OT: Beretta 92 or Para Warthog opinions?

I'd go with a para, I have a para p14 .45 acp and have no problems with it......I'm surprised that others aren't complaining about para, there's nothing like shooting a .45 acp.......
 
The 92 with a Hogue rubber wrap-around grip. I love my 92fs but I didn't care for the stock grips.
 
ratamahatta said:
I'd go with a para, I have a para p14 .45 acp and have no problems with it......I'm surprised that others aren't complaining about para, there's nothing like shooting a .45 acp.......
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Is there something that would cause others to complain about the Para??
 
Back when I was shooting competitively Para's were widely held to be jam-o-matics. A couple guys tried them and couldn't sell them off fast enough. I'd expect their compact's to be even worse. They may have gotten better, but I kind of doubt it.

The 92 is a huge old boat anchor for a 9mm, but at least it's reliable and accurate. So, of those two you mentioned, I'd definitely go with the 92. I REALLY think having to deal with a potentially "finicky" or worse auto will sour you on them for good.

And, disregarding your other comment ;) you'd be much better served by getting a good single stack 1911 or a Glock 9mm as your first auto.
 
I'd go with the 92. Years ago I looked at the Warthog and came dang close to buying it but I didnt after some issues I found online with Para's 1911's.

The Beretta is tried and true. It also cant hurt to look at the Glock 19.
 
Thanks. I dont mind boat anchors. I'm use to Ruger DA revolvers. If you run out of ammo you just throw the thing to kill someone.
 
like others have said, it's hit or miss with Para, there QC isn't the best these days, they just moved there operation from canada to north carolina, so you have to give them time to get people trained to do a quality job.......jmo.....
 
This would be a pretty easy choice for me if I were in your shoes. Beretta has a track record off solid reliability, durability, and accuracy. Para has a fairly problematic track record. There is no comparison.

I have sold a few guns over the years and one that I regret more than most is a 92FS that I bought for a song (about $275 when I was 21). I did some work on it which included installing a "D" model hammer spring which really lightened the double action trigger pull. I also installed the Wolff Trigger Conversion Unit which I cannot speak highly enough of. It is a must have for all serious Beretta 92 series guns. It replaces the weak trigger spring which was prone to breakage. The Wolff unit is super durable and improves the feel of the trigger.
 
Beretta is cheaper to feed - I loved my 92. (and my Taurus 99)
spare mags are a LOT cheaper - and can be found easily.
I've never shot a Para, but know a couple of gunsmiths who sold theirs because they were such a pain to care for. (QC issues as mentioned above)
Most of the Para's I heard complaints about had their "LDA" trigger.

since you mentioned Sig, you might look for a P6/P225 - W. German police surplus pistols. compact, 8 shot, 9mm - and a dream to shoot for under $400 if you can find one.
Occasionally you can find a 220, 226, or 229 police return for a reasonable price as well, so don't give up on the brand due to price.
 
The 92 is a battle proven weapon which has evolved in minor but significant ways in the 30 + years it has been in military service. In fact the US Army has recently renewed its commitment to it.
Like all good machines, a properly maintained 92 can run for 1000's rounds, but depending upon the type of ammo you use and the number of rounds you fire, you might need to replace key springs from time to time.
Yes, there were not only slide issues with earlier 92's but other ones too - however as far I know, and believe these have long been solved with the later models.
Being the sidearm of the US Forces means that spares are plentiful and accessories a-plenty; all at great prices.
I would not hesitate buying a 92 over a Para, and if there were issues with it, we would all heard about it from Desert Storm, let alone Iraq and Afghanistan.
Good luck and stay safe,
BP
 
i don't like having to deal with safety levers and really don't like them on the slide.

factory grips on the Beretta are a bit chunky.

i like my Glock 19s and the Advantage Arms .22 kit that goes with them.

but the XD or M&P are not bad either.... but i'll stick with my 19s.
 
Between the two i would pick the beretta. Ive used them and handled them a lot being in the military and they seem decent. Now it wouldnt be my first choice in handguns but your question was to pick one of the two. The berettas that we have have seen a lot of use and still perform well. Theres things about them that i dont like and things that i do like. It comes a lot down to what you like. I would recommend going to a range and seeing if theres one there that you can shoot. I know the gun shop back home usually lets you shot a few rounds out of a pistol you are looking to buy.
 
I've carried and shot the 92 in the Military and while I prefer my Glock, the Beretta really grows on you. There is something to be said, ammunition supply wise, to using the current service pistol. No experience with the Para, but they do have a solid reputation.
 
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