Time for a new gun

K.O.D.

K.O.D.

Sell your cloak buy a sword
Joined
Aug 21, 2013
Messages
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I've pretty much settled on a Beretta M9A4. I've always liked them, though have never owned a 92 series. I like that they come standard with RDO cutout, upgraded trigger, and the threaded barrel. In the next year ish I plan to move a to a red/suppressor legal state and the threaded barrel appeals to me. My only qualms are I've never owned a USA made Beretta. My Px4 .40 full size is an Italian manufactured model. How is the reliability build quality compared to the Italian models of yore?

Thanks
 
dodgeem33 said:
USA made 92 is a great gun. The handle is kind of blocky if you have small hands compared to other models. One tip though, finding subsonic 9mm is tough, especially these days. If you are looking for suppressed shooting a .45 is always a good option.
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Thanks, I went ahead and put a bid in on a M9A4. It will be at least a year before I'll be able to move to a suppressor friendly/red state (I'm in Villainois outside of Chicago currently). I wanted something I can do longer distance out door shooting with. This is simply a range gun.

Current setup: Pocket carry--Sig P365 SAS with green lima, my IWB (4 o'clock) carry is a Steyr M9-A1, and then for home I have the aforementioned PX4 .40 which has a lot of mods as well. Beretta's competition drop in trigger group, competition cam block, metal guide rod, low profile decocker. Also have a grip sleeve on it. Next are night sights.

I figure for carry, I may have to shoot one handed, and 9mm is easier, but for HD I'd rather have the slightly larger caliber.

The only other gun I have that is a "range/competition" type is a Ruger MK II Competition Target model, which I never shoot and am probably going to sell.

I have relatively large hands so I'm not worried about the handle of the M9/92.
 
Although I've never shot one with the straight grip, all the 92 series guns I've handled have shot great for me. Very easy to get hits on torso size targets at 50 yards, especially with a suppressor attached. The balance is incredible! At 10 yards or less, I found myself able to engage multiple targets probably at a faster pace than with any other firearm I've used. A little slower to break that first shot with accuracy. After that, you're humming right along.
If you're planning on moving, you might reconsider keeping the mkII Ruger. They are awesome with a suppressor as well. Makes a good tool to get game quietly should the need arise.
 
Wife has a plain M9 (made in the US, obviously), I have an Italian made 92FS (both with steel hardware upgrades) and - except for the difference in sights, they shoot the same. Never fail. Not sure if this helps.
 
Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention the most important part. I've never seen a Beretta 92 that was a bad gun, no matter where it was made. From what I've seen, the modern 92s are some of the most reliable pistols on the planet. And just being clear, I don't have experience with the A-3 & A-4. I've never seen any malfunction with a 92 that wasn't caused by ammo selection, old or crappy magazine, need of a new recoil spring or extractor spring.
 
K.O.D. said:
I've pretty much settled on a Beretta M9A4. I've always liked them, though have never owned a 92 series. I like that they come standard with RDO cutout, upgraded trigger, and the threaded barrel. In the next year ish I plan to move a to a red/suppressor legal state and the threaded barrel appeals to me. My only qualms are I've never owned a USA made Beretta. My Px4 .40 full size is an Italian manufactured model. How is the reliability build quality compared to the Italian models of yore?

Thanks
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Hey K.O.D,
There is no significant difference between US and Italian made guns. Maybe some of the newer models, such as 92X Performance, are made only in Italy. Higher end Wilson Beretta guns are made in the US. I have a USA made Glock 17 and besides markings on the gun there is no difference. Best of luck with you new gun!!!
 
Bloodloss said:
Although I've never shot one with the straight grip, all the 92 series guns I've handled have shot great for me. Very easy to get hits on torso size targets at 50 yards, especially with a suppressor attached. The balance is incredible! At 10 yards or less, I found myself able to engage multiple targets probably at a faster pace than with any other firearm I've used. A little slower to break that first shot with accuracy. After that, you're humming right along.
If you're planning on moving, you might reconsider keeping the mkII Ruger. They are awesome with a suppressor as well. Makes a good tool to get game quietly should the need arise.
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My MK II is the Competition Target model with the bull barrel, so no suppressor available.

