Beretta seems to be revitalizing its venerable and successful 92/M9 pistol series recently: after the optics-ready M9A4, they are now launching the 92X Performance Defensive, a 9mm handgun specifically designed for IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) and USPSA shooting disciplines. The new model – based on the 92X Performance competition pistol, of which it maintains the same ergonomics, controls and performances - is in fact compliant with the 3 most-shot IDPA Divisions, that is Stock Service Pistol Division, Enhanced Service Pistol Division and Carry Optic Division. “These 3 divisions were shot by 70% of the participants at the 2019 IDPA World Championship,” as Beretta kindly explains in its presentation press release.
Beretta 92X Performance Defensive, red dot ready
![New Beretta 92X Performance Defensive: designed for competition performance The Vertec frame](https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pistols/new-pistol-beretta-92x-performance-defensive/beretta-92x-performance-defensive-pistol-right-view.jpg?resize=105f5a:250x&cid=1iz2.5wod)
As mentioned, the new 92X Performance Defensive shares some features with the new 92X Performance model, among which are: skeletonized hammer, saw tooth front and rear slide serrations, a red fiber optic front sight paired to a fully adjustable serrated black rear sight, ambidextrous thumb safety, enlarged beaver tail, oversized mag release button. Both guns also use a full steel Vertec frame – easily recognizable from its straight backstrap – with front and rear checkering.
![New Beretta 92X Performance Defensive: designed for competition performance Sights](https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pistols/new-pistol-beretta-92x-performance-defensive/beretta-92x-performance-defensive-pistol-details.jpg?resize=2d3fb9:250x&cid=1iz1.5wod)
But the latest pistol also have some unique and distinctive features of its own: first of all, it is optic ready (as revealed by the slide cut-outs) and has no Picatinny rail, the dust cover having the slanted design of more recent 92 FS production. The slide also shows a slimmer “Brigadier” profile and the steel frame has been lightened (the 92X Performance Defensive weighs 42.68 oz/1210 g unloaded, instead of the 92X Performance's 47.61 oz/1350 g). Trigger is a fully adjustable X-treme S-Trigger with up to 40% less pre-travel, while the hammer uses a match spring, for better accuracy and competition performance.
Five adapter plates for red dots are available, that can be purchased separately on the Beretta e-store.
The Beretta comes in a polymer case with two 15-round magazines with oversized pad, magazine reloading tool and cable lock. Recommended price has not been communicated, but it's in the $1500 range.
![New Beretta 92X Performance Defensive: designed for competition performance The full steel Vertec frame](https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pistols/new-pistol-beretta-92x-performance-defensive/beretta-92x-performance-defensive.jpg?resize=64de70:900x&cid=1iz0.5wod)
Beretta 92X Performance Defensive specs
Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
Magazine
Capacity: | 15 or 10
rounds |
Barrel Length: | 4.9”/125
mm |
Overall
Length: | 8.7”/222
mm |
Overall
Height: | 5.8”/148
mm |
Overall
Width: | 1.6”/41 mm |
Weight
Unloaded: | 42.68 oz/1210 g |
Frame and
Slide Material: | Steel |
Rear
Sight: | Fully
adjustable |
Front
Sight: | Red fiber
optic |