[JoeB1987]

I'm currently planning on purchasing my first handgun.

I've tested different caliber handguns, of several makes and models. 9mm the caliber I find most comfortable at this time. A friend of mine came back from active duty and bought a used Taurus PT92 from a local pawn shop. We took it out and fired a few boxes of rounds and I loved it.

Although, the downside of that particular weapon is that it seemed to have an ever-so-slight rattle to it, nothing that effected firing it, but made me worry about the weapon's build. Ultimately, it could have just been neglected by the previous owner and was in need of a little repair.

Decided to be an informed buyer and Wikipedia and Google the model. Found that it is very similar to the Beretta 92 due to Beretta handing the design specs over to Taurus.

Although, I feel it would be safe to assume that Beretta would make their weapon bit more refined then Taurus' 'reproduction'. However, I wouldn't know for sure.

All other reviews I've read of the 92FS says it is a reliable, all-around good starter weapon (with the exception of it's weight.) Personally, I like it being on the heavier side.

So my question being, after all my exhaustive research I really haven't seen any 'this gun sucks' reviews, or anything on it's quirks that may break the deal for me.

Any one a current owner that may have any useful info for me? (Please and thanks! )

[jakebrake]

former 92 owner checking in. i wouldn't hold my breath wating for a "they suck" response. once you get past the weight, they are a fine pistol. never had a jam, or problem in any way. i like a heavy firearm as well, (well, i used to...i'm getting old). but, they are predictable, and reliable.

the taurus vs. the beretta? my opinion, but, not even close. fire the two, trigger pull, batter placed safety. beretta, hands down.

[JonM]

i was in the army during the switch from 1911 to 92fs. had the opportunity to run a bunch of ammo through several. they tended to jam up due to excessive overheating after several mags. same amount of ammo shot through the 1911 flawless function. the 1911's were of ww2 make various remingtons colts ithacas etc. over extended use there were frame cracks in several that had to be sent back to depot maintenance. under field conditions the open slides tended to collect debris. they didnt wear well over time.

from this i developed a low opinion of the 92 series and berretas in general.

just my opinion, but you would do well to cnsider the springfield XD series, hi-power browning, cz75, or 1911. all those are far better than the 92 series

[ScottA]

Beretta makes fine guns. The consensus is they make a much better gun than Taurus.

That said, you should really check out some different models. Springfield XD's and XDm's, 1911's, Glocks (if you like blocks of wood), Hi Power, etc...

Don't go buy a gun, or one gun design just on the one experience. Shop around a bit. Have some fun. It's even more fun than test driving new cars. And if you shop around, you'll ultimately wind up with a gun you enjoy and keep much longer.

[Biohazurd]

Originally Posted by JonM

just my opinion, but you would do well to cnsider the springfield XD series, hi-power browning, cz75, or 1911. all those are far better than the 92 series

In my opinion the Cz-75B is one of the best built and comfortable 9mm in existance. Every single person who has shot mine has said very favorable things about it as well.

But the Beretta is a fine handgun as well. If it feels more comfortable to you then buy that huge 9mm ASAP...

[Deadman1]

Long time Beretta 96 owner here, it was one of the best handling and most accurate hanguns I've ever owned. I traded it off about a year ago and wish I had it back. The Berretta 92 is a safe and very good first choice handgun imo.

[Jpyle]

Have a 92 FS and have been very happy with it. Shoots anything you feed it, low recoil due to weight and balance, quick follow up shots.

Weight is an issue, 2#s empty, and it is too bulky, in my opinion, to effectively conceal if that is your intent. But for a truck or home defense weapon, or even just a good range gun it will do the job. Only shortcoming is the lack of a rail on the civilian 92 FS. You need to get the M9A1 if you want to mount a light or laser.

Completely different frame style and design from an XD or Glock so if you want a different feel or a more readily concealable 3" or 4" barrel I would give those a try as well.

[sweeper22]

Nothing wrong with a 92fs. But I would recommend that you also investigate the CZ 75 line and Browning Hi-Powers. If you do, and you still like the 92fs...well, then that's the pistol for you, and you'll know you've made the right decision.

It's not a bad pistol by any means. I've just heard minor complaints here and there, whereas the CZ and Browning experiences I'm aware are almost exclusively positive.

[jeffxc]

I've had one since i re-started shooting last summer....it's only the best pistol i've ever shot. Accurate, little recoil, and my wife has started to use it at the range because of those factors. Even a pure novice should be able to use it with little problems, given that they do take some training on use and safety.

[ninjatoth]

The military places one in the hand of thousands of 18 year olds every year,so that should say something about them.My friend has a 92 brigadier and a 96 and swears by them.