Beretta M9A1 & 92A1

[itisagoodname]

Thanks for the pictures, that helps a lot.

Just to be clear i mistyped, its 92fs on the slide and M9A1 on the receiver. I accidentally typed 92A1. Sorry for any confusion.

[TripleThreat]

Thanks, what is a quick connect feature?

It actually their new "auto locking slide lever" which is shown in the link below and appears just after the 2:00 minute mark in the video link below. This feature is part of the 2010 upgrades which come standard on the newer 90-Two series guns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLMK-E5p8ZQ&feature=g-hist

Here is some information obtained from the website.


New for 2010, the Model 92A1 and 96A1 represent Beretta’s evolution of the world famous 92FS pistol.
Combining the best elements of the 92FS and the 90-Two,these pistols feature:
A. Higher capacity magazines: 17 rounds in 9mm. Completely interchangeable with other 92 family magazines. THREE magazines included per pistol.
B. Removable front sight: Allows the user to easily replace a damaged sight or replace it with an accessory sight.
C. Accessory rail: The frame of the A1’s have an integral MIL-STD-1913 rail for rapid attachment of tactical lights and laser aiming devices.
D. Internal recoil buffer: Increases service life by reducing stress on the receiver created by the more powerful .40 S&W caliber ammunition.
E. Captive recoil spring assembly: The single-piece design simplifies the assembly and disassembly process and minimizes the possibility of spring loss.**
F. Rounded trigger guard: Updated styling to conform with current pistol gripping practices.

[hbroadie]

92A1 features that the DoJ said was too different from the previous version to grandfather it onto the roster:

1. Removable front sight
2. Accessory rail (although the M9A1 has this already)
3. Internal recoil buffer
4. Captive recoil spring assembly (Glock Gen 4, anyone)
5. Rounded trigger guard

The last feature is how I tell the difference between the M9A1 and the 92A1 without looking at the frame or the internals. The 92fs, M9, M9A1 all have the flat trigger guard.



Hope that helps.

[TripleThreat]

^^^
The 92A1 also has a 17 round capacity vs a 15 round capacity of the M9 models.

[M4A1]

I really hate that its says
"Warning: Read manual before use.
Retract slide to see if loaded, fires without magazine"
on the frame. Is that just for California guns? That's going to make me move to a different pistol. Those labels belong on toys, not real guns.

[Leesan82]

Is this ture? Because I saw a 92A1 in the store. But not the M9A1.

Fairly certain.

92A1 is a newer design and didn't have all the CA required safty features to be on the roster as a new model. These are also enough design changes so it couldn't be considered as a variant of the old model per CA DOJ.

Ammo Bro's have them for sale as LE only.

[yzErnie]

I really hate that its says
"Warning: Read manual before use.
Retract slide to see if loaded, fires without magazine"
on the frame. Is that just for California guns? That's going to make me move to a different pistol. Those labels belong on toys, not real guns.

It is on all of the M9A1 pistols and more and more manufacturers are putting it on their guns. Eventually all will have that. I will add the warning label would not stop me from buying a gun I really want.

[sneather]

I really hate that its says
"Warning: Read manual before use.
Retract slide to see if loaded, fires without magazine"
on the frame. Is that just for California guns? That's going to make me move to a different pistol. Those labels belong on toys, not real guns.

No. There are no "California guns". Those billboards are on almost all new Beretta pistols. Unfortunately. For that reason, there is a high-value placed on older, "vintage" Beretta models which don't have any of the legal garbage, have the straight dustcover, and all metal controls. Note, almost all new 92-models come with factory plastic triggers, mag releases and safety controls.

P.S. While Beretta could change something without notice, the Civilian M9 (not M9A1) does NOT have any legal billboard, and also has the straight dustcover.

