92XI SAO (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/23/2025 9:00:29 AM EDT
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I just picked up my 92XI SAO today because of the great price from GunZone. It looks beautiful and well made. I am going to get $150 Beretta bucks (rebate) to buy extra magazines and other accessories. 
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Nice! I'm tempted as well, but torn between the SAO, SAO tactical, GTS and the Elite lol. too much good stuff! |
"It just gets that much more exciting when it has a carry handle on it. Or tiger stripes. If you have both, then you have the John Wayne in the Green Berets size of a big win."
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Originally Posted By laxman09: I wish I would have bought one instead of the 92X RDO  Get both! Its the arfcom way. Or sell what you have, albeit while taking a financial loss, and get what you really want. Life is too short. |
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| I have some good Hx with Beretta, my last duty pistol (that wasnt issued) was a 96G Elite. Dad carried a 92FS for the last 28 years of his career. I really wanted to like the SAO but the rear of the safety lever just grinds right into the inside of the inside of the proximal thumb joint badly. I must have wonky thumbs bc others I asked haven't experienced the same thing. I have dislocated both my thumbs multiple times in MA and LE so maybe those joints are large from damage. Op, no issue with the back edge of the safety? |
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Originally Posted By EncoreGolf: I've heard complaints that the manual safety really beats up your thumbs while shooting. You'll have to let us know if that is true after a range session. |
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Originally Posted By Trumpet: Can it be "cocked and locked" or does it automatically decock when put on "safe"? Cocked and locked on the SAO, de-cock on the GTS. |
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(Tag for future content) I bought the same 92XI SAO due to the great price, but I just sent it to Jarvis for the addition of their 2-port compensator. More to follow I can also confirm the left-side safety lever (rear edge) cuts into the web of my right thumb. And it's a bit of a shame too, because Beretta modified the safety lever design to its detriment. Check out Beretta's older 92 Billennium (top left) and 92 Centennial (top right) models compared to the new 92XI (bottom). The rear edge of the safety lever was originally shorter, and farther forward and away from the shooter's hand. I was able to disassemble and put my left-side lever on a sanding belt and actually reduce the size to something very similar to the original designs shown below. This unfortunately can't be done with the right-side lever because there is a large recess under the lever for the trigger bar. In other words, no available extra steel to trim away. I'll post pictures as soon as it returns from Jarvis (8 weeks) 
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Originally Posted By glock24: I can also confirm the left-side safety lever (rear edge) cuts into the web of my right thumb. And it's a bit of a shame too, because Beretta modified the safety lever design to its detriment. Well, that sux, but it confirms what I've heard about the gun too 
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Originally Posted By travinh: I just picked up my 92XI SAO today because of the great price from GunZone. It looks beautiful and well made. I am going to get $150 Beretta bucks (rebate) to buy extra magazines and other accessories. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54874051339_4b5350e75f_b.jpg Funny I came to this forum cause I just bought the same gun from the same place For holsters it should fit the same footprint as the m9a3 or 4 correct? |
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Originally Posted By BattlePack: I would be all over this, but I can't get past the reports of the uncomfortable safety lever. plan is to shoot it tomorrow, ill let you know |
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Originally Posted By virgilc1984: having it in my hand it looks like i might have to modify my grip a little, but im not too worried plan is to shoot it tomorrow, ill let you know Originally Posted By virgilc1984: Originally Posted By BattlePack: I would be all over this, but I can't get past the reports of the uncomfortable safety lever. plan is to shoot it tomorrow, ill let you know Safety lever is uncomfortable but not a deal killer trigger is cut ergonomically which is a plus, but is plastic and meh overall just not an impressive gun |
