Why the Beretta 92 Became So Popular - Critical Mas - Massad Ayoob

In this episode of Critical Mas, Massad Ayoob talks about how the 9mm Beretta 92-series became so prevalently used worldwide for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, and its continued popularity. Ammunition compatibility with European militaries, firepower and capacity compared to other sidearms of the time, and the enhanced safety of a heavy double-action first pull made a lot of headway in replacing the 1911 and other pistols in professional and civilian self-defense applications.
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Critical Mas(s) with Massad Ayoob is a show that provides expert analysis over a wide range of contemporaneous topics related to civilian and law enforcement self defense, the use of force, and second amendment issues, provided by a renowned and established author with a career spanning decades in training law enforcement officers and the public at large, who is frequently called upon to provide expert witness testimony.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s, and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).
#CriticalMas #MassadAyoob #WilsonCombat

[@DK-gy7ll]

Don't forget the two biggest reasons why civilians bought this pistol: Martin Riggs and John McClane. Seriously, I bought my first Beretta in the early '90s simply to have a facsimile of the new military sidearm, but eventually came to realize that it's a darn good handgun just standing on its own merits. It's as accurate and reliable as you're ever going to find in a service pistol, and it's also one of the best-looking guns out there as well. The problems with the military-issue M9s were mostly due to bad magazines and failure to replace recoil springs and locking blocks in a timely manner. If you don't perform proper maintenance any machine will eventually break down.

[@billbrasky527]

agreed, but Van Damme used it a lot too. I was a big fan of all 3.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Wait what was that movie? Had the braveheart guy (horrible with names) that played Riggs. Oh yeah, lethal weapon lol bet that movie didn’t age well.

[@the816slim]

I even call berettas Mel Gibson!!! Lol

[@ETHRON1]

Same here.

[@harrylime8077]

Arnie used them in various movies!

[@careystuart]

I could listen to Mas all day long. He is SO brilliant and easy to understand, he is a fantastic teacher.

[@J1Z06]

His blood pressure must be low! He's so mellow, and savvy!!!

[@bradeymcdeid4999]

He has a good voice too

[@sayvorE88]

​@@J1Z06 seems like he could definitely take care of himself in the hostile situation and I wouldn't want to be the one opposing him I'd rather him be on our side you know I'm saying

[@dtcowlick]

ABSOLUTELY !! He has an EXCELLENT understanding of the background behind WHY decisions were made, and how those decisions and choices have either proven Valid, or been changed, based on experience. Long Live Mas !!!

[@louio]

​@dtcowlick he's a man that's why

[@brianez1980]

I actually got a 92F while I was a senior in high school. It was my first pistol. I'll never get rid of it & it still shoots amazingly. Accuracy with it is unreal. Wanted one because of Lethal Weapon and Die Hard

[@jamesconerly1039]

I have a 92F,92FS centurion,and a new 92FS.

[@TXRager]

I still can’t go through a door without saying Yippee ki yay motherfucker.

[@swatterbirdwatts6680]

I started out with the 92FS, but this dickhead was in a car in the street threatening me and my family. I still don't know why ? He was parked in my driveway until he noticed I had a pistol. He got off real quick. It was in my belt and never was drawn. He changed tactics and started trying to get a response from me. Not bloody likely. He hit the emergency button on his phone and started telling me that I'm a big tough guy with my pistol. I didn't say a word. I knew what he was doing. I was on my property back leaning on the garage door. I could hear the sirens coming. I never left my property. 20 cops showed up for nothing. They at gunpoint ordered me off my property so I had the pistol. 3 charges # 1 Attempted Murder. Which is funny shit because I am a target shooter and my father managed a shooting range. I was there every time it was open. Trust me if I wanted it would have been Murder. He was 2 carlegenths away, please. Then attempted use of a feallony weapon? That my lawyer said that one is made up. #3 Was use of a deadly weapon on public on the road. They ordered me off at gunpoint. Luckily I had the best Lawyer in Lake County Illinois. He had me released to his custody. I never have been in a jail cell. He got the 3 turned into, " Vehicular Trespassing" ?? I had the same reaction. That's a driving offense. 100.00 plus 1 year of probation. The probation office is so busy they looked at the charge, they asked me if I drink ? I replied no. She shook her head and said, you can come in every 3rd month. She was pissed off because of probation issued for stupid shit. They never drug tested me. Anything in my system was perception. 4 times and I'm done. The judge asked the lawyers what to do with the pistol ? My lawyer asked if it was a family or collectable, I said no so the lawyer said it would cost to much to get it back and I should buy a new one. They stuck it in the evidence room and forgot about it. 11 years later I moved to northern Wisconsin from the Toilet called Illinois. 11 years later I got this letter from Lake County Sheriff Department in Illinois. I thought oh boy here we go again. Turns out that the evidence room was getting full and they did a audit and found my 92. At the time I still have a clean past. The letter said that they are in possession of a Beretta pistol that belongs to me and if I want it returned to contact so and let them know that you want it. I had to have it transferred to a FFL dealer. No problem. 20 bucks and 42 and some change. Now I have that 92FS and a M-9.

