View Full Version : 92A1 vs. M9A3 vs. SP01
Hello everyone! After more than 20 years I spent around firearms I always end up returning to the Glock 17 as my main self-defense pistol. Now I have the opportunity to buy another gun, and I would choose something with a metal frame, purely because I have always liked these guns. My favorites are the CZ-75 SP01, Beretta 92A1 and Beretta M9A3 in black finish. I have perhaps the most experience with the Beretta 92, and for the CZ I might be able to find spare parts the easiest. The P226 MK-25 is also a possible option, but it is a much more expensive option that I would have to wait for quite a long time, maybe several months... What would you choose or advise. Thank you.
If you could step up your budget, get the 226 Legion DA/SA and maybe optics ready version. I own the Beretta guns but my 226's are much more natural for me to shoot. But I never professionally trained like many guys on here have with M9's.
PB
Of those 3 companies / firearms, I'd go Beretta / CZ / SIG, in that order.
No way I'd 'order' a SIG and wait for months.
I have several versions of 92, to include the 92A1 and M9A3. Of those two, I'd keep the 92A1 first because I really don't like the Vertec grip (it does come with a polymer grip that makes it feel like a normal 92 grip, but still).
CZ are nice and I've always considered buying one, but I have no experience with their handguns.
Renegade04
04-11-23, 17:49
As an owner of many Beretta 92 variants and several SIGs (including several P226 models), I will say that I am impressed with all of them. Never have or will own a CZ, but that is my decision. If you want a great pistol right out of the box, get a P226 regardless of which model. Usually, SIGs are more accurate than the shooter. Berettas need a little getting use to which means some practice time is necessary. I would, as was suggested, get a P226 that is optic ready.
My P226s.
https://i.imgur.com/PZQ155t.jpg
Of your original choices, I would put them in this order:
Beretta M9A3
Beretta 92A1
CZ-75 SP01
Alternatives: (optic ready)
Beretta M9A4
Beretta 92X RDO
Beretta 92XI SAO
CZ Shadow 2 Optics-Ready
I have owned cz's, beretta 92s, and sigs. I could never really warm up to the cz's. The 92 is a close second to a Sig for me, but I would take a Sig over them any day, but I also have a particular way that I prefer to have my sig set up (g10 grips, reduced size slide lock lever, flat trigger, srt kit, armory craft sport takedown lever)
If going with the 92, I would suggest the 92x rdo or m9a4. The triggers in these newest versions are better then in the m9a3 or 92x non rdo. They have basically copied langdons trigger bar so you get the same short reset.
My biggest problem with the 92 is the grip length is about the same as a G19 or the sig p229. I have very wide hands and I find the sig gives me more gripping area.
Soli Deo Gloria
As an owner of many Beretta 92 variants and several SIGs (including several P226 models), I will say that I am impressed with all of them. Never have or will own a CZ, but that is my decision. If you want a great pistol right out of the box, get a P226 regardless of which model. Usually, SIGs are more accurate than the shooter. Berettas need a little getting use to which means some practice time is necessary. I would, as was suggested, get a P226 that is optic ready.
My P226s.
https://i.imgur.com/PZQ155t.jpg
Of your original choices, I would put them in this order:
Beretta M9A3
Beretta 92A1
CZ-75 SP01
Alternatives: (optic ready)
Beretta M9A4
Beretta 92X RDO
Beretta 92XI SAO
CZ Shadow 2 Optics-ReadyNice collection.
I have a p226 legion rxp, mk25 rx , and a West German p226. I also have a nitron p229 and legion p229.
I had a complete p229 upper half and most the lower parts, so I ordered a stripped p229 frame from revenant arms and plan to build my 3rd p229.
While I love my Glocks, it's hard to beat a good old DA/SA.
Soli Deo Gloria
Renegade04
04-11-23, 18:37
Nice collection.
I have a p226 legion rxp, mk25 rx , and a West German p226. I also have a nitron p229 and legion p229.
I had a complete p229 upper half and most the lower parts, so I ordered a stripped p229 frame from revenant arms and plan to build my 3rd p229.
While I love my Glocks, it's hard to beat a good old DA/SA.
Soli Deo Gloria
I picked up my 3rd P229 yesterday. It is a P229 LEGION SRT (WE29-9-LEGION). It joins my P229 LEGION RXP and P229 LEGION with a LEGION PRO CUT slide.
https://i.imgur.com/pIaYofb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BPaY9BZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/amTjmLW.jpg
Renegade, I was ale to handle on of those silver X5 or whatever model it is. Gun felt crazy good, plenty of heft to make it shoot soft, oh it made me jelly. Bottom left in first picture.
PB
Renegade04
04-11-23, 18:48
Renegade, I was ale to handle on of those silver X5 or whatever model it is. Gun felt crazy good, plenty of heft to make it shoot soft, oh it made me jelly. Bottom left in first picture.
