Glock 17 or Beretta 92fs

[ianS]

This is a debate much deeper than G17 vs 92FS, it is really about what safety features make sense and for whom. For how many decades were the 1911's carried into combat cocked and locked so that manipulating the safety became part of the process of drawing it from the holster to make it ready to fire? It was merely part of the training in using the weapon. That is the real topic to be debated;training, not one model vs the other.

The real problem with the Glock is that it relies on the safety device between the ears of the shooter...this device is often inadequate in many.

Actually what I believe is manual safety vs. DA/SA vs. Glock type trigger should be a matter of personal choice. Whatever is comfortable to someone. And what they prefer to shoot. But I do think the decocker/manual safety on the 92FS models to be a bit of overkill.

The real problem with the Glock is that it relies on the safety device between the ears of the shooter...this device is often inadequate in many.

I see it this way. If someone can't make the basic safety rules of gun handling second nature (keep finger off the trigger til ready to fire, keep it pointed in safe direction etc) then they should seriously re-think their priorities as a gunowner. If they can't be mindful of something extremely basic like keeping your finger off the trigger what else are they gonna slacking off on? Are they gonna be riding the trigger constantly if they have a manual safety or heavier DA trigger? Do they always rest their finger on the trigger whenever they're pointing the gun at something? Wanting that larger room for error is the wrong mindset. The mindset should be the same whether one has a Glock with a round chambered or a Beretta 92FS decocked safety on and in Condition 3.

If someone is not immediately pointing or about to shoot an intruder/perp the pistol should either be in the holster or something like a GunVault. When I used to train with a 1911 I flipped the safety down as it was clearing holster/bringing it up to the target, but my finger was off the trigger. (Unless of course the decision to shoot was already made as soon as I clear holster).

Its a balancing of safety vs. effectiveness. Everyone needs to find what they'll be comfortable with and feel good about. For some its a Glock. Others a 92FS.

[ZX-10R]

Beretta without a doubt. That is me...Glock did not even crack my top 10 list of guns to buy. Won't ever either. Glock felt uncomfortable in my hand, shot well but not better than M&P 9 or FNP-9, looks (yeah looks count when you spend cash) stupid, and lastly...It is my choice to have something most do not and something I liked.

A buddy is picking up a M9A1 tomorrow by the way if that helps. His choices were in this order.

Beretta M9A1 - his brother already has an M9.
M&P 9
FNP-9
P95

[resident-shooter]

SIg I tellz yas

[esartori]

Shoot both if u can but ull have buyers remorse either way and probably get the other

[flyingjalapeno]

I too am having the same issue of buying a glock 17 or a beretta M9A1. But since it will be my first gun, I am going with the glock. Although once I replenish my funds and I am more educated about handguns, I AM getting a M9A1 no doubt about that. SO get both but start with a glock.

[Target19]

Can't say both good guns.
I think Glock for cheaper overall value in term of mods.

[SIGman Freud]

Simple guns for simple people! On the other hand I graduated from high school so I can handle a complicated gun like a Beretta. ;-)

Oooh...them is fightin' words.

[l8apex]

Buy a used Glock 17. Spend the rest on ammo and training. Pick up the 92 later, as after you've trained and got the fundamentals down, the gun won't matter as much. Any gun will do if you do. YMMV.

Glock
Pros: Price, maintenance, one trigger to learn, no external safety to fuss with or accidentally engage, aftermarket support, parts easily accessible, light weight etc.
Cons: Trigger will not feel as crisp as the 92, felt recoil may be slightly more, grip to some is problematic, factory mag catch needs to be replaced with Vickers, stock sights questionable to some.

Beretta 92
Pros: Trigger in single action is easy to shoot straight, open slide makes malf clearances easier, less felt recoil due to weight etc
Cons: Double action will take training to master, safety may be accidentally engaged or user may forget to disengage, parts not readily available to civilians, cleaning and oil is a must, weight is heavy [in modern terms], aftermarket support is few are far between, etc.

Both guns are easy to shoot really fast and accurate, YMMV. Choose what works for you.

[Target19]

Can't say both good guns.
I think Glock for cheaper overall value in term of mods.

Don't listen to me though.
I like Glocks but have never bought one.
I just shoot others Glocks.