[@johnwallace7694]

@@jamesconerly1039 92 Centurion And @ 96 Centurion.

[@jerz8289]

I guess the state you are in allowed 18 year olds to possess handguns? NC still doesn't.. required to be 21.

[@XmedusaX_15]

I’ve relied on them for over 20 years now. Compete with them, carry them. For me, they are ‘the one.’ Folks like Wilson and LTT have given them new life, too. Long live the 92.

[@joshuaraffensperger3592]

Beretta 92’s, 1911’s, and CZ 75’s are my three go to semi auto handguns.

[@JustDefense]

What, no P226s?

[@gainestyler6218]

Two out of three ain’t bad! I hope to hit the trifecta before years end.

[@luthiervandros]

I add a g19 to that list. Starting to love the cz stuff after a little finishing work.

[@donovanchilton5817]

@@JustDefense Sig hates lefties, so no.

[@Horgler]

@Jake Stockton Overpriced and discontinued.

[@brucesheehe6305]

When this man speaks, you just know he is giving you the strait truth with no embellishment. An encyclopedia of knowledge and actual practical application.

[@EricDaMAJ]

I remember reading articles in gun magazines at drugstores he wrote when I was a young teen. (His name is hard to forget) I’m 56 now.

[@jonathanhasse1591]

My first handgun was a Beretta 92A1, simply because I shopped for a lot of handguns in person and the moment I gripped the Beretta 92 I just loved the way it felt in my hands. The other reason was we had a crew of bad guys breaking and entering homes in our neighborhood, so I was looking for a home defense handgun.

[@pd417]

Carried one for 26+ years, it's been through rain, mud, sand, heat, snow with thousands of rounds through it and it never failed me once. No double feeds, stove pipe, nothing, and it was deadly accurate when the time came. I was then issued a S&W M&P, hated it, constantly jammed. Went back to my Beretta. My Beretta is not a show piece, it has it's share of battle scars, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@Snubrevolver]

Something was wrong with your M&P. My M&P is the pistol I've had the longest and I can't recall ever having a jamming issue without user error (for example magazine not inserted all the way). On the other hand, for example, my Beretta 92 FS had constant light strikes with the D spring and my 92S is refusing to feed coated lead flat-nose 9mm.

[@victorglaviano]

As an Armorer for a large police department... The M&P (which we use the .40), I can't count the amount of times I've had to replace slides from rust, sights falling off, slide hanging up when in hot weather and other quirks the M&P has, 20+ years of carrying the M-9 in the military, no such issues, ever!

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Did you change any parts in that 26 years? Was there a point you had to replace any springs or anything like that? Upgrades you perfer?

[@pd417]

@@TheAnnoyingBoss No major parts change other than routine maintenance. The only upgrade I added was a pair of Hogue grips.

[@Rensune]

​@@Snubrevolver M&Ps are some of the worst pistols. I've ever used. Can't recommend them.

[@leonleborgne573]

I was introduced to the Beretta in the Navy. I bought mine more than 20 years ago and in spite of my nearsightedness, my 92FS is still the most accurate firearm I've used.

[@jordanthomas4379]

I just looked into it, the main reason the M9 replaced the M1911, was because the M9 had a much larger magazine capacity (17 rounds typically), which is massive, the M9 is also very affordable for how high quality it is, certainly compared to its competitors.

[@jimbob465]

No it was a deal with Italy to keep our bases open Also m9 has a 15rd mag not 17

[@Sourpusscandy]

@@jimbob465 nevermind that, get the 18 rd mags by MecGar. They’re the best!

[@seandurns110]

The Beretta 92 is one of the greatest designed handguns of all time. The Wilson and Langdon variants are some of the best combat handguns out there. Love mine.

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

yes i agree 100%. i love my 92FS my only complaint is i wish i could change the front sight on it but that is a small complaint. i love the design because it will more than likely feed any hollowpoint round you put in it which is very important imho. i use the MEC-GAR 18rd anti-friction magazines they work great also made in Italy .

[@joem5639]

I have the original Langdon M9 variant and it’s a fabulous shooter.

[@voodooreptiles3553]

Greatest? not even close. If you like hot shells down your shirt and a gun that breaks all the time.

[@johnSmith-bh8ub]

@@voodooreptiles3553 I’ve put thousands of rounds through them in the Marines and I can tell you that you are wrong as fuck my friend.

[@Coinz8]

@@voodooreptiles3553 Sounds like you havnt been doing maintenance on your gun because my gun hasnt broke.

[@RickNethery]

To me the Beretta 92 has the best feel of any full size handgun. It's also the best looking to me.

[@bowlofrice8]

You seem to have confused the word Beretta 92 with the words Browning hi power lol

[@RickNethery]

@@bowlofrice8 LOL, that's also a nice one, along with the CZ. 75. 😆

[@halfmil6467]

My alphanumeric response: P38

[@DailyCorvid]

Personally, almost 100% of the time I want to delay that first shot (unlike a marine might). Then after that I want to get the rest of the clip off quickly, and reduce the chance of mishap. I do like those little concealment Glocks as well, but they don't feel as natural to aim and shoot than the M9.

