New Beretta 92X Performance Defensive: designed for competition performance

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

The Vertec frame is full steel and features front and rear checkering for a better grip.

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.

Sights include a fully adjustable serrated black rear sight paired to a red fiber optic front sight.

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.

The full steel Vertec frame has been lightened and the slide also shows a slimmer “Brigadier” profile.

Beretta 92X Performance Defensive specs