What is the difference between an beretta m9 and a 92fs?

Answer 1

Mostly the markings and serial numbers. The early M9s also had a steel guide rod and most 92FS are plastic. I've heard newer M9's also have plastic rods though. The M9 is made in the US. The 92FS is made here and in Italy. They both come off the same assembly line in Accokeek, MD.

The M9 is marked as follows:

Left slide: "U.S. 9mm M9 - Beretta U.S.A. - 65490" followed by the Beretta "PB" logo. 65490 is Beretta's contractor code.

Left frame: serial number - some examples start with "M9-"

Right slide: "ASSY 9346487-65490 PM" where PM is the proof mark

Right frame: "U.S. 9mm M9 - Beretta U.S.A. - 65490"

Hammer: marked on the left side with an assembly number and the 65490 contractor code.

There is now a M9A1 version with a Picatinny accessory rail, aggressive checkering, beveled magwell, and a reversable mag release. It is similar to the 92FS VERTEC.

The 92FS is marked as follows:

Left slide: imports: "PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. - MADE IN ITALY" followed by the Beretta "PB" logo.

Left slide: current production: "BERETTA USA CORP ACKK, MD - MADE IN USA" followed by the Beretta "PB" logo.

Left frame: serial number

Right slide: top line imports & US: "Mod. 92FS-Cal 9 Parabellum-PATENTED" , bottom line (on some imports): "BERETTA USA. CORP. ACKK, MD"

Right frame: top line: "READ MANUAL BEFORE USE", bottom US made, "FREE FROM BERETTA USA ACKK, MD", bottom line, imports: "WARNING: RETRACT TO SEE IF LOADED, FIRES WITHOUT MAGAZINE"

Hammer: unmarked.