Everyone, thank you for your input. I'm definitely going for the A4.

My .40 PX4 has been flawless, and is Italian made. I have upgraded it a lot though. But honestly, the only gun I ever have issues with is the MK II and an old Astra Cub, which I'm guessing is an issue with the magazine spring, as I upgraded the recoil spring.

My Ruger is very particular about ammo. I have decided to keep it, as something for my 8 year old nephew to train on.

I have nothing against US made guns, my IWI Tavor SAR is US, my Sig P365 as well as my Smith revolvers. The Astra, Beretta, and Steyr are my only non US guns.
 
K.O.D. said:
Everyone, thank you for your input. I'm definitely going for the A4.
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Sweet! Fine choice!
K.O.D. said:
My Ruger is very particular about ammo. I have decided to keep it, as something for my 8 year old nephew to train on.
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The greatest thing I ever discovered for the Ruger Mk pistols is competition magazine tuning. There are lots of videos on YouTube with people explaining it. Perform these tuning steps on all your magazines and you will be surprised what your MK2 will gobble up.
 
Bloodloss said:
Sweet! Fine choice!

The greatest thing I ever discovered for the Ruger Mk pistols is competition magazine tuning. There are lots of videos on YouTube with people explaining it. Perform these tuning steps on all your magazines and you will be surprised what your MK2 will gobble up.
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Thanks, I will look into it, plus one of the mags is original from the gun which was a gift to me from my parents for my 20th birthday in 1999. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to and if I should transfer it into my name since it is in my recently deceased fathers name.
 
Oh, man! You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. That's not an easy thing to deal with. We're the same age, btw. I remember losing my father in '08 and it hitting me so hard because I thought we had years ahead to hang out. Anyway, don't take any legal advice from me, but are you talking about the paper trail from the original purchase? I really don't think that matters. If a firearm is in your possession, you are the legal owner. And that is ok as long as the gun is not wanted in connection with a crime. If you're unsure of what to do, ask a gun law attorney, not the police because unfortunately they don't always know the right answer, or a gun shop that may say anything just try to get you to pay a transfer fee.
 
Bloodloss said:
Oh, man! You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. That's not an easy thing to deal with. We're the same age, btw. I remember losing my father in '08 and it hitting me so hard because I thought we had years ahead to hang out. Anyway, don't take any legal advice from me, but are you talking about the paper trail from the original purchase? I really don't think that matters. If a firearm is in your possession, you are the legal owner. And that is ok as long as the gun is not wanted in connection with a crime. If you're unsure of what to do, ask a gun law attorney, not the police because unfortunately they don't always know the right answer, or a gun shop that may say anything just try to get you to pay a transfer fee.
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Thanks. Yeah it has been quite a shock. He was 65. I worked for/with him since 2003 at our family's insurance agency, and I have lived with my parents since 2016 when I was diagnosed with liver failure. Getting a new gun is also kind of a "retail" therapy but I have been wanting a more competitive/higher end gun for many years. I'm going to the lgs tomorrow night to get the paperwork started. Also going to get some night sights for the PX4.
 
Hey K.O.D.
How do you like Beretta PX4? This gun was on my list for quite some time, I really like PX4 Compact Carry. However I haven’t had a chance to actually shoot one. The grip texture looks smooth to me and I was wondering how it is working for you, especially with .40 caliber.
 
SixtyLion said:
Hey K.O.D.
How do you like Beretta PX4? This gun was on my list for quite some time, I really like PX4 Compact Carry. However I haven’t had a chance to actually shoot one. The grip texture looks smooth to me and I was wondering how it is working for you, especially with .40 caliber.
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Well, I liked it, but I've made a lot of changes and now love it. Its naturally a soft shooter in .40 with the rotating barrel.

I've added the drop in Beretta competition trigger group (lessens takeup and weight of both da and sa, shortens reset), competition cam block (makes it cycle faster) and a metal guide rod. I've also replaced the standard safety/decocker with the low profile decocker only.