[@davidgiles9751]

I have 3 of the 92 series. My original 92FS that I bought many years ago when I was in the USAF, a 92FS Compact, and most recently an M9A3. The Beretta is a true classic.

[@michaelmeredith9141]

WOW

[@MichaelDurig1]

I have been following Massad since the mid 80's when I started carrying. I read his article on the Miami FBI fire fight in 1986. I am so glad he's working with Wilson Combat on these videos.

[@James-lp6mr]

92fs was my first handgun bought 1995 day I turned 21 !!! Still have it today!

[@kadimsilahtar]

Just like me, but a little older, compact 92 with a big brother S&W .357 686

[@nmr6988]

The beauty of the Beretta 92 and the generous round count is what convinced me.

[@sgtjarhead99]

I didn't appreciate the M9 until after I left the USMC. Was one of these old school guys who had a hard time accepting anything new over my old M1911A1. Fast forward several years later, I love the M9 for what it is and what it offers. I have one sitting proudly next to my beloved 1911s.

[@untrust2033]

Best solution to the 9mm vs 45 debate - Both!

[@spartan9458]

@@untrust2033 I agree. I prefer the 92FS, if I"m running 9mm. However if I'm running 45, I prefer a 1911. That's how I solved that argument. It was very simple too. If you want, Try a Beretta 96 and see if you prefer it over a 1911. You probably wont. But I doubt you will prefer a Browning HiPower or 9mm 1911 over a Beretta 92 for 9mm. It gets more complicated than that, but that is something you can try. They were designed very carefully for specific things. Nothing beats them at it. Just my opinion.

[@mrsincere4640]

I don’t think anyone appreciates the M9.. They appreciate the Beretta 92 … 😏

[@Beuwen_The_Dragon]

@@mrsincere4640 there is nothing wrong with the M9, when they were new and regularly serviced… Abused and neglected M9s that were 20 or 30 years old in the Garrison Armoury that you were issued at random? less so…

[@EgoFiveFiveSix]

this man has forgotten more about self-defense shooting than any of us will ever hope to know.

[@The78CJ5]

Fact!

[@davidschaadt5929]

I always enjoyed reading his articles in gun magazines .

[@EgoFiveFiveSix]

@First Last back to your safe space...boy.

[@joeygonzo]

he hasn't forgotten anything about self defense

[@billymadison8036]

He hasn't forgotten. I guarantee. Dude is THE master encyclopedia on the subject

[@edmondadams6230]

I loved the M9 so much during basic training... then I found a 96A1 and fell in love all over again. For me personally, the .40 was a dream come true.

[@hotrodray6802]

My career MP son loves the 40.... Carries the M9. He's an instructor too. I've never shot one. 🙄

[@ssn711]

There is just something that’s both mechanically & aesthetically pleasing about the Beretta 92 design. Kudos to both Langdon tactical and Wilson combat for bringing them forward.

[@henryc7548]

Its basically a super heavy duty version of the walther p38 family, which makes sense since those are also hugely mechanically and aesthetically pleasing.

[@10splitter]

Bought my 92F in 1989, wore the first barrel out, the replacement barrel dropped right in and has been working perfectly since. Have never needed to replace any of the other parts, but I've always taken really good care of it. I've never left it uncleaned, every day I've ever shot it, I've cleaned it and lubed it. A bit obsessive I guess. I clean it with 90 percent isopropyl alcohol, and am currently lubing it with Birchwood/Casey synthetic gun oil. I've had a few failures to eject over the decades, but it was always due to wimpy ammunition, never a mechanical failure of the Beretta. I've always carried it with the safety off, currently carrying it with the On Your 6 Designs kydex IWB, can't recommend that holster highly enough, it is fantastic! 🥰

[@aldam-rio6964]

I've been a Massad fan since the 80s. As another person says, I'll listen to everything he has to say. Greetings from Brazil. God bless our countries.

[@markmatuszak4527]

I sent my Beretta 92FS Compact to Wilson for customization. An already wonderful firearm came back to me an AMAZING firearm. I was so impressed with the quality of work and that an already very accurate handgun was even MORE accurate!!! OMG - also how butter smooth it was!!!! I had no choice - had to send my 96A1, .40 cal to Wilson for customization. I was not disappointed as you might expect. My two Wilson Combat customized Berettas are a few of my most treasured firearms now. I highly recommend anyone with a Beretta, even remotely thinking about sending it off to Wilson - DO IT!!!! You will NOT be disappointed in your decision.

[@alanaldpal950]

How much did the Wilson customization on your. 92FS cost you?

[@Skaramine]

Mas talking about the 92, especially the Compacts. This is my happy place.

[@FirstLast-oz6rs]

I'll listen to anything Massad Ayoob has to say.

[@nbonner75]

@Brian Roome he seems trapped in some very dated conventions. He’s basically an eloquent “fudd”.

