The New Beretta 92XI | How Does It Compare To The M9?

Beretta 92 history and early design changes

The discussion opens with background on the original Beretta 92, designed in 1975 and introduced in 1976. The early 92 featured a heavy hammer-fired trigger, thick grip, frame-mounted safety, and a magazine release located at the bottom of the grip. Beretta then introduced the 92S to appeal to military and law enforcement, moving the safety to the slide and combining it with a decocker. Italian military and law enforcement adopted this configuration. Next came the 92SB, developed for U.S. Air Force trials. It added a slide-mounted safety and decocker plus a firing pin block safety at the Air Force’s request. A key improvement was relocating the magazine release to the more familiar position behind the trigger guard, greatly improving usability while retaining the overall 92 profile.

From 92FS to M9A1, M9A3, and M9A4

The 92FS followed the 92SB and looked similar externally but incorporated an internal change in the firing pin area to better retain the slide during catastrophic failures. This addressed earlier concerns about slides potentially separating and injuring the shooter. In 2006, Beretta introduced the M9A1, adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps. It added a single-slot Picatinny rail, more aggressive grip texturing, and improved slide serrations compared to rail-less 92 variants. The M9A2 was developed but not adopted. Beretta then moved to the M9A3, which brought tritium night sights, a threaded barrel, and a three-slot Picatinny rail while keeping the familiar M9 layout. The M9A4, shown on camera, retained the A3’s threaded barrel, rail, and night sights but added a slide cut for mounting red dot optics, representing the latest evolution in the M9 line.

Introducing the Beretta 92XI variants and features

Attention shifts to the Beretta 92XI series, introduced in 2023. Beretta returned to a frame-mounted safety, now ambidextrous, and removed the decocker, echoing the original 92 layout while keeping modern improvements. The 92XI uses the updated magazine release position, an 18-round magazine, and a slimmer grip that maintains capacity but feels noticeably better in hand. The hammer is skeletonized to reduce mass and lighten the trigger pull, and the pistol is configured as single-action-only, unlike the double-action 92FS and M9 variants. The 92XI features a flat-face trigger for a more consistent press. The Tactical version comes with a silver-colored frame and originally a matching silver threaded barrel, though the example shown has a black replacement barrel. It includes suppressor-height three-dot sights and a slide cut for mounting optics such as the Trijicon SRO. The standard 92XI has a non-threaded black barrel, a fiber-optic front sight, and a plain black rear sight while sharing the same basic frame and controls.

Range test: classic Beretta 92FS

At the range, shooting begins with the Beretta 92FS, described as one of the classic pistols found in armories worldwide. The shooter notes the long, heavy trigger pull and the need to consciously press through it and adjust for shots drifting slightly left. Despite the weight and length of the trigger, the pistol is still appreciated for its heritage and reliability. The grip feels more old-school, with sharper edges compared to newer models, but remains serviceable. Overall, the 92FS is characterized as dated in feel yet solid, with a proven track record that explains its widespread use over many years.

Range test: Beretta M9A4 improvements

The M9A4 is then tested as the latest entry in the M9 family. The shooter immediately notices that it feels significantly better in the hand than the 92FS, with slimmer grip dimensions and improved texturing that provide a more secure purchase. The pistol is cut for a red dot, and the factory sights, including night sights, are considered a clear upgrade over the older 92FS setup. The threaded barrel and modern features make the M9A4 feel like a different, more refined gun while retaining the familiar M9 operating system. Recoil control and overall shootability are praised, and the M9A4 is described as shooting very well, standing out as a substantial improvement over the classic 92FS in ergonomics and sighting system.

Range test: Beretta 92XI standard model

Next, the standard Beretta 92XI is fired. It is introduced as having what is considered the best trigger of any 92-series pistol in the lineup. On the range, the shooter reports that the trigger is light, predictable, and tracks well through recoil. Accuracy appears strong, with hits staying on target consistently. The single-action-only configuration, combined with the flat-face trigger and skeletonized hammer, delivers a noticeably improved trigger feel compared to the double-action 92FS and M9 variants. The all-metal construction and traditional Beretta layout are appreciated, and the 92XI’s performance reinforces the reputation of the 92 platform while highlighting how much the trigger has evolved in this model.

Range test: Beretta 92XI Tactical with Trijicon SRO

The 92XI Tactical equipped with a Trijicon SRO red dot is then evaluated. The dot appears well zeroed, though the optic housing becomes warm during extended firing. The shooter strongly prefers this configuration, calling it the standout choice. Even without the optic, the suppressor-height three-dot sights are praised for how naturally they track through recoil. The threaded barrel and overall balance work well with the mounted SRO, and the recoil impulse feels smooth and controlled. The pistol is described as feeling right in hand, with the dot enhancing speed and target acquisition. The Tactical’s original silver barrel finish is mentioned, along with the fact that the example on camera uses a swapped black barrel purely for appearance.

Final thoughts on ergonomics, recoil, and desired updates

In closing, the grip texture on the 92XI is highlighted as excellent, providing a secure feel and smooth recoil impulse with minimal muzzle movement. The mass of the slide and frame helps the barrel stay flat during firing, and the shared magazine compatibility across the 92 and M9 family is considered a practical advantage. The 92XI trigger and skeletonized hammer are praised as major improvements. However, there is a desire for a slightly more flared magwell and a bit more material at the lower rear of the grip to better match contemporary 2023–2024 ergonomics while remaining suitable for tactical use rather than pure competition. Overall, the 92XI is regarded very favorably, with only minor ergonomic refinements suggested, and viewers are invited to share their experiences and opinions on the various Beretta 92-series models.