Beretta 92FS police trade-in: what to check before you buy

Our Beretta 92FS trade-in is a 9mm pistol of the same family the US military calls the M9. This page tells you what you are looking at and how to check any used 92FS.

On our shelf

Beretta 92FS 9mm police trade-in pistol - $350.00. See the photos on the product page for its condition.

The basics

The Beretta 92 was designed in 1975 and production began in 1976. The 92FS is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and works on a short recoil action with a falling locking block. The US military adopted its version as the M9 in 1985. The M9 uses a 15-round staggered magazine. Published figures for the M9 are an overall length near 217 mm and an unloaded weight near 970 g (34.2 oz).

Know the family

• 92FS: slide-mounted safety and decocker, an enlarged hammer pin and a hard-chromed bore.
• 92G: decocker only, no manual safety.
• 96 series: the same family in .40 S&W, with different magazines.
• M9A1, 92A1, M9A3, M9A4: later versions with accessory rails, and larger magazines on the M9A3 (17 rounds) and M9A4 (18 rounds).

The slide question

During US military testing there were reports of slide failures. The 92FS got an enlarged hammer pin that fits a groove under the slide to keep the slide from leaving the frame if it cracks. Beretta found the slides met spec, and later reports blamed ammunition loaded well above NATO specification. Even so, look at the slide closely on any used 92.

Five-minute check

1. Look for cracks near the locking block and slide cut-outs. Walk away from any cracked slide or frame.
2. Work the slide. It should move smoothly with no wobble.
3. Look at the locking block for chips or heavy battering.
4. Shine a light down the bore for clean, sharp rifling.
5. Test the decocker and the trigger in double action and single action, unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
6. Count the magazines and check they seat and drop free.

Holster wear is normal on a trade-in. Deep gouges, rust pits or bulges are not.

Also see our S&W 5906 trade-in if you want another 9mm police pistol.

How buying works

Handguns ship to a licensed dealer (FFL). You complete ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check there. Ask your dealer if your state adds waiting periods or permits.