Posted: 4/23/2008 3:35:49 PM EDT
| WHat do you guys think about these? I'm looking to get a 92 to practice for qualification but I'm undecided about which to get. |
I think you're confused. There's a model 92FS & a model M9A1 but they are two separate model number designations.  There are minor differences between the two, the 92FS is usually a few $$$ cheaper, IMO. There's also some killer deals out there on used police trade-ins, FWIW. Good luck! 
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| The M9A1 has a rail, unlike the standard M9 or 92FS. I am not certain of they are actually making a 92A1 or not but the M9A1 can be bought commercially. I personally see very limited application for a rail on a civilian handgun unless you want to use it as a bedside pistol. I would prefer the standard model(s) and use the money saved for ammo. |
What are your thoughts about a rail adding strength to an alloy frame? Not necessarily adding strength to the locking block, but the frame itself. Seems like this would be the case, IMO. Maybe taking away some of the worry over shooting +P ammo? |
That's a good question, Bob and one I never really thought of. I have seen standard 92F and FS models fire thousands of rounds with zero issues other than the very occassional cracked locking block or broken trigger spring, so I don't really see that a stronger frame is needed for the pistol. Beretta used to tell you in their armorerws school that they had a 92F at the factory in Maryland with close to 300,000rd of military ball (NATO) thru it and still running strong...they did regular spring replacements and said nothing about trigger springs or locking blocks however. (?) Others, I can't comment so much on except Glock and Sig...again, both have held up well...all these in 9mm as the .40 was not so popular when I was observing or training the guys who were doing all the shooting and today it is almost all Glock around here for .40 except the FHP who still uses the Beretta M96 and has no major problems that I know of...but those boys don't shoot steel like we used to...sadly maybe no one ever will again unless ammo comes down to half what it is now. |
Here are pics that show a difference. Note: these are not mine, (wish they were  ):M9/92FS Non Rail   M9A1 G-SD frame 
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