[@mattmarzula]

@@nbonner75 nailed it. Fudds... The number one reason I stopped working at a firearms outfitter. Their endless and tiresome assertions and need to debate everything with a universe of anecdotal statements that revolves around the 1911. Ayoob's rhetoric is a stroke fest for guys who won't buy a "plastic" gun and nothing under .45. Meanwhile, they'll waddle into a gun shop with their middle-aged wife for her FIRST gun and announce (out of breath from walking across the parking lot), "I need a little gun for her to put in her purse". He needs the gun. She can't speak for herself. He deserves an $1,100 pistol in a combat caliber but, her life isn't worth that and .380 will do. A holster is too expensive and hard for her to figure out so we'll just put it in her purse. You know... The first thing thieves go for where your wallet with your ID with your address is and now you've given them a gun too boot. Fudds... Die already.

[@nbonner75]

@@mattmarzula a very apt and poetic depiction of a day in the life of the gun counter clerk - brilliant! 😆

[@mannys9130]

@@mattmarzula And you nailed that stuff as well. 👌

[@Snubrevolver]

@Brian Roome I wouldn't be offensive just because he gave bad advice in one aspect. He was a police officer for many years and has a wildly different perspective. Sometimes people get so experienced they forget what it's like for a regular person who has never experienced a traumatic critical incident or fully trained for it.

[@deltaactual8286]

I still use a Beretta 92fs for home defense, it's a Damm good gun.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

I own and carry both a 92FS and a Commander sized 1911 .45. These have been my favorite pistols since I was 16 back in 1980. I'm proud to be an old geezer.

[@danw7156]

I carried one on 2 deployments with the Army and carried one as a copper in the states. Doesn’t really matter what the Army issues, for the most part a pistol is a decoration because the Army gives very little “proper” pistol training…unless you high speed or an MP. The M9 is a great pistol

[@357-swagnumultramagax9]

I heard not every infantry man even gets a pistol right ?

[@danw7156]

@@68Tboy I didn’t want to get into a long ass comment, but I started out as an 11C in 81’s. As a gunner, I got the 1911A1 and got no training and had to figure it out myself. Got out of the Reg Army, became a copper, and did that for 32 years…range master etc. and then also joined the NG for 20 years. Ran the ranges from .50 cal to 9mm. And I did everything I could to teach our troops how to use a pistol, so it would not just be a decoration. Carried the M9 concealed in Bosnia, because the REMFS took all the M11s.

[@danw7156]

@@357-swagnumultramagax9 Correct, unless they were an officer, 1st Sgt, or some jobs on heavy weapons got a pistol . No battle was won with a pistol

[@seanm7539]

@@danw7156 thank you for your service sir

[@onpsxmember]

The role of the pistol is changing, almost everyone now carries one and there is more handgun training.

[@kenn9927]

I have a 92F and a 92X and swear by both. Its a little bulky but they always go bang. Wouldnt trade them for the world.

[@JakeHunter2010]

Like Love or Hate Beretta, they make some beautiful firearms, and respect them being the oldest player in the game. (1526). #jakehunter88

[@darbyheavey406]

The oldest industrial concern in the world.

[@chrisragone8785]

@@darbyheavey406 Nope. Research

[@stevewelge6722]

1 vote for Love em here✋ lol

[@teamsupermatch1281]

Nope new generation don’t understand it’s the Browning Hi Power best 9mm ever made period

[@teamsupermatch1281]

@First Last that’s a negative real men shoot 38 Super

[@alanstevens1296]

My first pistol in 1989 was a Taurus PT-99 which is a copy of an earlier Beretta 92/99 version. Still an outstanding gun today.

[@johnjohnsn7633]

The Taurus PT 92, PT 99, PT 100 and PT 101 retained the Frame-mounted Safety of the original Beretta 92, and have updated it with a Hammer Drop feature. The Taurus has the capability of carrying "Cocked and Locked", preferred by the pro-1911 crowd.

[@alanstevens1296]

@@johnjohnsn7633 I like the double action / single action feature.

[@GeeBeisH]

I’ve been carrying full-size Bettas for over 30 years now. Open carry in the police force and conceal carry in a private capacity. I never, for even one day, had any doubt that when it gets called upon, that I might be let down by its reliability. I take care of it, and It takes care of me…

[@alansmithy85]

Grew up shooting the Taurus knock off (PT-92), bought my own FS-92F recently and it was like going back in time to the woods in rural TN being taught how to shoot by my father who passed away when I was 17.

[@antoniotula262]

I had the Taurus PT100. 40 cal version. They're really not knock offs as they were made on real Beretta machinery in Brazil. I preferred the frame mounted deckocker/safety as older Beretta 92s. Never had problems with my Taurus, very accurate & handled 40 recoil.

[@BSaunders3754]

Love Mas, I’ve given his book “In the Gravest Extreme”, to everyone I know who wanted to start carrying gun. It’s a little dated now but, the premise is still absolutely spot on.

[@tamiami34]

I got my autographed copy back in the mid-80's. A treasured keepsake and of course a great book.

[@kathleenredick275]

I had one (awesome book!). Loaned it to a co-worker and never got it back. 😒

[@TommyRibs]

When a Beretta 92 is setup correctly, they are great Pistols. I am lucky enough to have a Brigadier Tactical from Wilson Combat. It is a great pistol.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Folks do love the BrigTac. Have you tried one of our Centurions with the more Commander-sized 4.25" slide?

[@TommyRibs]

@@gowilsoncombat I have not tried one, but I will say this, it is my next pistol. It is the PERFECT size.