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Originally Posted By glock24: Following up from my previous post above regarding the LH safety lever mod; In short, when disassembled and flipped over, it becomes intuitively obvious where one can reduce metal, and where one can't. There's a large round boss that is an integral part of the cross-shaft that connects the two levers. I just went slow with a belt sander until the maximum amount of metal could be removed, and the outer profile shape held a decent contour. Results below. And as I mentioned above, no metal can be removed from the RH safety lever due to the large recess in the boss to accommodate the trigger bar. Sorry, lefties. This reduction in size of the LH safety lever completely eliminates the pinch in the web of my thumb. It feels like a brand-new pistol, and it's unfortunate that Beretta increased the size. Perhaps to match the RH side, but that's no excuse because we've seen better designs from Beretta in the past (above examples) And the reason I couldn't provide this photo earlier was because I had just shipped the pistol off to Jarvis for their 2-port compensator installation. That project came in at 12 weeks and 2 days door-to-door. And that's with about one additional week of phone tag with Andrew Jarvis. I think it is very much worth the wait. The gunsmithing is great. The finish work is great. I can't wait to shoot it, but unfortunately I'm sending this thing right back out for a black nitride slide. I want an all-black color scheme, and of course I need to refinish the LH lever properly now that I've removed the finish in spots. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55046133165_39538cd196_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55044811969_3ffc39368d_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55044730013_739ba2ea58_b.jpg Thats good work, should look great when refinished. Now how do I get an SAO with the legacy curved non-Vertec frame? |
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One way would be to get the wrap-around 92XI grips from Lok (Look here) |
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Thanks. |
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Originally Posted By virgilc1984: I am going to be selling mine. Safety lever is uncomfortable but not a deal killer trigger is cut ergonomically which is a plus, but is plastic and meh overall just not an impressive gun You gotta be kidding me with plastic trigger... every time I get over one mental hurdle for buying one its something else. No reason to have a plastic trigger on a hammer fired gun aside from 1911s. I could see a plastic shoe but not the entire lever 
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It is my understanding the 92XI SAO trigger is hard-anodized aluminum allloy. But make no mistake, I’m not defending Beretta. They are notorious for removing quality content from their firearms. On my 92XI SAO, I upgraded the plastic guide rod and the plastic mag release to steel components from Wilson Combat. I also upgraded to the Beretta Match hammer I also own Beretta’s 1301 Tactical flagship shotgun, and it is very disappointing too. Plastic everywhere, including the rear ghost ring sight |
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Originally Posted By glock24: It is my understanding the 92XI SAO trigger is hard-anodized aluminum allloy. But make no mistake, I’m not defending Beretta. They are notorious for removing quality content from their firearms. On my 92XI SAO, I upgraded the plastic guide rod and the plastic mag release to steel components from Wilson Combat. I also upgraded to the Beretta Match hammer I also own Beretta’s 1301 Tactical flagship shotgun, and it is very disappointing too. Plastic everywhere, including the rear ghost ring sight The 92XI does have an anodized aluminum trigger, not plastic. |
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The trigger is the one thing I can not get over and is the reason I have not bought one. What the fuck is every manufacturers obsession with those god awful flat triggers. Flat triggers are the polar opposite of ergonomic. It is like having a 2x4 as a trigger. I been trying to find out if you can swap in a standard curved 92 trigger? I know these are SAO, but possibly the actual trigger blade is the same? No one seems to know, and I am not buying one unless I can swap the trigger blade. |
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Not completely curved, but an improvement IMO, and an upgrade to steel over aluminum; (look here) There is also a Beretta option. Part number C5L672 will work, if you can find one in stock. |
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Originally Posted By glock24: Not completely curved, but an improvement IMO, and an upgrade to steel over aluminum; (look here) There is also a Beretta option. Part number C5L672 will work, if you can find one in stock. So a standard 92 curved trigger will work? It seems like that is what the beretta part number is? |
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Originally Posted By Jeeps-And-Guns: So a standard 92 curved trigger will work? It seems like that is what the beretta part number is? I'm basing my opinion on the Beretta website, and the below description info (website page here) Compatibilities; M9A4, 92FS Brigadier, 92X RDO Full Size, 92GTS, M9, 92SB Repro, 92FS, M9A1, 92X Performance, 92XI. |
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Originally Posted By dmk0210: ^ That's sexy!  Very tasteful mods. The black slide brings it all together nicely. What grips are those? Thanks! I'm happy. And yeah, I'm a big fan of all-black Berettas. The grip panels are from Lok Grips (here). Black G10 with their orange liner upgrade option. |
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Originally Posted By glock24:Thanks! I'm happy. And yeah, I'm a big fan of all-black Berettas. The grip panels are from Lok Grips (here). Black G10 with their orange liner upgrade option. You're making me want to sink a bunch of money into mine. I've only done the Beretta wide safety lever so far, but otherwise it's how it came out of the box. I do love shooting this gun. |
