shoot!!
I like them, but I like other things more. They are certainly 100% reliable and I could depend on it, but I wouldn’t want to be carrying it everywhere personally.
I like them, but I like other things more. They are certainly 100% reliable and I could depend on it, but I wouldn’t want to be carrying it everywhere personally.
I’m on the fence about this weapon. I have been since I first shot one. Every one I’ve ever shot has had jamming issues or feed issues. This is a big problem for me. However, the pistol is accurate, great trigger, and feels really good in the hand. The safety ain’t a problem for me because I’m used to the concept (first pistol was a S&W 459 so placement is natural after a couple mags). So it fits my criteria….except for reliability.
I know not all of them are like that. I heard lots of people have never had issues, but like I said ever one I’ve shot has went click when it should have went bang. I really want to like it……
My whole thought process on this reminds me of “That hot chick is all over me at the bar, but don’t I see her here every time I’m in here. And damn I’m in here a lot…….”
I’m on the fence about this weapon. I have been since I first shot one. Every one I’ve ever shot has had jamming issues or feed issues. This is a big problem for me. However, the pistol is accurate, great trigger, and feels really good in the hand. The safety ain’t a problem for me because I’m used to the concept (first pistol was a S&W 459 so placement is natural after a couple mags). So it fits my criteria….except for reliability.
I know not all of them are like that. I heard lots of people have never had issues, but like I said ever one I’ve shot has went click when it should have went bang. I really want to like it……
My whole thought process on this reminds me of “That hot chick is all over me at the bar, but don’t I see her here every time I’m in here. And damn I’m in here a lot…….”
I have a Beretta M9 and I think you may have helped me decide to keep it. It carries ok in the middle of my back, but I am not a fan of the thick grip and safety. I may try those cz grips as they look very sharp.