[@Shorty_Lickens]

I became predjudiced against Beretta thanks to my time in the Navy. When I got out I bought one of my own and it seems that when they havent had 50 thousand rounds pumped thru them, they're actually decent guns.

[@joeruiz4010]

They're way better than "Decent". Funny enough since the US Military replaced the M9, the M9 and M92 have only gotten more popular on the civilian market. There's more new variations of than ever before, and the frame-mounted safety variants give the striker fired polymers a big run for their $money. I'll take the Beretta M9 and M92 over any polymer striker fired pistol.

[@Shorty_Lickens]

@@davidmack4185 Well its been two years and I dont recall the subject of the conversation but thanks.

[@MCPOSJ117films]

Massad is looking good for his age!

[@dundonrl]

Carried 1911-A1 on my first ship(93 to 98) after that carried the Beretta M9 till I retired in 2011. I have both a 1911-A1 and Beretta M9 today.

[@billbreeding797]

Like & respect Massad...Love my Berettas. God Bless America 🇺🇸🙏❤

[@ctsmith9225]

Same i got two 92s (one is a 96) and two px4s

[@Drew4078]

The Beretta 92fs Compact L has been my EDC for 7 years now. I just love the Beretta 92 or M9 handguns!!!

[@chrisa8415]

I've always liked the beretta ever since I was younger. Now I'm in my 30's and the 1st pistol I got... 92fs. I have bought a few guns after that but the 92 is still my favorite

[@larryholcomb3149]

I’ve owned several Beretta’s over the years and have 2 as we speak, including the Wilson Combat 92 Centurion . I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. Highly reliable, accurate, easy to maintain. Great pistols!

[@LOVES-A1911]

My friends and other people at the range back in the 90's used to say when I shot my Beretta it was the extension of my will through my right hand. I now have a 92x and run it with the rounded grip for that classic feel.

[@ken244]

The 92 is a seriously well built high end pistol built for the long haul. Actually priced below a lot of its competitors.

[@J1Z06]

My Italian made M92A1 was tagged at $620, I thought that was a fair price!

[@tullo5564]

Of course it is a well built pistol because it is all metal. No plastic junk like glock

[@charlesrobison6962]

Because of the adoption of the Beretta by the military and I think that the movie Lethal Weapon did the same thing for Beretta sales like the movie Dirty Harry did for Smith & Wesson model 29 44 magnum sales.

[@campsitez2355]

sadly enough the movie "Die Hard" is why Nutnfancy is such a Glock Fanboy. Facts. Who calls himself a "knife review channel FIRST" and then on knife review #30? He reviews a Glock Field Knife.... yeah go find a real knife channel that actually reviews that knife... just sayin

[@victorglaviano]

About time... I carried the Beretta for about 15 years in the military and the 1911 before that. I always hear people (most of which never carried the M-9, only parroted what other people who also know little about the M-9!). Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines who always complained about it, either don't know much about weapons or just in denial. It's a great pistol, nearly always fired (cheap 115 gr military ball ammo would stovepipe sometimes), bit of a large frame, but accurate, carried enough ammo and probably the safest pistol I've ever used, you could throw it against a wall and it wouldn't fire! In fact, the military changed its language from "accidental discharge" to "negligent discharge" when transitioning from the 1911 and the M-9. Good info on the M-9!

[@eslegnithton]

I couldn't stand having one, so I bought a second. 😂

[@BlueFox284]

Same here. :D

[@Menaceblue3]

I couldn't stand having two in my pocket so I sold them both.... Wait.... that doesn't sound right.... 🤔

[@beebob1279]

Funny. I like that

[@zacherymooney]

Love hearing from seniors in the gun world with high levels of experience im absolutely paying attention

[@jamesmiller360]

I always listen to Mas, enjoyed the video.

[@gowilsoncombat]

More to come, stay tuned. Thanks for watching.

[@thinkingoutloud6741]

I’ve had my 92SB since the early 80s. I will never give it up.

[@boomanh63]

I bought one of the original Italian 92's prior to them being made in the USA. Still have it and still love it to this day! I do not have large hands but that has never bothered me as it has others since it is a large gun. Coming from mostly shooting revolvers back then the S/D trigger was never much of an issue other than the length of pull but practice solved that issue, at least for me. Love having Mas on this channel. His knowledge in this field is encyclopedic and a must for all students of the gun.

[@j.macjordan9779]

Mine has 'Made in Italy' stamped on the side. I bought it from a retailer ca. 2002... When did Beretta start manufacturing them in the US...? I mean, half of the prestige of an Italian gun is that it's Made in Italy...(?) That's like buying a Rolex Made in China...it may look fancy, but is it a Rolex...? ...Maybe? But the Rolex you'd prefer to own...? ...Maybe, ...but then I might suspect you were a Chinese Commumist...(?) A Swiss watch is made in Switzerland. An Italian gun is made in the US...! Wtf?!

[@alm4132]

Replace the hammer spring with the Beretta "D" hammer spring. You're welcome.

