Overview
I recently did a Buyer’s Guide for the Beretta 92 Series. But I wanted to do a deeper dive on this particular 92 because it’s such an interesting take on the classic design.
The 9211 was released early in 2023. It’s a modern Beretta 92X through and through, except that it departs from the traditional double-action trigger that is standard on most 92s. Instead, it is single action only. And it is awesome!
Trigger
Now, let’s see what makes this trigger system unique. Beretta calls it the Xtreme-S single-action-only trigger. The Xtreme-S is the new trigger system found in the higher-end 92X guns. It has an improved feel and a reset shortened to almost half that of older Berettas.
This single-action-only version is obviously limited to the single-action pull, but it all the action parts are DLC-coated to be extra smooth. Finally, Beretta added a flatter profile trigger with a serrated face.
Let me tell you, Beretta did a great job on this trigger. It’s beautiful – crisp and snappy. I also really liked the slightly serrated face, which gives a slightly more secure feel on the trigger. On triggers that are super smooth, there is a possibility of your finger sliding around on the trigger face giving inconsistent pulls.
When you start pulling the trigger, there is a good bit of take-up at first, but the wall is solid and there is no creep, just a solid snap. There is no perceivable overtravel afterward. The reset is about 4mm. It’s very respectable and easy to run fast.
Is it a 1911-tuned trigger? No. The feel is totally different, so even though it is billed as the 9211, the trigger doesn’t feel anything like a 1911 trigger. It’s a totally different design. This trigger still hinges from the top and is not a straight pullback. It’s basically the best single-action trigger pull on a double-action gun. Personally, I think it kills any striker-fired trigger.
The ambi frame-mounted safety is also good, with very positive engagement. You need a solid safety on a single-action-only gun.
Other Features
Now for the rest of the gun, it’s a straight 92X. It’s got a Vertec-style frame with an accessory rail. There’s extra front and rear checkering on the grip and slim grip panels.
The Vertec slide has a fiber-optic front sight and blacked-out rear. It has Beretta’s MRDS optics mounting system.
This version is the Launch Edition of the 92XI, with walnut grips and a silver cerakote finish. Only 1,500 were made with an MSRP of $1,199. The production model is all black with a silver slide and retails for $949.
Pros & Cons
I only noticed a few cons. First, I found the safety a little small for my thumbs. It was a little difficult to actuate in my firing grip. But Beretta has different safety lever widths available, so this is an easy fix. I like the slightly larger safety on the Beretta 92X Performance.
Also, Beretta’s optic mounting system puts the dot a little high for my taste. I prefer the LTT Beretta optic cut that sits the dot lower.
Other than that, I love this gun. It’s smooth, reliable, and a pleasure to shoot. It points extremely naturally for me, and I would carry and compete with this gun. I found it fast and soft shooting, and I got great accuracy. Berettas are known for their reliability, and this one did not disappoint.
The only reason I personally choose the 92X Performance over this gun is because I like the option of having a double-action trigger pull and a heavier steel frame for competition shooting.
Pros:
- Smooth and fast action
- Excellent single-action-only trigger
- Soft shooting and accurate
- Beretta quality and reliability
Cons:
- Red dot sits a little high on optic mounting system
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Safety lever a bit small, but can be swapped with a wider version
Conclusion
If you like 1911s, give the Beretta 92XI a try. It reminds me of a Browning Hi-Power more than the 1911. I think that’s probably the better comparison, because the Hi-Power was a single-action pistol with a hinge-style trigger. But the 9211 trigger is better, and so is the safety.
Related: Two Guys One Gun, Episode 7 – Browning Hi-Power
The 9211 is a unique gun in the marketplace, and I think it is a great addition to Beretta’s lineup. I like that Beretta taken some chances with its own sense of style and function. Who wants more cookie-cutter polymer-framed, striker-fired guns?
