It was an eye-opening experience to shoot the Beretta 92X performance for the first time. It was taken at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho a few years ago. The all-steel 922X was comfortable in my hand. It also had a frame-mounted safety. This was a good thing for me as I don’t like slide-mounted safetyties. This gun was a game changer. I was able to quickly and efficiently knock down plates. I was in love. Unfortunately, it was a brief-lived affair and I couldn’t justify bringing my partner home.
Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic Details
It’s been many years since my brief, but memorable encounter with 92X Performance. Then, I heard great news: Beretta was releasing the 92X Performance Carry Optic. I couldn’t resist getting one. Before we dive into the Beretta 92X, let me tell you something about the “Carry Opti” name. The Beretta 92X is compliant with the USPSA’s Carry Optic division regulations. This Beretta 92X can be used as a carry gun, but there are lighter options.
First, the Beretta comes in an extremely nice, lockable hard case, made in Italy. The 92X Performance Carry Optic, two 15 round magazines with extended baseplates and a magazine reloader, as well as two Toni System optic plates, wraparound handles, a gun lock, and operation manuals are all contained in the polymer case. My initial impressions are great.
When I first held the Carry Optic, two things immediately struck me. This version feels great in the hand and is 47.6 ounces empty. The pistol’s balance made it feel lighter than that. This pistol is a steel Vertex frame like all 92X Performance pistols. It has a higher beaver tail, optimal texturing on the rear and front straps, and a better balance. This makes it easier to reach the controls. The magazine release is also oversized and ambidextrous.
Xtreme-S Trigger Performance
The Xtreme S Trigger is an upgrade to the standard 90 series triggers. It is fully adjustable for take up, break, overtravel and travel. Beretta claims that the Xtreme-S pistol trigger is the most advanced Beretta has ever made due to its adjustability.
I love series 90s with a safety frame mounted. It is so easy to turn on or off safe without having to change your grip. You can carry the action as a DA/SA. It is skeletonized, as well as the hammer.
Optics-Ready Design
The Carry Optic has an adjustable rear sight and a High Vis fiber optic front view. The slide cut is optics-ready and allows for the use of the Toni System Optic Plate. You can mount 18 different types red dots with the Toni Plates included with the pistol. Personally, I don’t like red dots on series 90 pistols. They just don’t look right. A red-dot is essential if you plan to use the 92X in competition.
My test specimen was Beretta and was wearing a Burris FastFire 4. The optional weather shield can be added to the sight for an enclosed view. This gives the entire setup a cleaner appearance. The FastFire 4 has four reticles: a 3-MOA dot; an 11-MOA circle; an 11-MOA circle; and a 3-MOA circle with wings. It has a 26,000 hour battery life on medium brightness. It also has auto-brightness and auto shutoff after 8 hours. It weighs in around 1.6 ounces, and retails at $419.
Shooting Impressions
I was busy with other things, so I didn’t have the time to shoot full-on accuracy with the 92X Performance Carry Optic. I was able run through 200-plus rounds in my backyard. I was able to use Federal’s Lead-Free 70gr Ball and Remington’s FMJ 115gr without any problems. I also fell in love the newer version just as much. It was something I couldn’t miss.
The large magazine well makes it easier and quicker to reload. All controls felt good, and I liked that the disassembly lever was a few degrees lower, which allowed my thumb to rest perfectly there. The pistol’s weight helps to dampen the felt recoil. Transition shots and following up were extremely quick.
Final Notes
I’m not sure at this point if I will return the 92X to Beretta. I do intend to continue my accuracy testing for Personal Defense World, our sister publication. The way the Carry Optic shoots is amazing and I can see it becoming my nightstand gun. The 92X Performance Carry Optic is a competition gun, so it’s important to remember that this gun is first. It provides uncompromising performance, aimed at earning you the top spot in power, speed and accuracy. For more information, visit berettausa.com.
Specs: BERETTA92X PERFORMANCE OPTIC
Caliber: 9mmBarrel Length: 4.9 InchesOverall Length : 8.7 InchesGrips: PolymerSights : Adjustable rear, High Vis fiber optic frontAction : DA/SAFinish : Nistan slide, frame, and black barrelCapacity : 15+1MSRP : $1,799
This story first appeared in Combat Handguns magazine’s January-February 2023 issue. Get your copy today at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
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Personal Defense World published the first video, VIDEO: Shooting a New Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic.