[@boomanh63]

@@j.macjordan9779 I do believe it was contractual due to the US military issuing the pistol, if memory serves. I worked at a place that I had to do a ton of testing with a US made M9 and it worked as required. It had well over 90,000 rounds (this was by may count, no idea how many it had prior to me coming onboard) before the frame started failing. Of course I rebuilt the thing every 5,000 rounds or it never would have got that far. Even the VP of Beretta at the time, not sure if he is still there, was some what surprised, and not, at the round count. He knew my maintenance routine helped. He requested that frame back, sent me a new M9 frame to continue testing. He wanted to send the old one off for a complete analysis to see just how bad it was and where it was cracking.

[@j.macjordan9779]

@@boomanh63 - That's actually pretty awesome! To be clear, I didn't mean to imply the US cannot manufacture high quality goods - firearms in this instance. I mean, I'm an American; I'm familiar with American made firearms. I own American made firearms. It'd be self-defeating for me to dog the U.S.'s capabilities - one, I'd be wrong; two, if America/Americans do well, I do well. So, US firearms, I have zero doubts; .....Unless an enemy of the US is reading this, in that case, ...US firearms?! ...You can run right up to one those...it's not going to fire! lol! They're terrible... It's literally only the expectation implied by the Brand name - it's an Italian company, the Made In Italy stamp is just the mark that fits as one would expect at face value. Would I still use a US manufactured Beretta - Yes, I would. I imagine I've come close to purchasing a US Beretta on numerous occcasions if Beretta is still in the US manufacturing firearms. In terms of reliability & which would be more practical to carry, if I had my Italian 92 & a US manufactured 92, ...I'd probably go for the US manufactured 92....(?) Hopefully that makes some sort of sense; either that or I have some sort of sick fetish...which would be just my luck! ...lol; No, but Italian Beretta, US Beretta - I like Beretta.

[@boomanh63]

@@j.macjordan9779 I never took your answer wrong Brother. I was just passing my personal experience with the M9. Beretta has been in business longer than any other gun maker that I am aware of so they should be getting it right! Even the VP I mentioned asked what I thought of my Italian model versus the US. The only complaint I have was the plastic Guide Rod in the US as compared to the Aluminum one in the Italian and even then I had bent the Aluminum one and replaced it with a Wolff all steel one, which I razed him about. Thankfully he took it as not a complaint, which it wasn't, as I have over 15,000 rounds through my personal Beretta. He even stated that he wasn't truly surprised at my round count but that the average shooter would rarely get that high and if they did their maintenance correctly they should have no issues until they got up there like I did. He even asked if I rebuilt mine as often, which I do, and he said most rarely even check the recoil springs. I know this as a fact since I help most of my shooting buddies with their maintenance and that is the first thing I look at if i know they have had their pistols for a long time or have bought a used one.

[@dougm1985]

i haven't fired a gun since my army days , 1984-87. Mp . i carried a .45. big heavy gun. i just bought a 92fs and love it. i've been to the range a few times . not sure if its the gun or me , but i still got it.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@geoffreycotter]

massad is the best.took my first class in 1988.

[@charleschandler9855]

Another great video, Mas. I bought my first Beretta 92 back in 1988 (at the Kittery Trading Post, which you've no doubt visited), and I carried it for probably twenty years. I don't carry that particular gun any longer, simply because it has sentimental value to me, but I still carry an M9A3 nowadays. The 92 platform are all just excellent shooters, in my opinion. And I'm also fond of manual safeties, because obviously safety is paramount, and the Beretta 92 has that base covered as well. You can't go wrong with one.

[@scotttwombly6528]

Love my Berettas. Bought a 1980 first gen in 1983. It’s retired mostly. Have a 92A1 with a lot of Wilson combat parts and beretta performance parts. Decock only. I shoot from DA all the time.

[@mediclimber]

I have an old school 92, mag release on the bottom of the grip, that followed me home from South America. Works like a charm even with the different mage change style. It's never let me down.

[@loomspace]

Same. If you're not into 'tactical' dropping your slide to the ground from 5 ft up, it actually is a faster reload IMO.

[@colemanbonner]

Agreed! I got a surplus Italian police 92S, I think that’s the style you’re describing. Very natural motion to press the release and catch the magazine with my left hand.

[@joeruiz4010]

@@colemanbonner My Dad, a Dominican Immigrant, saw one in a Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania gunshop in 1981 at the age of 14. His uncle and cousins went on a camping vacation out that way and stopped at the gunshop for kicks. The gunshop owners told his uncle that those M92's were good sellers, so the M92 series was quite known before the US Military adopted it. A few days later, they went to a range near the campground, and he got to fire that original M92. He was hooked on Firearms and has been ever since.

[@alecks00]

My first gun, Beretta M9A1. Bought it 2 years ago. Only gun I've ever shot and I'm having fun learning about it, taking it apart, getting better at shooting it.

[@triggermike41]

92G LE MODEL was my first service pistol!

[@dalestark3343]

The wisdom he exudes!

[@pulpfiction2122]

My 92 is my favorite handgun I own.

[@GunCollector007]

My absolute favorite!

