View Full Version : Anyone have experience with a Beretta 92/M9A1 Compact?
Greetings,
I've been infected by the resurgence of the popularity of the Beretta 92 series. My wife has a 1994 92FS that I put a D spring into and it has transformed the pistol into one of my favorites. She's taken over a P226 that I have, but never shoot anymore. I predominantly shoot Glocks, G19 specifically, but like the G17 as well. I find I like the slightly smaller frame of the G19 vs. the G17 and wonder how this would correlate to the 92FS and the Compact.
I'm looking for feedback specific to the 92/M9A1 Compact. I see lots of reviews based on the fullsize 92 models, but I don't recall any on the Compact. Anyone have experience with one? How does it shoot/handle as compared to the fullsized pistols? Is accuracy typical of the fullsize pistols? Can it accept a D spring? I assume, but don't know for sure if fullsize 92 mags would work.
Of course pics are encouraged!!!
I don't CCW since I live in NJ. This pistol would be a range shooter and see house duties.
Eurodriver
11-12-14, 18:24
Saw your reply to my post. I'll put it in here.
I haven't shot my M9A1 yet, but i can't imagine it being that much different from the full size M9. As far as size goes, the grip is, with my hand-o-meter, identical in thickness to a full size. However it is much shorter. Without the little lip on the edge of the magazine, it would be annoying to shoot.
I found that interesting. As someone with a G26 that I can shoot comfortably without a magazine extension, the fact that this is bigger but less comfortable without the extension was surprising. I suppose it is due to it being just big enough that you can't comfortably wrap your pinkie under the butt.
Of course, to my knowledge all of the mags have this lip so that is a non issue.
Other thoughts? Well, it's really not that much smaller than a full size. I don't have one side-by-side , but it looks and feels like the just chopped a bit off the muzzle and grip and left it at that. That may be why you aren't finding many reviews because the two pistols are almost identical.
oldandslow
11-12-14, 23:56
rm,
I believe there are two Beretta 92 compacts, a rare 8 round single stack 9mm and the more common 13 round double stacker. I have the 13 round 92FS Compact. It is about a half inch shorter in the barrel and grip than the full size pistol but is still a pretty big/fat pistol for carry. It was difficult to find 13 round mags but the 10 rounders are pretty easy to pick up at a reasonable price. It is boringly accurate and reliable just like its big brother the full size 92FS. I have a number of other compact 9mm's including the Glock 19 to compare it to. It's about one-fourth inch longer in the slide and in the grip than the G19. My EDC 9mm is a SW 3rd gen pistol, the 6904 which is smaller and thinner and holds 12 rounds. Not much else to say. Good luck.
best wishes- oldandslow
Appreciate the info.
Eurodriver, your comments on the grip length are telling. I need to get to a gunshop to hold one.
Thanks!
I've held an INOX at the LGS. Felt very similar to my M9A1 full size, just a shorter grip and slide/barrel. The grip width felt the same. I liked the way it handled, but I haven't shot one yet.
I have a new INOX 92FS/M9A1 Compact. It is a nice pistol. They are really lookers, but I do prefer shooting my full size 92FS over the Compact. They are very close, but I do have large hands, and while I can fit my hand on the Compact's grip I feel the mag plate. Not really a big deal, but I find myself reaching for the full size as I am more accurate with it for some reason. Don't let this stop you from getting one, as they are nice pistols, and I may warm up to mine a bit more as I break it in. I'd really wish Beretta would produce the Centurion again as that has the Compact Slide on a full size frame.
Beat Trash
11-16-14, 08:41
I second your request on Beretta making the Centurion again. Especially if they updated it with drift adjustable/replaceable front sights!
I have a new INOX 92FS/M9A1 Compact. It is a nice pistol. They are really lookers, but I do prefer shooting my full size 92FS over the Compact. They are very close, but I do have large hands, and while I can fit my hand on the Compact's grip I feel the mag plate. Not really a big deal, but I find myself reaching for the full size as I am more accurate with it for some reason. Don't let this stop you from getting one, as they are nice pistols, and I may warm up to mine a bit more as I break it in. I'd really wish Beretta would produce the Centurion again as that has the Compact Slide on a full size frame.
This would be my ideal as well.
The single stack 92M (?) was an awesome shooter even with hot loads. Never had a huge following but really is nice pistol if you can find one. I wish Beretta would move ahead and make all the 92/96 line with drift adjustable fronts.
The first Centurion I saw was a suppressor host. I thought it was amazing with the shorter slide considering the extra weight/length brought about by the can. I wonder why Beretta quit making them?
With DOD contracts possibly winding down, maybe Beretta will continue to listen to what customers want like G models, Centurions, and collaborations. The initial signs certainly are there. One can only hope.
The Beretta 92FS Compact L in INOX has become my favorite 9mm pistol. I know everyone like the polymer striker fired pistols these days, bit IMO the 92 series Berettas are still top tier fighting pistols. Buy one and you won't regret it.
NCPatrolAR
11-17-14, 05:21
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w167/DefConNC/forum%20pictures/452DEA17-685C-40B0-9905-6D582471651E_zpsotl1viqa.jpg (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/DefConNC/media/forum%20pictures/452DEA17-685C-40B0-9905-6D582471651E_zpsotl1viqa.jpg.html)
My Compact 92FS is a kitten to shoot but still take a backseat to my Centurions
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w167/DefConNC/forum%20pictures/452DEA17-685C-40B0-9905-6D582471651E_zpsotl1viqa.jpg (http://s176.photobucket.com/user/DefConNC/media/forum%20pictures/452DEA17-685C-40B0-9905-6D582471651E_zpsotl1viqa.jpg.html)
My Compact 92FS is a kitten to shoot but still take a backseat to my Centurions
Hey There,
How are people managing the integral front sight. I went to a lgs and handled one. The trigger reset was great. The DA was mangeable. Liked it very much but I want a night sight front. Do you get these drilled out?
Thanks,
D
You simply send the slide to Trijicon or ToolTech and they drill a small hole in the front sight and insert a tritium vile.
You simply send the slide to Trijicon or ToolTech and they drill a small hole in the front sight and insert a tritium vile.
Thanks! That will make the gun an interesting choice for me.
I had Trijicon install night sights on my duty 92 FS in the 80s. When I retired in 2001 the lamps had gone dim finally so earlier this year I sent the slide back to Trijicon for revamping and I believe the cost was $50. I'm going to send them my 92 Compact slide next month for night sights and that pistol will be good to go for 15 years, hell it may outlast me.
A gentleman at the range I visit approached me while shooting this weekend. He asked if I could assist him in loading his magazines. He had a compact 92 with the rail on the frame. I showed him how to load the magazines, and then let him try out a lula loader. He immediately went out to the storefront and purchased one. On his way back in, he asked if I would like to shoot the 92C. I took him up on the offer and surprisingly did quite well with the snobby 92. It has been almost 20 years since I fired a Beretta. Nice little pistol, however; it felt a bit heavy in hand.
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