Beretta 92FS vs Beretta M9: Difference and Comparison

The Beretta 92FS and Beretta M9 are essentially the same handgun, both based on the Beretta 92 series. The primary difference lies in their intended users: the 92FS is marketed to civilians and law enforcement, while the M9 is the military designation adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces.

Key Takeaways

1. The Beretta 92FS is a civilian version of the M9 military handgun, with minor differences in design and materials.
2. The Beretta M9 is a military handgun designed for the US Armed Forces and features a slightly shorter barrel than the Beretta 92FS.
3. While both guns are similar in design and functionality, the Beretta 92FS is more commonly used by civilians, while the M9 is reserved for military use.

Beretta 92FS vs Beretta M9

Beretta 92FS is an autoloading automatic pistol with large magazine and 9mm caliber also called civilian version. Beretta M9 is a self-loading automatic pistol with a big capacity for bullets used by military designated officers and armed forces.

Beretta 92FS, designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy, is a semi-automatic pistol. It was initially designed in 1975, and the official production of it started in 1976. It is designed to be light and handy with Black Brunton, a Black Synthetic Grip finish, and a white three-dot sight.

The ammunition capacity of Beretta 92FS is 10. Beretta M9 is also designed and Manufactured by Beretta and is used by the united states armed forces designated for Beretta 92F semi-automatic pistol.

It is a single-action, double-action, short recoil, semi-automatic pistol that uses a 15-round staggered box magazine with a reversible magazine release button that can be positioned for either left- or right-handed shooters.

Comparison Table

Feature	Beretta 92FS	Beretta M9
Purpose	Civilian market	Military and law enforcement
Frame Material	Stainless steel or black Bruniton (Beretta’s proprietary finish)	Aluminum
Grip Material	Black synthetic	Black synthetic (may vary depending on variant)
Sights	Three-dot sights (adjustable on some models)	Fixed three-dot sights
Magazine Capacity	15 rounds	15 rounds
Availability of Safety Features	Varies depending on model (may include ambidextrous safety, decocker, and magazine release)	Typically includes ambidextrous safety/decocker and magazine release
Government Contract	None	Adopted by the U.S. military in 1985
Availability	Widely available for civilian purchase	May be restricted in some areas due to military contract
Price	Generally less expensive than the M9	Generally more expensive than the 92FS

What is Beretta 92FS?

The Beretta 92FS is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by the Italian firearms company Beretta. It is a member of the Beretta 92 series, which has been in production since 1975 and has seen widespread adoption by military, law enforcement, and civilian users around the world.

Design and Features

The Beretta 92FS features a traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, allowing users to either fire the first shot with a longer, heavier trigger pull (double-action) or manually cock the hammer for a lighter trigger pull (single-action) for subsequent shots. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, offering a balance of manageable recoil and effective stopping power.

The pistol boasts a robust construction with a slide and frame made from lightweight aluminum alloy. Its design incorporates a reversible magazine release and an ambidextrous safety/decocker, catering to both left- and right-handed shooters. The slide-mounted safety functions as a decocker when engaged, safely lowering the hammer without firing a round.

The 92FS is equipped with a 4.9-inch barrel and has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds, although extended magazines are available for increased capacity. It features a traditional open-top slide design with an external extractor and a fixed front sight paired with a drift-adjustable rear sight for enhanced accuracy.

History and Adoption

Introduced in 1983, the Beretta 92FS quickly gained recognition for its reliability, accuracy, and ergonomic design. It has been adopted by numerous military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the United States Armed Forces, where it is designated as the M9 pistol. The 92FS/M9 has seen extensive service in various conflicts and operations, cementing its reputation as a dependable sidearm.

What is Beretta M9?

The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol that serves as the standard sidearm for the United States Armed Forces. It is derived from the Beretta 92 series, specifically the 92FS, and was adopted by the U.S. military in 1985 to replace the aging M1911A1.

Design and Features

The Beretta M9 shares many design features with the Beretta 92FS, including its double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system and 9x19mm Parabellum chambering. However, the M9 incorporates several modifications to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. military.

One notable difference is the finish; the Beretta M9 features a distinctive matte black finish to enhance durability and reduce glare, providing better concealment in tactical environments. Additionally, the M9 features unique military markings and nomenclature, including a roll-marked “M9” on the slide.

Another modification is the addition of an enlarged magazine release button, designed to facilitate faster magazine changes during combat situations. The grips of the M9 are also slightly different from the 92FS, featuring a more aggressive texture to improve handling and control, especially in adverse conditions.

The Beretta M9 retains the ambidextrous safety/decocker configuration of the 92FS, allowing for safe decocking of the hammer and preventing accidental discharge. Like its civilian counterpart, the M9 has a 4.9-inch barrel and a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

History and Adoption

The adoption of the Beretta M9 marked a significant departure for the U.S. military, transitioning from the venerable M1911A1 to a more modern, double-action pistol. Despite initial controversy and criticism, the M9 has served as the primary sidearm for U.S. military personnel for over three decades.

Since its adoption, the Beretta M9 has been utilized in numerous conflicts and operations worldwide, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan. Its reliability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance have made it a trusted companion for servicemen and women in diverse operational environments.

Main Differences Between Beretta 92FS and Beretta M9

• Finish:
  • Beretta 92FS features a traditional blued or stainless steel finish.
  • Beretta M9 is distinguished by its matte black finish, designed for increased durability and reduced glare, suitable for military applications.
• Markings:
  • Beretta 92FS may feature standard civilian markings and nomenclature.
  • Beretta M9 bears unique military markings, including a roll-marked “M9” on the slide.
• Magazine Release:
  • Beretta 92FS has a standard magazine release.
  • Beretta M9 is equipped with an enlarged magazine release button to facilitate faster magazine changes, particularly in combat situations.
• Grips:
  • Beretta 92FS may feature standard grips with a smoother texture.
  • Beretta M9 grips have a more aggressive texture for improved handling and control, especially in adverse conditions.
• Intended Use:
  • Beretta 92FS is marketed to civilians and law enforcement agencies.
  • Beretta M9 is the military designation adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces as its standard-issue sidearm.

References

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UmOCDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT36&dq=Beretta+92FS+and+Beretta+M9&ots=HLrut8karD&sig=8LdYqxTjx4dIa70beoe7Wr5QnsQ
2. http://repositorio.ucp.pt/handle/10400.14/20574

Last Updated : 01 March, 2024