[@kenstirling5348]

A 92F was the first pistol I bought and it’s still one of my best shooters. I think it’s been surpassed by other guns for sure in reliability and so forth but the action is super smooth and I believe one of the reasons it shoots so flat and soft. Great shooter

[@Kahrlos]

I have great respect for Massad Ayoob and I love the Beretta 92. Ever since I was a kid and I saw the beautiful Beretta in the movies like Lethal Weapon and Die Hard I fell in love with the gun. Now as an adult and having been in Armed Security and Executive Protection for almost 20 years, I'm glad to say that the Beretta 92FS is one of the handguns that I own.

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

The Beretta 92 is one of the Very Best pistols on Planet Earth. Most haters have no experience at all, or they tried one that was on its last leg, because the Military shot the life out of them. I own 7 Beretta 92 pistols, 3 of which are Wilson Berettas and they are all Fabulous to shoot & Own….. talk to a Real Owner to get the True Talk if you know what I mean. Cheers Guys, Check out a Wilson Beretta 92 of your choice, and you will be saying you are in Love too. Not Sorry for telling the Truth! 🥳🤠👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Beretta Sr.

[@kimmorrison9169]

Can’t imagine why anyone would hate a Beretta 92. Makes zero sense.

[@chillios2222]

Never had any problems with it as an le issue

[@warren-h5l]

Sir I am a retired police office, retired and now a Pa. State Constable. I would like to say I learn so much from your video, Also the things that I pickup I pass onto my student at our gun club basic firearms safety class. I wish that we could meet sometime in the future. Please keep making the you tubes videos

[@shanek6582]

My first pistol was a 92fs in 1992, watched Die Hard and Lethal Weapon so many times as a kid lol.

[@sgrafx]

I bought the 92 in 1988, the year I turned 21. It has a very natural hand feel. I very much liked the larger palm grip. My friend, at the same time, got a Sig 226. Also a very good gun. We plunked and target practiced and swapped. We both agreed that the Beretta had the better hand feel. Something about that larger radius hand grip. I am sure its a matter of personal preference and I dont have large hands. But I always keep it in the half cock ready state. The double action is a long squeeze.

[@stevecochran9078]

I remember when my MP company transitioned from the 1911 to the 92F (M-9) and the training we did to complete phasing in the Berettas. It was the first time I had seen and trained on a F.A.T.S. simulator.

[@HenkduPlooy-ym3ed]

I have the Taurus PT92 AFS -- wonderful gun. Love it. Greetings from South Africa

[@wesleylagomarsino7129]

Yet another well stated depiction of a wonderful gun by the very best, Massad Ayoob.

[@Bondmanproductions]

The beretta was my first favorite gun, and my first owned gun. It’s a gun that’s near and dear to my heart, and let me tell you at the range….I ain’t too shabby with it!

[@KG370]

I was only gojng to get one beretta, glad I went with a Wilson

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Mass is so awesome.

[@WB8BRA]

I have the Wilson G92 Beretta and I love it.

[@rjo8500]

As a young LEO in 1988 I was issued the Beretta 92F. At that time, considering all the available options, I would have preferred to carry the Sig Sauer P226. But the 92F served me well.

[@garrisonnichols807]

Massad Ayoob is a great teacher to learn about firearms from. I've seen a few films he was in and his knowledge / techniques are always good.

[@3313-c2j]

If you can shoot a revolver like a 357 in double action and be accurate , you can surely handle the 9 millimeter Beretta in any action,lol, but what a great video

[@1978garfield]

I managed to get a 92S when they were being blown out as surplus. I never thought I would ever be able to afford a genuine Beretta, not to mention one made in Italy. A few years later I picked a Stoeger Cougar. It is the same as a Beretta Cougar, made on the same machines after they were shipped to Turkey. It is a great gun and I wish Stoeger still made them. Sadly they were discontinued so Stoeger could introduce yet another polymer, striker fired gun.

[@mrlopez537]

Love the 92. 1 day I'm gonna send 1 in to u guys

[@gowilsoncombat]

When you're ready, give us a call, we'll be here.

[@mishasumi6827]

The trigger on my 92 and the fact that I constantly hit bowling pins at 100 yards is why I love mine.

[@c.r.chandler5905]

I joined my first agency in 1996 and was issued a Beretta 96F. When transitioned to the Glock I made the decision to purchase my gun and a brand new one that had never been fired. Now that I have retired and have the choice to carry what I want my edc is either the Beretta or SIG P-229. Something about the DA/SA just appeals to me.

[@willy4869]

Seriously...can we get a 2hr podcast of Mass, Ken, and Bill just sitting around talking randomly about guns?? No scripts. Just three wise old dogs shooting the shit about guns. I'd pay for a seat at that table.