[Tiberius]

Another vote for the Beretta - and not just because they're beautiful. Glock's are great guns, but pretty they aint.

The real reason to go with the Beretta is to get to know the DA/SA safety/decocker system. Learning it on your first gun ingrains it; you can always go to a Glock. But given the number of DA/SA guns out there, having a comfort level with it is worthwhile. Sort of like learning to drive a manual transmission first.

[DannyZRC]

Another vote for the Beretta - and not just because they're beautiful. Glock's are great guns, but pretty they aint.

The real reason to go with the Beretta is to get to know the DA/SA safety/decocker system. Learning it on your first gun ingrains it; you can always go to a Glock. But given the number of DA/SA guns out there, having a comfort level with it is worthwhile. Sort of like learning to drive a manual transmission first.

I like this angle on the question.

IMO, it's also (much)easier to shoot a Beretta well than to be 100% safe always with a glock/glock style pistol.

[SIGman Freud]

Hmm. I keep seeing people describe the Glock's consistent trigger pull without mentioning that it actually takes time to effectively learn the trigger reset. For some, the learning curve is quite easy to master the art of using Glock's trigger reset system, while for others (myself included) it takes time to really feel comfortable with and to be accurate. I have never been fully at ease with the Glock though I must train with it for my job. I have shot Sigs, CZ's, Walthers, Bersas, and Rugers, and was able to acclimate to the grip, trigger and recoil quite easily. Not so easy for me with the Glock. I naturally shoot well with those other guns. Something about a blocky plastic frame supporting a steel slide that discharges very hot 40 S & W rounds makes it a challenge for me (G 23). That said, with practice I have become quite competent with my firearm. With a Glock 17/19/26, I handle the recoil better and am more accurate, but it's still not "fun" for me to shoot. It just doesn't do it for me. That said, the Glock has been around and will BE around for a very long time due to its reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, availability of parts, cost factor.....you name it. I would strongly consider the Glock if those are your main concerns. If you want a fun range gun, with a stronger appeal for fit and finish, and don't mind spending the money on something that will hold its value long term, consider a Sig, an H & K, or a 1911 (in 9mm or 45 acp).

To the OP, as the others have posted.......you really must rent a gun before you buy it. Only, don't limit your options to just the Glock or the Beretta. You may not be crazy about either when stacked up against other guns. The beauty is you still have a good set of guns to select from (even in this goofy gun law state). Try a S & W M&P 9! Try the CZ line of pistols! I love them! Rugers are great, too! Sigs and H & K's are masterpieces and must be shot (if not owned) just for the experience! The point is, each gun is different and requires training with it. What points and shoots well for one person may not work quite as well for you. As long as you have choices, though, rent a variety until you find the one that feels well in your hand and, more importantly, gives you results on paper that you are looking for.

Good luck!

[OCGuy]

Two fine choices. Gotta think what is important to you. And I don't mean reliability, price or accuracy. They are similar in that respect ( if you said HK or Beretta that's a different story ). What I mean is how does it feel in your hand? Which one points more naturally for you? Do you like the weight and feel of steel or do you prefer plastic? Are you gonna carry? From a gangsta-bling point of view the glock is as ghetto as it gets. However, the Beretta has that timeless Lethal Weapon Martin Riggs shooting a smiley face-Die Hard John McClaine blowing away the bad guys-Hard Boiled Chow Yun Fat Dual wielding-Matrix Trinity "Dodge this!" Hollywood bad *** cachet to it. Goodluck!

[morfeeis]

i shoot a bit better with the 92f but i bought a glock, i might end up with a 92f later but for now glock won round 1.

[gatesbox]

Not so easy for me with the Glock. I naturally shoot well with those other guns. Something about a blocky plastic frame supporting a steel slide that discharges very hot 40 S & W

Several gun shops have told me that the 40 SW is the hot seller....I don't know why...I talked to an armorer who claimed that a 9mm does just about the same thing in the human body without the horrible pressure and snap of the .40.....also said they were the only glocks that came back for work....

You cannot go wrong with a G17....and load up on 10 rd mags....sure you can own high cap rebuild kits but why? I am so done with the obsession to own things just because you can even though you can never use them.....I have several broken down mag parts that came with me in the move to CA, they just collect dust...