Its extremely accurate. I'm a good shot, but I shoot this even better than my 9mm Steyr M9-A1. Most of the mods were very easy, only the safety did I need help with.
 
K.O.D. said:
Well, I liked it, but I've made a lot of changes and now love it. Its naturally a soft shooter in .40 with the rotating barrel.

I've added the drop in Beretta competition trigger group (lessens takeup and weight of both da and sa, shortens reset), competition cam block (makes it cycle faster) and a metal guide rod. I've also replaced the standard safety/decocker with the low profile decocker only.

Its extremely accurate. I'm a good shot, but I shoot this even better than my 9mm Steyr M9-A1. Most of the mods were very easy, only the safety did I need help with.
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Thank you! Now I really have to try one!!!
I have 4 handguns and 3 of them are match/competition pistols. My 4th is Glock 17, which is my dedicated home defense pistol. I really want something medium/compact size and Beretta PX4 Compact Carry is one of the candidates. I’ll probably try and visit several gun stores in my area in a week or two and will definitely try PX4.
 
SixtyLion said:
Thank you! Now I really have to try one!!!
I have 4 handguns and 3 of them are match/competition pistols. My 4th is Glock 17, which is my dedicated home defense pistol. I really want something medium/compact size and Beretta PX4 Compact Carry is one of the candidates. I’ll probably try and visit several gun stores in my area in a week or two and will definitely try PX4.
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Competitive shooting is what I want to get into, but I've yet to get a gun that I feel comfortable with using for it. Hence the M9A4.

14 years ago I bought my first modern gun, a Springfield XD in .40. At the time, .40 was the big deal. I ended up selling after two years for two reasons--after 100 rounds the trigger left my finger bloody, and my arthritis was getting worse (I had it onset at age 25) and I needed something softer on recoil and a better trigger and guard. However, I was loath to give up on .40, so I bought the PX4. About a year later, I bought the Steyr as even the PX4 became too much.

Fast forward many years, and it turned out my arthritis was caused by lack of oxygen to my body, due to liver disease. After my transplant in 2018, this changed dramatically. Instead of the arthritis of someone in their 80's, its about 50's for me now, and I'm 42. .40 no longer bothers me, but for carry, I prefer 9mm because IMO there is a good likelihood I won't be able to get my support hand into position if I have to defend myself, and its easier to shoot an ultra compact 9mm one handed than a larger caliber.
 
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K.O.D. said:
Competitive shooting is what I want to get into, but I've yet to get a gun that I feel comfortable with using for it. Hence the M9A4.
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Awesome! Definitely give it a try, there are lots of different disciplines and I am sure you will find something that you’ll like. Best place to start is your local clubs they probably have leagues or matches, try a few, see what you like, talk to other competitors. At first it is very intimidating but most of the shooters are super friendly and always willing to help.
 
Wow! That's crazy! I thought I had it tough with my hands aging. Glad it's improved for you. The Beretta is a great choice for all the reasons you give.
I'm pretty much done with all my gear buying days, I do believe. I have more than enough stuff. Doing my best to be satisfied with what I have right now. But wouldn't you know, they're recently reviving the hi-power and the Springfield and FN versions look very tempting! I'm also a fan of heavy, soft shooting nines!
 
Bloodloss said:
Wow! That's crazy! I thought I had it tough with my hands aging. Glad it's improved for you. The Beretta is a great choice for all the reasons you give.
I'm pretty much done with all my gear buying days, I do believe. I have more than enough stuff. Doing my best to be satisfied with what I have right now. But wouldn't you know, they're recently reviving the hi-power and the Springfield and FN versions look very tempting! I'm also a fan of heavy, soft shooting nines!
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That's the one thing I've never had, is a steel/metal framed automatic. I was supposed to get my grandfather's 1911 service pistol from WWII for my high school graduation in 97. However, he died my senior year, and my aunt stole the gun and gave it to one of her kids, even though the will left all of his guns to me.

The M9 will be my first metal auto, but I'm sure there will be a new Hi-Power and/or 1911 in my future. I also want a Chiappa Rhino 6" just for the hell of it. Maybe once we've sold my dad's boat and truck.
 
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