New Beretta 92XI Squalo, a competition “shark” in 9mm Luger

Efficient, essential, potentially immortal. The shark is one of the most efficient beasts of prey ever created by nature. It is no coincidence that Beretta has decided to name its latest version of the 92XI semi-automatic pistol, designed primarily for Practical Shooting, “Squalo” – which means “shark” in Italian.

Built on the mechanical Beretta 92 platform better known in the U.S. as the M9, where it served as a service pistol from 1985 to 2017, the 92XI Squalo deviates from it in some operational details, starting with the single-action only rather than DA/SA. 

New Beretta 92XI Squalo: technical features

The right side of the Beretta 92XI Squalo. Magwell and magazine pads are made by Italian Toni System. Note the oversized, ambidextrous frame safety.

The Beretta 92XI Squalo is a 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol based on a Vertec M9A4 frame with steel slide, the latter with an RDO interface for direct mounting of a MRDS thanks to a milling immediately in front of the rear sight. The rear sight and the front sight, which has a fiber optic insert, are dovetail-mounted and are thus driftable. To facilitate slide manipulation and cocking even with a mini reflex sight installed, serrations are also present on the slide front section.

The X-Treme S single-action only trigger of the Beretta 92XI Squalo is flat-faced, allowing for full use of its clean, crisp release. All components of the trigger assembly benefit from a DLC (Diamond Like Coating) surface treatment that ensures maximum smoothness and fluidity. The barrel has a length of 4.7 inches, equal to 119 millimeters; the hammer is a lightened skeletonized type. On the dust cover we find the now indispensable Picatinny rail that allows for the mounting of accessories.

The essential controls of the Beretta 92XI Squalo are located on the frame: the safety lever is ambidextrous and oversized, in the 1911 position to facilitate "cocked & locked" carry. The magazine release can be easily swapped while the slide stop lever is on the left side of the gun only and is also oversized. The flared magwell is manufactured by Italian specialist Toni System and allows for lightning-fast changes in competition or training. The grips were designed exclusively for Beretta by Hogue, to ensure better control. In fact, their unidirectional texture is inspired by sharkskin and provides the user with a firm, secure grip. Their alternating gray-black layered texture emphasizes the technological character of the gun. 

Highlights include the straight-faced trigger and the adjustable front sight with red fiber optic insert. The grips are an exclusive Hogue creation.

The gun's finish is Cerakote Premium H series, which effectively protects metal parts from corrosion and abrasion and gives the Squalo an attractive, uniform matte surface.

The Beretta 92XI Squalo comes with three Mec-Gar double-stack magazines with a 18+4-round capacity, approved by the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) and equipped with a pad, also made by Toni System. (The maximum allowed capacity of the magazines depends, of course, on the laws in force in the country where the gun is sold.)

The Beretta 92XI Squalo package includes three 18+4-round magazines manufactured by Mec-Gar and approved by the USPSA.

Accessories available for the Beretta 92XI Squalo include a 5” barrel with threaded muzzle, essential if a compensator is to be mounted on the gun. Another essential accessory is the IPSC-approved Thunder holster with retention level 1, which allows the gun equipped with optics to be carried in the field. The holster is modular in design and can also be used for service carry. All accessories can be seen on Beretta's website.

The price of the Beretta 92XI Squalo in the US starts at $1,299. This product has been developed for the US-market. If or when it will hit the EU-markets is not yet clear. We'll keep you informed.

Beretta 92XI Squalo technical specifications and price