PB
That is the new P226 XFIVE CLASSIC. It is a wonderful handling firearm and the trigger is super sweet and light. The one above it is an older (2013) P226S X5 LEVEL 1 in .40S&W.
The Berettas. Both of them. Marvel at the quirks of the designs. Then buy a Langdon and a M9A1 and shoot them until they break.
I’m just kidding, but it is in fact a tough choice sometimes with Beretta models, and when you get one that checks your boxes, its an excellent gun.
1_click_off
04-11-23, 20:18
I bought a M9A3 in black about 3-4 years ago when I caught it on sale for $750. Had to have it. It is still in the plastic ammo can it came in. I just keep grabbing my G19 when I go shoot and feed it. M9A3 is a fine pistol and it is one of the Italian made ones. Just didn’t fill that void I thought I had. Now I did stray from the G19 and picked up a Dan Wesson Specialist to check off a few boxes, but the M9 wasn’t enough of a change from the G19 to feel the juice was worth the squeeze.
The Dumb Gun Collector
04-11-23, 21:17
The Beretta 92 is my absolute favorite pistol. Accurate, reliable, very smooth shooting with easy splits. You will have to learn the DA trigger unless you spring for one of the sexy new SAO models.
Hello everyone! After more than 20 years I spent around firearms I always end up returning to the Glock 17 as my main self-defense pistol. Now I have the opportunity to buy another gun, and I would choose something with a metal frame, purely because I have always liked these guns. My favorites are the CZ-75 SP01, Beretta 92A1 and Beretta M9A3 in black finish. I have perhaps the most experience with the Beretta 92, and for the CZ I might be able to find spare parts the easiest. The P226 MK-25 is also a possible option, but it is a much more expensive option that I would have to wait for quite a long time, maybe several months... What would you choose or advise. Thank you.
I love the CZs, especially with a sao trigger.
However, I find beretta 92/m9 to be the smoothest, flattest shooting handgun ive ever shot. Its a big heavy gun with a light slide. A tuned sp01 may be the same but I have limited examples and the beretta stands out in my mind
I love the CZs, especially with a sao trigger.
However, I find beretta 92/m9 to be the smoothest, flattest shooting handgun ive ever shot. Its a big heavy gun with a light slide. A tuned sp01 may be the same but I have limited examples and the beretta stands out in my mind
Its a connoisseur’s gun, really. If only they’d make me an optics-ready, threaded barrel M9A1 with a steel frame. Oh, well. I’ll just have to send my slides to LTT.
Of those three (Beretta 92FS, SIG P226 and CZ SP-01), I find I shoot the SIG 226 better than the other two. The difference isn't much, but the timer confirms this is the case. None of the versions were greatly changed from stock configuration. Customization might cause them to switch places but each of them are quite good pistols and you probably can't make a bad choice if they point naturally for you.
The recoil impulse on the Beretta is softer than the others. In my samples, it has a slight (very slight) edge in reliability; though that may depend on how long the trigger-return spring lasts. I don't seem to be able to shoot it quite as quick as the others.
The firing pin travel in the SIG is more limited than the other two guns, to which I attribute a couple of very rare failures to fire. I had a hammer rebound spring break on the SIG. The pistol didn't quit, but it is still a component failure. The SIG is more accurate than the others in my hands, and quicker.
On the CZ, the stock trigger is not as clean as the others, and the magazine-brake had to be disabled. It has had more failures than the other two guns, but I've shot it more than the Beretta. The slide stop failed in the SP-01; which is unlikely to happen in the Beretta or the SIG. People with older CZ-75s have never had this happen but I suspect CZ changed the fabrication process to make their slide stops, or it could just be my gun. Either way its a significant failure when it happens (which has been twice, so far).
BrigandTwoFour
04-12-23, 14:26
I'd take the M9A3 before the 92A1. I have a 92A1, and I really enjoy it- but damn it's hard to get any kind of support for it. It has just enough "different" about it, like a rounded trigger guard or a slightly wider slide, that just about nobody makes a holster for it.
BrigandTwoFour
04-12-23, 14:28
Oh, and as far as Beretta vs CZ. I'm a fan of CZ and have a P07 worked over by Cajun Gun Works, a 75D PCR that I bought directly from CZ custom already worked over, and a P10F I installed CGW parts in myself.
My Beretta's trigger is better than all of them (not factory, I installed a Langdon TJIB and some Wilson parts a while back).
On the CZ, the stock trigger is not as clean as the others, and the magazine-brake had to be disabled. It has had more failures than the other two guns, but I've shot it more than the Beretta. The slide stop failed in the SP-01; which is unlikely to happen in the Beretta or the SIG. People with older CZ-75s have never had this happen but I suspect CZ changed the fabrication process to make their slide stops, or it could just be my gun. Either way its a significant failure when it happens (which has been twice, so far).