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Originally Posted By dmk0210: Thanks for the link. You're making me want to sink a bunch of money into mine. I've only done the Beretta wide safety lever so far, but otherwise it's how it came out of the box. I do love shooting this gun. LOL! I always wanted a Beretta, and their last round of factory rebates is finally what did it for me. But yes, I'm learning that this is a very mature weapons platform, and the list of optional upgrades is almost as bad as Glock or 1911s. If you love shooting the gun, then it sounds like it needs little to nothing other than perhaps new pair of shoes (grip panels). Grips are a fairly reasonable custom touch that personalizes your particular pistol. I was originally gonna go with walnut, but I'm also a sucker for black and orange. Good luck |
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Originally Posted By glock24: If you love shooting the gun, then it sounds like it needs little to nothing other than perhaps new pair of shoes (grip panels). Grips are a fairly reasonable custom touch that personalizes your particular pistol. I was originally gonna go with walnut, but I'm also a sucker for black and orange. Good luck I'm still trying to decide on the grips. The OEM ones look like cheap crap so it definitely needs nice ones. I have wood ones on my 92FS and the Xi is more modern so I'll probably get G10 with nice grippy aggressive texture. It's weird mine has the opposite silver black scheme than you guys, with a silver frame and black slide. I should have swapped slides with one of you guys!   |
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Originally Posted By dmk0210: Yeah, when I bought mine (Tactical version) I had plans to add a red dot and trick it out. But after adding the wider safety lever, I just love how it fits my hands. I started to really enjoy shooting it suppressed with just the iron sights and finding a good mounting plate for these seems to be a PITA anyway. I'm still trying to decide on the grips. The OEM ones look like cheap crap so it definitely needs nice ones. I have wood ones on my 92FS and the Xi is more modern so I'll probably get G10 with nice grippy aggressive texture. It's weird mine has the opposite silver black scheme than you guys, with a silver frame and black slide. I should have swapped slides with one of you guys! https://i.imgur.com/0JHMW2F.jpeg Agreed. Berettas and red dot plates are like oil and water. Stick to your irons. Your two-tone is actually more classic IMO. Although it would have been best if they'd kept the barrel black. In other words, the classic two-tone model 1911 look. I will stand by my original opinion. Swap the grips, and just enjoy shooting it. Maybe when you wear out the barrel you can look into refinishing it differently. But if you're feeling saucy, then you might also consider a trigger job. I followed this guy's (below) advice, and I was very happy. It consists of a new spring kit and a new hammer  Beretta 92Xi single action trigger job |
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Originally Posted By glock24: Agreed. Berettas and red dot plates are like oil and water. Stick to your irons. That two-tone is actually more classic IMO. Although it would have been best if they'd kept the barrel black. In other words, the classic two-tone model 1911 look. I will stand by my original opinion. Swap the grips, and just enjoy shooting it. Maybe when you wear out the barrel you can look into refinishing it differently. |
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Originally Posted By glock24: Figured I'd put a fork in this project with a couple final shots. It will never look any better than right after a fresh assembly. AB Prototype (black nitride) was great with which to work. Overall, I'm very happy with my range toy, and looking forward to getting it dirty. Cheers https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55213719184_74d1c7f18d_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55213874160_1748975e13_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55213627568_ebb544a000_z.jpg Very very nice@! |
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Originally Posted By dmk0210: Yeah, when I bought mine (Tactical version) I had plans to add a red dot and trick it out. But after adding the wider safety lever, I just love how it fits my hands. I started to really enjoy shooting it suppressed with just the iron sights and finding a good mounting plate for these seems to be a PITA anyway. I'm still trying to decide on the grips. The OEM ones look like cheap crap so it definitely needs nice ones. I have wood ones on my 92FS and the Xi is more modern so I'll probably get G10 with nice grippy aggressive texture. It's weird mine has the opposite silver black scheme than you guys, with a silver frame and black slide. I should have swapped slides with one of you guys! https://i.imgur.com/0JHMW2F.jpeg Is this the safety lever that you swapped to? If not what one did you get? How much did the feel change with the new lever? https://www.beretta.com/en-us/product/92x-series-safety-assembly---xl-E02490 Also, is that thread protector the one that came with it or did you replace it? Cuz every sale picture shows a silver one that matches the barrel. |
