Beretta M9 Vs. 92FS: Which One is Better?

The Beretta M9 and 92FS are semi-automatic pistols that became the favorite of the U.S. military in the 1980s and early 2000s. They have a long service history and have proven themselves to be reliable and accurate weapons for self-defense. These pistols are extremely similar because the 92FS is a civilian and safer variant of the M9. It's hard to uncover differences and easy to pass them both as the same firearm. Still, we did the hard work and are eager to help you spot the minute differences between the two guns.

Beretta M9 Vs. 92FS - Specs

When we say the pistols are very similar, we mean it. Look at their specs below, and you'll be convinced.

Beretta M9 vs 92FS - Grip

The grip of both pistols is synthetic and large. The difference lies in the shape, as the grip of the Beretta M9 has a recurved forward base. That of 92FS is more angled. It is in the form of a slanted dust cover and a radiused backstrap. This iteration of the gun gives a more comfortable feel for people with small and large hands.

On the other hand, M9 does not suit people with small hands. It has a relatively thick grip, and the distance between the trigger face and the grip's rear is 3 inches. It is a very long reach to the trigger for a person with small hands.

Buy Beretta 92FS Holster

Differences in Slide Design

There is little variation in how the slides of these two models are made. The Beretta M9 has the signature open-top slide design, which has a big ejection port.

The slide is cut at the top, which prevents the threat of debris entering inside and disrupting the pistol's function. This open-top design also minimizes the rearward weight as the slide reciprocates with the trigger pull.

The 92 FS model has an open slide and short recoil. The design of the slide eliminates the issue of stove-piping or ejection failure and helps in the continuous cycling and feeding of ammunition even after thousands of rounds.

Beretta M9 vs 92FS - Safety and Trigger

Both M9 and 92FS are single-action/double-action pistols. There is a slight difference in the safety features and trigger pull. M9 has a firing pin block and an ambidextrous safety-decocker lever. It thus removes the threat of accidental firing. It has a reversible magazine release to cater to left- and right-handed shooters.

All the controls are well-positioned for ease of use and ready access to the pistol's essential functions. Double-action triggers are known to be heavy, and this is true for M9 as well. The DA trigger pull is long and fairly heavy but smooth. However, the SA trigger pull is short and quite smooth.

Originally, the Beretta 92FS was made with a frame-mounted safety. The current models have progressed to slide-mounted safety, just like the M9. The gun has a safety-decocking lever, allowing for safe hammer lowering over a chambered round. You can disassemble the gun without pulling the lever.

The FS models have an enlarged hammer pinhead to enter a matching groove, which is cut into the slide rail. It stops the slide breech recoil overtravel. Like M9, the DA trigger pull of 92FS is very smooth and at par with revolvers.

Differences in Sights & Optics

Beretta M9 and 92FS use fixed iron notchs and post front and rear sights. In the 92FS model, these sights enable swift target acquisition and help sight under low light conditions with their white in-lays.

Today, you can convert the standard Beretta 92FS into a competition target gun using the conversion kit. It has a 7.3" (185 mm) barrel with counterweight and elevated front sight. Also, it has an adjustable target rear sight and user-friendly walnut grips.

The Beretta M9 has a two-dot sight system. A white dot is on the front sight, and the second dot is below the middle of the rear sight window. Although these sights are strong and durable, the three-dot system of the 92FS is easier on the eyes and aids in target acquisition better than M9. You can swap the sights of these guns easily.

Beretta M9 vs 92FS - Accuracy

The M9 and 92FS have acceptable accuracy. A closer comparison reveals that M9's accuracy is similar to that of the Glocks and 1911, while 92FS is a step ahead. Some reasons include 92FS's girthy grip, which suits most hands and allows you to engage the trigger comfortably and with less recoil. Moreover, the three-dot sight system assists in better target acquisition than M9.

The 92FS version uses a unique locking block system that holds the slide forward and locked up. The barrel does not unlock until the bullet shoots. This accuracy-enhancing feature is absent in M9. However, this does not make it unacceptable.

The M9 has reasonable accuracy in both the DA and SA modes. It can help you score accurate headshots at a 25-yard distance. The recoil is almost nothing, and the DA trigger is smooth. If you are looking for a classic general-purpose handgun with fair accuracy, the M9 will fit your needs.

Shop Beretta 92FS Holster

Similarities Between Beretta M9 and 92FS

Beretta M9 and 92FS are functionally the same guns. The M9 is essentially a 92 series gun with some added features. This is why they are similar in many aspects, which include the following:

Design

Both M9 and 92FS sport the classic Beretta profile. They are full-bodied and have the same barrel length and feed system (detachable box magazine). Other than the government or military markings on the M9 and cosmetic differences on frames, you cannot see any major differences between these models.

Weight

M9 and 92FS weigh approximately the same (33.3 ounces/945 grams when unloaded). They have a lightweight design, but that does not make either of them fully conducive for concealed carry. If you really want to carry one of them concealed, you need a good custom holster.

Magazine Capacity

The pistols have a standard 15-round capacity. The 92FS can use flush-fit magazines, which raise the capacity to 17 or 18 rounds. The same is true for M9. Smaller versions of these guns hold ten rounds and are more suitable for concealed carry.

Caliber

These Beretta models are chambered in 9mm (9x19mm Parabellum) caliber. They cannot reliably use the 0.40 ACP. You will need to switch to Beretta 96A1 to use this caliber.

Action Mechanism

The pistols operate with double and single-action systems. Along with this, they have Beretta's signature locking system.

Which Pistol is Better? 

Beretta M9 and 92FS are practically the same guns, even when we dig a little deeper. Except for slight differences in the grip, locking system, sights, finish, and some internal components, the guns are identical. They operate consistently and have almost the same accuracy. You can also swap their parts anytime. The 92FS is a modified version of the M9 and is more concealable. However, we suggest that you try to put both the guns first and explore their feel, fit, and shooting experience. It will help you decide on a suitable option. You can then check out our holsters for concealed carry or open carry.