Beretta 92 FS Vertec Inox Any reviews??

[thenavarro]

I am considering getting a Beretta 92 FS Vertec Inox, any one here have any reviews?? It will basically see a little range use, and will be my concealed carry weapon for self defense.

Will be my first pistol (actually have had a Beretta .25 for years but that doesn't count :) ) and am looking for something reliable, with reasonable stopping power, and good feel. I have smaller hands so the Vertec grip should work better for me than standard.


Mike

navarro@flash.net

[Grizzly]

Mike,

I carried the 92 F and FS for a lot of years and still carry a 92 D from time to time. That's really not a concealed carry weapon, unless you're concealing it in a hockey bag. It's a great, reliable, accurate gun, but it's also huge. It's got a 15 round double stack, which makes it bulky and heavy as hell. Sixteen round capability is nice to have, but if you need 16 rounds, you're either not a shooter or you're in for a really bad day. You have no chance concealing a weapon like that on your person, and for self defense, it's more than you need. The F and FS models are double/single action with a de-cock lever. The D is all double action, which is a little less to have to think about. You also mentioned that you have small hands. The 92 series weapons have a pretty robust grip. It is very comfortable to me, but for a lot of shooters, it is too large. This is particularly important with the double/single action models because if the grip is too large for you, you may have to re-establish your grip every time you de-cock. Apparently, the Vertec model addressed this, but I've never held one myself.

If you're sold on Berretta, (and they do make nice guns) take a look at the Cheetah. It'll be a lot easier to carry than the 92. If a weapon isn't comfortable to carry, it'll start being left at home.

May I suggest at least looking at the Sig Sauer P239. I carry it every day. The 9mm version is an 8+1 single stack, far more concealable than the 92 series Berettas. The .40 and .357 versions are 7+1. The single stack will likely be more comfortable in your hand. It is a single/double action as opposed to all double action, so that may take some getting used to if you haven't owned one before. It's rock solid reliability-wise and very accurate. It can be had with trijicon night sights, which are very nice. Also, Crimson Trace recently came out with laser sight hand grips for it. I have a set on my gun and I'm very happy with them.

The Sig is just a suggestion. Good luck.

[zackwatt]

I love the Beretta 92FS! It is a great gun for all the reasons Grizzly said and I will eventually be buying one. but.... It is no concealed carry gun, It is just to bulky. I also believe that 9MM is NOT a good caliber to protect your life. It just does not have enough stopping power of larger calibers. I think .40S&W is the best. It is not huge like .45 and is obliviously larger than .357. Although, .357 rounds have a larger velocity. But I personally don't care. .40S&W All the way!

http://www.gundirectory.com/guns/20076-1.jpg
I recommend the Glock 27 .40S&W. It is about $300 bucks cheaper than the Beretta and the Sig. The Glock 27 is a subcompact pistol designed as a back-up. It holds 9 rounds standard but you can get larger mags. It is also available with night sites and a grip extension. You said that you have smaller hands so the small grip might not bother you. If it is too small, Glock makes larger framed pistols. I would recommend all sizes for carry. The polymer frame makes it light and easy to care for. I feel that YOU CANNOT BEAT GLOCK RELIABILITY. If you don't believe me check out this link:
The Glock Torture Test http://theprepared.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=40

As you probably know Glocks don't really have a safety catch. When you pull the trigger you pull the safety too. This makes for quicker discharge, especially in a sticky situation. You don't want to be forgetting about the safety when your life is on the line.

Now I have to be honest. I am 20, so I obviously do not own any pistols. But, I am very familiar with Glock pistols, fired many different types. I have a close friend who carries his Glock 27 EVERYWHERE and you would never know because it conceals so well.

In November when I turn 21, what am I going to buy for my CCW? The Glock 27 Subcompact AND The Glock 22 Fullsize

[jeffsquire]

I am considering getting a Beretta 92 FS Vertec Inox, any one here have any reviews?? It will basically see a little range use, and will be my concealed carry weapon for self defense.

Will be my first pistol (actually have had a Beretta .25 for years but that doesn't count :) ) and am looking for something reliable, with reasonable stopping power, and good feel. I have smaller hands so the Vertec grip should work better for me than standard.


Mike

navarro@flash.net
_______________
I'm a big fan of Berettas, owning several. The 96 and 92s are excellent but very large, as stated above. I'm not fond of the Cheetah because of the caliber. Mainly cost and availibility. Try the PX4 Storm. Lightweight and a great pistol with many characteristics from the model 8000 (discontinued). Available in .40SW and 9mm.

Or try HK USP line. THey have full size compacts (much lighter than some Berettas) and a unique recoil reduction system.

[thenavarro]

Thanks so far for the replies. I will look at the various models y'all brought up before I make a purchase. Zackwatt, I found the Beretta for $607.00, is the Glock 27 really $300.00 cheaper? The best I've found for that one is around $495.00, let me know if you have a cheaper source. Thanks and take care,

Mike

[RandallNeighbour]

I've got a S&W 9mm and I'm going to trade it for a Glock 27 early next year.

My only problem with the Gloc 27 is the short grip. My pinky finger hangs in the wind and it feels weird as hell. They do have longer clips though, but it's not the same.

[zackwatt]

Mike, I was going off of Beretta's MSRP of $795.00. $495.00 for the Glock sounds like a good price, but like anything, I'm sure you can find a good deal. There is always used examples too. It never hurts to capitalize on a like new, barely used weapon. I've done it :p

[AUDIOGUY]

Wouldnt want any other piece on my person except my Sig. 229! That is if I could carry a weapon in NJ...

Isn't there another gun posting today... whats going on???

