Glock and Beretta are two famous firearm manufacturers whose weapons have stood the test of time. Both are known to produce highly precise and high-quality guns, as defined by their craftsmanship and solid engineering. This makes it particularly difficult to choose a pistol from a particular manufacturer. In this post, we'll do a Beretta vs Glock comparison so you understand what sets the offerings of these two manufacturers apart.
A Glimpse at Beretta
The Beretta brand was founded in 1526 in Italy. Over 500 years, it developed a comprehensive ecosystem of firearms and related accessories. Its product line comprises a higher number of semi-automatic pistols than any other manufacturer. The brand has been designing and supplying firearms to the U.S. Military since the 19th century, and today, it is a leader in sophisticated guns that function as sidearms and main weapons for both armed professionals and civilians. The Beretta PX Storm, APX, 92F, and M9 are some of the best and most widely used pistols. Check out Beretta Holsters here.
A Glimpse at Glock
Glocks are much younger than Beretta guns, as the first one entered the market for the Austrian police service in 1982. The polymer frame and Safe Action system of the first Glock took the market by storm. In 1984, the Norwegian Army chose the Glock 17 as its standard sidearm. What followed was a range of pistols with the same function but different calibers, finishes, barrel and grip lengths, and ammunition capacity. They have now become a household name, the most popular one being the 9 mm Glocks. Check out Glock Holsters here.
Differences Between Beretta and Glock
In the following sections, we’ll compare the key aspects of the pistols of both manufacturers.
Beretta Vs. Glock - Design
The design of both pistols mirrors their use and major purpose. The classic Beretta 92 evolved from the Beretta 51, which, in turn, evolved from a combination of the Walther P-38 and the Beretta 1934. This was shown in the open slide design, alloy frame, and hinged locking block.
Today, Beretta pistols blend traditional and modern elements in their designs, such as reversible magazine releases, modularity, hard-chromed barrel bores to reduce wear, Picatinny rails, and optics-ready slides. It ensures that the guns are ideal for police, military units, and sports competitions.
Glock pistols have a design that favors simplicity, reliability, and ease of use for an extended period. The two most common models, the Glock 17 and the Glock 19, have three internal safeties and a polymer frame.
Features like metal coatings, modular backstraps, and a cocking mechanism wherein the trigger has a role for cocking the striker highlight enhanced reliability. The simplicity in design is shown by the fact that Glocks have only 35 parts compared to 61 in the Beretta 92FS.
Differences in Trigger and Safety
There are notable differences in the trigger and safety mechanisms of Beretta and Glock guns. Beretta 92 series guns have a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. The first shot requires a heavier DA pull, while the consecutive shots are lighter due to the SA pull. Some 92X series pistols have the "Xtreme-S" trigger system. It reduces trigger reset by 40%.
Beretta 92FS, 92XI, and APX guns feature external safety mechanisms, which are absent in Glocks. These include an ambidextrous safety lever or a slide-mounted combined safety, which is an integrated de-cocker. When you engage the lever, it decocks the gun.
Glocks have the Safe Action system, consisting of a trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety. These safeties prevent accidental discharges. As the trigger gets a rearward pull, the trigger bar lowers down the safety ramp. It leads to the release of the firing pin. The trigger bar then moves upward and reengages the firing pin. When the trigger is released, all safeties automatically reengage.
The external safety and the DA/SA trigger in Beretta guns make them more suitable for average civilians and shooters, while the absence of these features in Glocks makes them more suited for highly trained armed forces.
Beretta Vs. Glock - Ergonomics
The ergonomic differences between Beretta and Glock guns are purely subjective. This is because there are numerous iterations of these pistols that fit small and large-handed users. Typically, Glocks have a steeper grip angle than Beretta 92FS and M9, which can feel unnatural for some shooters, especially those with small hands.
Also, the 92X series Beretta guns come with a vertex grip profile. It is designed to fit a variety of hand sizes. The more rounded ergonomics of Beretta pistols compared to the straight-cut trigger guard and grip angle of the Glock make many shooters prefer Beretta.
Differences in Magazines
Glocks typically use double-stack magazines and have a metal and polymer body. The capacity can go up as high as 17 rounds. Glock magazines are compatible with the same caliber. The stiff metal tube encasing prevents the deformation of the magazine when it is dropped or used under harsh environmental conditions.
The extended floor plate in the Glock magazines increases the capacity by two more rounds. This feature contributes to the comfortable feel due to the additional gripping surface. The extended floor plate magazines have calibers like 9 mm Luger, 40 S&W, 380 Auto, and 357 SIG.
Beretta magazines have different variants, and the typical capacity ranges from 15 to 35 rounds (extended). There are standard magazines, those for the M9A3 model, flush high-capacity magazines, and extended magazines that hold up to 35 rounds. Beretta M9A1 pistols come with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) -coated magazines. They can easily tolerate the conditions of sandy environments. There is no clear winner here, as the magazines of both pistols are long-lasting and reliable.
Differences in Optics
The sights are a common part of both pistols. The 92X's Performance variant has an optic-ready slide so you can mount micro or red-dot optics easily. The 92X has forward slide serrations, which is a huge improvement over other 92 series pistols. The front sight is a fiber optic. It is set in a dovetail mount.
Glocks have the popular Modular Optic System (MOS) configuration. It eases the process of mounting many common optical sights. From compact to full-sized Glocks, most models support MOS. The MOS system has wider aftermarket support than Beretta Performance Carry optics. It is also more customizable than the Glock.
Accuracy and Reliability
There is practically no difference in the accuracy and reliability of the Glock and Beretta. Both guns have distinct features that make them accurate and dependable. These include Glock's Safe Action System, consistent trigger pull, and polygonal rifling. In Beretta guns, features like superior ergonomics, smooth trigger pull, and wider grips.
Beretta guns can fire over 17,000 rounds without a stoppage. With regards to Glock, users typically report firing over 50,000 rounds without failure. Thus, the reliability of both pistols is comparable.
Concluding Words
Both Beretta and Glock pistols have built their reputation as accurate, strong, and trustworthy guns. Both manufacturers' pistols have dependable construction and prioritize user comfort. Since there is a wide variety of Glock and Beretta firearms, we suggest that you try out your preferred model yourself to get a sense of how it feels and fits in your hands. This will help you make the most informed decision.
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