I hate when you have to dig for an old version of a product to get a "good" one. I've got the bug to get a CZ a few times over the years... and if there's a problematic version, it will surely be the one I get.
Don’t hesitate. I thought the same until I bit on a 75 compact. Had it Cajunized and it’s now the best pistol I own. Also have the Shadow 2 and it rocks too albeit a range toy. Never a failure on either.
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Its a connoisseur’s gun, really. If only they’d make me an optics-ready, threaded barrel M9A1 with a steel frame. Oh, well. I’ll just have to send my slides to LTT.
I litterally couldnt shoot it fast enough to miss. Big steel target, but its the only one that I couldnt keep up with.
hotbiggun42
04-12-23, 22:55
Berettas shoot so damn nice.
Beretta.
Check out a 92X and 92X Centurion. All of them are RDO models now. Not that expensive either.
The P01 had it's charms but I sold mine for Beretta 92X Centurion. The CZ isn't a bad choice though.
I'd choose it over the Sigs.
I'd take the M9A3 before the 92A1. I have a 92A1, and I really enjoy it- but damn it's hard to get any kind of support for it. It has just enough "different" about it, like a rounded trigger guard or a slightly wider slide, that just about nobody makes a holster for it.
Sights are different, too.
BrigandTwoFour
04-13-23, 17:43
Sights are different, too.
Are they? I thought the M9A3 used the same dovetailed sight system as the 92A1.
MA2_Navy_Veteran
04-13-23, 20:06
Over my time in the Navy, I've carried the M9, M9A1, and the P226.
While I absolutely love shooting the M9 series (using them has become a natural reflex for me), the one thing I can't stand about them though is how the retention strap on military holsters constantly causes the safety to disengage while moving around or getting into (or out of) a patrol vehicle (always have to check that the safety's engaged whenever you do... anything.)
Anyway, still love the M9 series (own three of them personally), but never had any issues with carrying the P226. The SIGs just never really fit with me. A little harder for me to come to a proper natural grip. Kinda hooked on the M9s I think.
Any of your options would be good choices, but if you have any experience with a particular one - Go with what you know. It's far easier to build on using a weapon you are already somewhat familiar with, rather than changing to a different platform/series.
MA2
Over my time in the Navy, I've carried the M9, M9A1, and the P226.
While I absolutely love shooting the M9 series (using them has become a natural reflex for me), the one thing I can't stand about them though is how the retention strap on military holsters constantly causes the safety to disengage while moving around or getting into (or out of) a patrol vehicle (always have to check that the safety's engaged whenever you do... anything.)
Anyway, still love the M9 series (own three of them personally), but never had any issues with carrying the P226. The SIGs just never really fit with me. A little harder for me to come to a proper natural grip. Kinda hooked on the M9s I think.
Any of your options would be good choices, but if you have any experience with a particular one - Go with what you know. It's far easier to build on using a weapon you are already somewhat familiar with, rather than changing to a different platform/series.
MA2
M92's are available with a decocker only, no safety. Or can be converted into such by the user with Beretta's $60 kit.
Just in case you or another reader wasn't aware. :cool:
Are they? I thought the M9A3 used the same dovetailed sight system as the 92A1.
Maybe I’m wrong. I thought for sure the 92A1 and 96A1 went with a different dimension than the Vertec and M9A3. Or maybe I’m thinking of the Brig?
Either way…double check compatibility with Berettas for stuff like sights and holsters. There are some evolutionary spandrels around.
Maybe I’m wrong. I thought for sure the 92A1 and 96A1 went with a different dimension than the Vertec and M9A3. Or maybe I’m thinking of the Brig?
Either way…double check compatibility with Berettas for stuff like sights and holsters. There are some evolutionary spandrels around.I think they are different because I don't think LTT will do a cut on them because his front sight will not work with them.
Soli Deo Gloria
I think they are different because I don't think LTT will do a cut on them because his front sight will not work with them.
Soli Deo Gloria
I think the LTT is a Vertec (M9A3) slide on a M9a1 (NOT 92a1) frame, and its an awesome piece. If that is true, then the lack of a 92a1 cut makes sense. I don’t think a 92A1 will work with the other frames like M9a1, Brig, and Vertec. If my carry weapon was exclusively my choice, I’d probably be rocking the Compact version of the LTT all the time and be nagging them to do a M9A1 version of the steel-framed models for matches.
My LTT, if optics equipped, would be the best fighting handgun in my safe, by a very large margin.
M92's are available with a decocker only, no safety. Or can be converted into such by the user with Beretta's $60 kit.
Just in case you or another reader wasn't aware. :cool:
Yep, I shot/carried an M9 a little and own a 92G and a Girsan Regard (Turk knock-off) with a G conversion kit I need to install. I couldn't explain it, but I really love the 92 with an 18+2 magazine.
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