[Grizzly]

The 229 is nice, but again, slightly large. I carried a 226 for a while...very nice also. I like the Glocks as well, but the slide is so wide and blocky that they're uncomfortable to carry.

It may not be as much of an issue if you carry an outside the pants holster and wear a sport coat at all times, but trying to wear a concealed rig over a t-shirt or polo can be challenging and uncomfortable. In that case, you want to look for a smaller profile.

I'll admit, I use a strange carry method while in civilian clothes. Though a bit unconventional, for concealment and accessibility it's hard to beat. I carry an inside the pants rig in the front of my pants, just right of my gig-line. With an untucked t-shirt or sweatshirt it's undetectable and accessible without reaching all the way to my back or even my hip. It's fast...but totally uncomfortable with a larger frame weapon.

[thenavarro]

Got a chance today to test "fit" the Beretta 92 FS and the Glock 27. The 92 FS was a really nice gun, but y'all are right, too large for conceal carry. Really didn't care for the feel of the Glock 27, don't know an accurate way to describe it other than "it felt fat.".

Now I'm thinking about waiting till January and getting a Beretta PX4 Storm Compact in .40, I believe they are coming out in January 08. Looks like a nice compact with plenty of power and small size.

Mike

[boxsterz]

Consider a revolver. Ultimate reliablilty. It looks ancient, but the advantages are worth serious consideration.


It will never jam from ammo. Semi-auto's ALL have the possibilty of a stovepipe jam. Some more than others. Shoot long enough, and you know what I mean. Irregardless they ALL stovepipe because of design. It's pretty disheatening when it happens, big wake up call at the shooting range. Better at the range than when you really need it.


I read some statistic years ago, that 1 in 1000 cartridges is a dud. I've had a couple, but the number is likely much less, maybe 1/10,000. If it's your unlucky day, that first trigger pull is a double O SH!T moment. Under extreme stress, cycling another round is the last thing you want to worry about. Revolver, just pull trigger again. No worries.


It's debatable having less capacity will force you to drill yourself on shot placement, rather than falsely thinking firepower will save you, also muzzle flash and recoil are noticeably moreso that the semi counterpart. Those are trade offs.


Having said that, I personally like the S&W feather weight titanium 5 shot hammerless. All business. It's fast. No machinery to jam, nothing to snag. You may choose not to expose it (revealing a gun can escalate a situation). It will shoot fine concealed. Can't say that with a semi.


Semi auto is sexy, and the extra capacity can be a decent trade off if you have adequate cover, and not face to face with immanet danger. Semi's are great for an offensive weapon. For close quarters defense though, it's hard to beat the hammerless snub nose. It's light too. Loaded with Glaser +P 38 Spec stopping power equivalent to .40 S&W. There is a .357 mag I believe also.

[cfos]

One comment that I haven't seen posted: Whatever you decide upon, you should really get ALOT of range work with said gun. If you should ever have need to use it, wouldn't you WANT to know how it fires and feel comfortable firing it...? I'd suggest out of all the guns you may/would own, you should put a serious amount of rounds through the one you are considering carrying.

[cfos]

One comment that I haven't seen posted: Whatever you decide upon, you should really get ALOT of range work with said gun. If you should ever have need to use it, wouldn't you WANT to know how it fires and feel comfortable firing it...? I'd suggest out of all the guns you may/would own, you should put a serious amount of rounds through the one you are considering carrying. Not sure what the concern would be with having something that doesn't see alot of range action -- just designate certain clips as your "range" clips.

[thenavarro]

Well, I ended up with the Beretta 92 FS. Just received it this past weekend. It just felt right in my hand from the test fits I did. Bought it off of AuctionArms.com which is a great auction site for firearms. At the very least, I should get a chance to go to the range this Sunday to fire some rounds but hopefully will get the opportunity Sunday to attend the concealed handgun license class as well. It just felt right in my hand from the test fits I did.

It may very well end up being too large, uncomfortable for concealed carry itself, and if so, then I'll go the route of the PX4 compact in January, but I felt like it would be a nice "starter" pistol to teach me the basics and become comfortable with and will make a nice weapon that I can carry in my car, and if I ever decide to get rid of it, I should at least be able to get back at least the $429.99 plus $20.00 shipping that I had to pay for it.

Now, if I can only keep myself off ebay and auctionarms for accessories, I'll be much better off :) I've already got crimson trace lasergrips, a inside the waistband holster, a magazine loader, and a 20 round mecgar magazine coming as well. This is as much fun as modding the Boxster!!!

Take care,

Mike

[Grizzly]

You'll love the Crimson Trace grips. I had them on a 92FS and a P226, and was stoked when they finally offered them for the P239.

If you're really learning pistol skills for the first time, nail the basics with the factory sights before working with the grips.

Did you buy your weapon with the Trijicon sights? They're really nice for low light.

[thenavarro]

Went to the range today and had my qualification for the concealed carry permit. Shot a 232 out of 250 points. Definitely not outstanding but beat most of the others and I did qualify, you had to shoot a 175 out of 250 to pass.

The Beretta performed flawlessly through 50 rounds. That's my first time to shoot a gun in 13 years and it was a lot of fun. Definitely got the adrenaline pumping, much like taking the Boxster to the track. I found that the laser helped aim a lot quicker than using the sights, but I tried to use the sights mainly as I know the laser can fail or run out of batteries. However, the laser was an awesome aid when firing shots in rapid succession.

All shots were on the target but my misses (the ones outside the inner two circles, primarily missed up/down, not left/right. What does that indicate that I'm doing wrong??? Grip, stance????

No Grizzly, I don't have the Trijicon sights, just the standard.

Take care,

Mike