[dachan]

I keep looking for an M9A1, I went to a local store that said they had it. It turned out to be a 92A1. The guy at the store told me that the box says
M9A1 and that the actual M9A1 is probably not on the roster. Can someone clear this up for me? Can I get an actual M9A1 in California or is the 92A1 the only option? Also, does the M9A1 have the "U.S." markings on it like the M9?

Differences between M9A1 and 92A1:

• M9A1 is rostered, 92A1 is not
• M9A1 grip frame is checkered, 92A1 grip frame is serrated
• M9A1 has standard buffer assembly, 92A1 has new buffer assembly developed for increased durability in pistols chambered in 40S&W (i.e., 96A1)
• M9A1 has a more aggressive bevel in the magazine well
• Large capacity models of the M9A1 come with two 15rnd PVD (sand resistant) magazines, large capacity models of the 92A1 come with three 17rnd magazines.
• 10rnd models of the M9A1 come with two 10rnd magazines, 10rnd models of the 92A1 come with three 10rnd magazines.

Beretta catalog numbers:
M9A1, 10rnd mags: J92M9A1
M9A1, 15rnd mags: J92M9A1M
92A1, 10rnd mags: J9A9F11
92A1, 17rnd mags: J9A9F10

[TripleThreat]

^^^
Great info, thanks for that. I'm currently going back and fourth with my gun shop on which one I'm getting, when I get it, if it's on the list, so on and so on. I blame part of it on Berretta as there names are somewhat confusing.

It's seems like it is all going to work out, it's just taking longer than it should.

PS. Does anyone know of any Bay Area shops that stock off roster handguns for Leo's?

[Just-in]

removable front sight is a nice touch. I have an M9A1 and didn't notice until I had it for a while that night sights weren't an option without some serious work.

[shipwreck]

removable front sight is a nice touch. I have an M9A1 and didn't notice until I had it for a while that night sights weren't an option without some serious work.

Just send the slide off to Tooltech gunsight. With return shipping, it is $170. Not a big deal. I had two slides done last year. 2-3 week turnaround.

[sneather]

Differences between M9A1 and 92A1:

• M9A1 is rostered, 92A1 is not
• M9A1 grip frame is checkered, 92A1 grip frame is serrated
• M9A1 has standard buffer assembly, 92A1 has new buffer assembly developed for increased durability in pistols chambered in 40S&W (i.e., 96A1)
• M9A1 has a more aggressive bevel in the magazine well
• Large capacity models of the M9A1 come with two 15rnd PVD (sand resistant) magazines, large capacity models of the 92A1 come with three 17rnd magazines.
• 10rnd models of the M9A1 come with two 10rnd magazines, 10rnd models of the 92A1 come with three 10rnd magazines.

Beretta catalog numbers:
M9A1, 10rnd mags: J92M9A1
M9A1, 15rnd mags: J92M9A1M
92A1, 10rnd mags: J9A9F11
92A1, 17rnd mags: J9A9F10

The differences are greater than just these points. The entire slide and frame of the 92A1 are different than all the other 92-models. The slide is taller (perhaps, to accommodate the recoil system?) so the parts aren't universally interchangeable between the 92A1 and the 92FS/M9A1/M9.

[TripleThreat]

It was well worth the wait

Finally after waiting 31 days (my local shop messed up the original order) I've taken delivery of a Berretta 92A1.

Today I only had time to shoot 50 rounds through her, but at first blush this may be one of the best auto's I have ever shot. Ever.

The 92A1 is a phenomenal weapon. Accurate as anything else out there for under $1,500, easy to shoot and very unique looking. It's so good, I want to do a side-by-side comparison with a couple of other 9mm's, but for now I think this Berretta is going to be hard to beat. For decades I have basically disliked the 92 Series gun. I thought it was an ugly duckling and more of a basic "Army" gun which may be true for the 92FS (I don't know as I've never shot one prior). The 92A1 is better than most auto's I've owned or ever shot.

I'm completely impressed with this handgun, I believe that the 92A1 may even surpass the SP-01.

Stay turned for comparison!

Triple