I’ve mentioned before numerous times that I’m not the world’s biggest Beretta 92 fan. I don’t hate the gun, but just never loved it like some others do. I think it’s iconic and I’ve owned some of the first editions, including an old step-slide before just sticking to the high-end models. 
The Beretta 92XI was introduced recently into the Beretta 92 lineup. It features a frame mounted safety, “X-treme S” SAO trigger, vertec grips, and some other enhancements. Beretta immediately expended on the XI line with the introduction of the XI Squalo, which added some race-ready features, such as an enlarged magwell. Over the past month or two, Davidson’s distribution took the design a step farther with the introduction of the 92XI Gara and Corsa. These two models feature basically what the Squalo does, but add a few Toni-System competition parts, which are a magwell, magazine basepads, and single port compensator, along with upgraded grips. The MSRP of the Gara and Corsa are not bad, being $1500 and $1600, respectively. The Corsa is $100 more mainly due to the swirled carbon fiber grips, which are more costly than the Gara’s G10 grips. Both pistols are limited to, I believe, 1000 pistols each, but I’m not 100% sure on the exact number. I do know they are definitely limited.
The gun itself feels outstanding in hand. The vertec grip and front and backstrap checkering really improve the overall ergonomics. The Gara and Corsa also feature a take down lever that doubles as a gas pedal or thumb rest, which further helps keep the sights on target. These ergonomic enhancements, coupled with the compensator will no doubt make the Corsa an unbelievably flat shooting pistol. The videos I’ve seen of it being fired rapidly supports what I’m saying as well. I also like the tone of the gray Cerakote and think it completes the look. Part of me thinks Beretta should have used a nicer finish and charged a bit more, but I guess they were trying to keep the gun very reasonable. Either way, it looks nice enough. The carbon fiber grips are smooth and over no traction, but I can overlook that since they look so cool and the frame checkering offers enough traction by itself.
My one grip about the gun is the trigger. The pull is nearly 4lbs, which seems too heavy for its intended use. The break isn’t bad as far as creep is concerned and the reset is fantastic, as in very audible and 2011-like short. The wider width of the trigger itself is also a nice feature. I just feel the pull should be better. That being said, I am definitely spoiled when it comes to triggers, so I might be being overly critical. Weight is only 35.6oz with an empty magazine. I prefer steel framed pistols, but this is how Beretta rolls for 99% of their handguns. Quality-wise, the gun is very nice. Obviously, I don't expect a world beater at this price point, but its definitely a step up over a standard Beretta M9 or 92FS . Overall, I feel the package is a nice value and it comes with three magazines with the large Toni-System basepads, along with three flat basepads should you opt to change them out.
I got it for $1500 OTD, which was outstanding. The Gara would have been $100 less. Who has one of these or the Gara? What are your impressions of it?
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks!
Here are my six Beretta 92 variants, none of which are everyday models with a couple pretty darn rare...
The Beretta 92XI was introduced recently into the Beretta 92 lineup. It features a frame mounted safety, “X-treme S” SAO trigger, vertec grips, and some other enhancements. Beretta immediately expended on the XI line with the introduction of the XI Squalo, which added some race-ready features, such as an enlarged magwell. Over the past month or two, Davidson’s distribution took the design a step farther with the introduction of the 92XI Gara and Corsa. These two models feature basically what the Squalo does, but add a few Toni-System competition parts, which are a magwell, magazine basepads, and single port compensator, along with upgraded grips. The MSRP of the Gara and Corsa are not bad, being $1500 and $1600, respectively. The Corsa is $100 more mainly due to the swirled carbon fiber grips, which are more costly than the Gara’s G10 grips. Both pistols are limited to, I believe, 1000 pistols each, but I’m not 100% sure on the exact number. I do know they are definitely limited.
The gun itself feels outstanding in hand. The vertec grip and front and backstrap checkering really improve the overall ergonomics. The Gara and Corsa also feature a take down lever that doubles as a gas pedal or thumb rest, which further helps keep the sights on target. These ergonomic enhancements, coupled with the compensator will no doubt make the Corsa an unbelievably flat shooting pistol. The videos I’ve seen of it being fired rapidly supports what I’m saying as well. I also like the tone of the gray Cerakote and think it completes the look. Part of me thinks Beretta should have used a nicer finish and charged a bit more, but I guess they were trying to keep the gun very reasonable. Either way, it looks nice enough. The carbon fiber grips are smooth and over no traction, but I can overlook that since they look so cool and the frame checkering offers enough traction by itself.
My one grip about the gun is the trigger. The pull is nearly 4lbs, which seems too heavy for its intended use. The break isn’t bad as far as creep is concerned and the reset is fantastic, as in very audible and 2011-like short. The wider width of the trigger itself is also a nice feature. I just feel the pull should be better. That being said, I am definitely spoiled when it comes to triggers, so I might be being overly critical. Weight is only 35.6oz with an empty magazine. I prefer steel framed pistols, but this is how Beretta rolls for 99% of their handguns. Quality-wise, the gun is very nice. Obviously, I don't expect a world beater at this price point, but its definitely a step up over a standard Beretta M9 or 92FS . Overall, I feel the package is a nice value and it comes with three magazines with the large Toni-System basepads, along with three flat basepads should you opt to change them out.
I got it for $1500 OTD, which was outstanding. The Gara would have been $100 less. Who has one of these or the Gara? What are your impressions of it?
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks!
Here are my six Beretta 92 variants, none of which are everyday models with a couple pretty darn rare...