[@albertmichall5732]

Thank you I knew there was a lot of reasons why I should like the Beretta's

[@ka-bar5060]

Back in '96, I purchased my stainless Beretta 92 FS to carry on duty as I did not like the feel of my department-issued 2nd Gen Glock 17. Immediately I was more comfortable with the Beretta, and by extension, my shooting accuracy improved and my confidence increased. I trusted my life to that Beretta and never had to worry about it which is why I still own it, and will never sell it. I also enjoyed the weight compared to the Glock and even back then I realized that if I had to stick my gun up against a suspect to shoot him, the way the barrel extends past the slide on the 92 meant that I had a better chance to successfully fire into the threat than with most semi-autos whose slide is flush with the end of the barrel. I also liked the open-top design of the slide in case of a failure to fire or failure to load. The ease of clearing dirt if a fight goes to the ground (as it did on numerous occasions) is also a plus. Sadly the 92 suffered from unnecessary hate among gun owners because of the slide failures that had occurred with the military versions which suffered often from abuse and a high amount of firings that caused metal fatigue and stress fractures. My 92 has never given me any issue regardless of the type of ammo I have used in it. In my opinion, as someone whose life depended on it daily, it is an excellent weapon design.

[@flexjay87]

Well said, Massad. My first new pistol was the Beretta. I looked at several, including the CZ 75, but landed on the Beretta. Since then i have purchased several other pistols, but i really like my Beretta, and have a few Wilson parts on it that really make it perform, mainly the G-10 grips, which are a game changer for average size hands, and the texture is perfect.

[@berettaxd7566]

Man Berettas are beautiful guns. You get the accuracy and safety too. One great package.

[@bradmiller9993]

I acquired a 96 in a trade and it became my favorite handgun to shoot immediately. As a 1911 guy, I found the transition to the 92/96 to be natural and easy to adopt; great video, thank you.

[@danielhenderson8316]

The other cool thing about the 96 is you can put a 9mm barrel in with no other changes and have 2 guns in one. 9mm even works out of the .40 mags, although the witness holes don't line up.

[@campsitez2355]

you aint no "1911 guy" if you transition to 9mm DA anything

[@bradmiller9993]

@@campsitez2355 In your opinion.

[@chunkybuttz844]

@@campsitez2355 I always laughed when people said there are those that get all butthurt over 1911s

[@campsitez2355]

@@chunkybuttz844 sure they made double stack 1911's but the fact that women were going to be shooting them meant they had no choice but to go to 9mm. As for getting "butthurt" that would be a discussion for why HK beat out glock for decades... one of those guns will shoot a 2" group at 25 meters... the other will not. One of those guns is known for having to replace each and every part with aftermarket parts and the other is not... can you guess - the glock or the HK ?

[@lynandhenrymeyerding3392]

I remember years ago when a pro photographer gave me the same advice for the shutter release that you give for the trigger... don't press with the tip of the index finger, press it with the joint between the distal and middle phalanges. Makes for a much smooth transition.

[@justinv4036]

I've been following Mas for many, many years now. When I first started shooting and considered carrying, my mentor told me that the one book that I MUST read was Mr. Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme." What really blows my mind is that as much as I've learned from him over the years, virtually every time I listen to him talk, I STILL learn at least 1 new thing.

[@AlIegory]

M9 holds a special place in my heart

[@wesleyhargis5115]

It's my favorite for carry. And mine is just a plain ghost from the 80's with aftermarket grips.

[@blackticalmayhem8461]

lol sometimes simple is always better. i love my 92FS first time i fired it i fell in love with it so accurate . All my shots were in the center such a well made pistol.

[@ItsMavicBrah]

I have had a couple 92fs's over the years. The one I have now has been in the family for 20 years or so. I sold my first one (which was my first firearm) in favor of a polymer striker gun... current one was gifted to my wife as when we went to the range with her dad it was the only gun she should shoot well consistently. She shot 15-20 different hand guns from her dad and I's collection. After a few outings he gave her/us that 92 and its in service for us to this day. Great firearm that we can both trust and rely on. Perhaps not my favorite but if she needs to use it for defense its her best shot and every little bit counts when your life is on the line.

[@totizabayle377]

I have the 92 F/S and SB models. Just love the feel of them in my hands.

[@alantoon5708]

Reliable and accurate. I never had a malfunction with one.

[@J1Z06]

A month old with 1100+ rounds of all types of ammo. I hope it continues to function this way!

[@tysonwilson5510]

I carry a berreta px4 storm full size I love it have never had a malfunction or any issue with it I want a 92fs and will get one but I love the px4

[@garrisonnichols807]

Best looking 9mm Luger pistol ever made

[@bishopsteiner7134]

Owned 5 different 92 variants (3 Berettas, a 92G, 92 Centurion, 96 Centurion and 2 of the Taurus versions). Loved em all. Accurate, reliable. BUT... the Taurus has the safety where God and John Moses Browning intended. I've seen a couple offerings from Beretta with a frame mounted safety of late, but they need to offer it on that A3 model.

[@chrisblake1918]

I'll just get a Taurus if that's what I can get.

[@C.dieslevonankwek7]

I might sound like an idiot, but I prefer the Taurus because of the saftey/decocker location. Many rounds of 9mm through it with zero problems

[@-John-Doe-]

The original Beretta 92 had a frame mounted safety. The safety was moved to the slide to meet contract requirements.

[@chrisblake1918]

@@-John-Doe- The Taurus 92 still is, and the manufacturing quality is every bit as good.

[@dmyers724]

This guy really is a jedi

[@dalephillips8250]

Beretta....My favorite pistol due to its reliability and durability....I've never had any issues with them over the many years that I've shot them.