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Attached File Well I got it out yesterday and had some fun. I get why everyone hates the safety and the grip. I am going to have to figure out a way to reprofile the left hand side. But the vertex grip it a bit small for me. So that my be exasperating the issue. I will need to get the LOK wraparound grips. But that will be at a later point in time. I need to focus all funds on getting guns before July 1st. I did notice this afterwards. Since I was focused on the AP5 FRT I didn't put a bunch of rounds thru the 92xi. I was just function checking it. So I didn't see if it was off till I got home. But who the hell is working at Beretta? Yes it is staked, so it had to have come like that from the factory. Attached File Attached File Also, this is my first time with a suppressed Beretta 92 patterned gun, and even longer with just using one. How much is the barrel supposed to move? When I screwed on the fart can and the slide is forward I noticed I can move the barrel more then expected up and down. Yes I know the suppressor in the picture doesn't have the booster, but the fixed mount. I screwed it on so I could try to take a video of the barrel movement without anything extra from the booster itself. |
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I’m waiting on the email to come through to tell me mine is out of jail and I can pick it up. I got to check it out when I did the paperwork. The safety is a no go for me, hard to reach with the short thumbs on my size XL hands. I already ordered the XL safety (Europtic had it in stock). After reading about the plate options, I’ll probably send the slide off to Langdon for milling for their plate system, by the time I buy a plate and suppressor height sights, I’m halfway to the LTT mill, and I can get the slide Ceracoated black as part of the LTT package. The trigger was very meh the few times I dry fired it at my dealer, with a bit of crunchiness on the take up. I’ll order the match hammer when the Beretta bucks come in, and tear down the frame and polish everything up when I install the safety and hammer. Does anyone know what weight the factory hammer spring is on the SAO? Is it worth changing? |
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Originally Posted By EXCATM76: I’m waiting on the email to come through to tell me mine is out of jail and I can pick it up. I got to check it out when I did the paperwork. The safety is a no go for me, hard to reach with the short thumbs on my size XL hands. I already ordered the XL safety (Europtic had it in stock). After reading about the plate options, I’ll probably send the slide off to Langdon for milling for their plate system, by the time I buy a plate and suppressor height sights, I’m halfway to the LTT mill, and I can get the slide Ceracoated black as part of the LTT package. The trigger was very meh the few times I dry fired it at my dealer, with a bit of crunchiness on the take up. I’ll order the match hammer when the Beretta bucks come in, and tear down the frame and polish everything up when I install the safety and hammer. Does anyone know what weight the factory hammer spring is on the SAO? Is it worth changing? 18lbs |
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I put the XL safety on mine. Word to the wise, use the new safety as a gauge to get the punch size right. Nothing I had worked so I filed down a punch. Apparently I filled a bit too much and managed to get it broken off inside the roll pin. That sucked. The XL safety was a big improvement for me, along with the match hammer. |
Charlie Kirk lives on in all of us!
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Really curious if the upcoming 94X safety lever will fit the 92XI. I can't really tell if they use the same hole locations. Maybe Op can advise since he's had his off the gun. The grips for the 94X could likely be modified to fit the XI as well. You know they told the guy in the vid not to talk about the change to the safety (gorilla in the room) as they'd have to admit the safety design on the Xi was crap and they have a lot of inventory still. Attached File Attached File Attached File  BERETTA 94X PERFORMANCE - First Look! |
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I think I’ve got mine the way I want it for now, I may smooth the right side of the frame where it rubs my right middle finger and I’ll probably add suppressor height sights eventually. Match hammer, D mainspring (made no difference in trigger pull, it was longer than the one that came out of the gun), steel guide rod, large safetys, Dlah plate, and extended take down lever. I was thinking of getting the Langdon trigger bar, and swapping some spring, but I’m pretty happy with it as is. For those using the Brett’s Bucks rebate for upgrades, the straight steel trigger is the exact same one that came in mine stock. I am going to see about filing the line on my spare trigger and making it DA capable. Not to carry it that way, or manually decock. Just to have a second strike capability, since I have an extra trigger. The grip angle is perfect if you are used to 2011s. The dot is right where it should be in presentations. Attached File |
Charlie Kirk lives on in all of us!