Beretta just announced the updated M9A4 service and duty pistol for self-defense, and is following it up with two new optics-ready 92X pistols. They are the new 92X RDO Full Size and 92X Performance Defensive, both chambered for 9mm Luger.
These 90-series pistols use the same red-dot-optics mounting system Beretta selected for the M9A4, which uses a set of dovetails in the slide to mount adapter plates. Because the dovetails can mount pretty much any kind of adapter, the system can accommodate a wide range of mini red dot sights.
Of the two models, the 92X RDO is the more practical-tactical pistol, while the P2X Performance Defensive is more range- and competition-oriented. In fact, the Performance Defensive pistol was specifically tailored to compete in prominent shooting sports, and specifically IDPA games.
Both are fully featured double-action, single-action handguns that come with Beretta’s Vertec-pattern frame. The reduced radius of the grip and thin grip panels make handling these pistols easier for a wide variety of shooters and hand sizes.
The 92X RDO has a light alloy grip with a full-length accessory rail, a universal pattern slide with a safety-decocker lever or a decocker-only lever and forward and rear slide serrations. The RDO comes standard with a high visibility orange dot front sight with black combat rear sights
Because it’s a universal slide, the lever can be switched from safety-decocker to decocker-only and vice-versa. Standard-capacity with the RDO is 18+1 rounds although 10- and 15-round magazine packages are also offered.
The 92X Performance Defensive is an all-stainless steel design with a lightened frame and slide to meet common competition weight requirements. While the RDO weighs a bit over 33 ounces unloaded, the Performance Defensive weighs 42.7 ounces.
The added weight helps with felt recoil and a fast return on the sights for quick, flat shooting. The Performance Defensive does not come with a safety rail or a decocker, instead, it has a traditional frame with ambidextrous manual safety levers.
Another difference between the two models is the barrel length. While the RDO has a standard 4.7-inch barrel, the Performance Defensive has a slightly extended 4.9-inch barrel, which gives it a slight advantage in muzzle velocities for shooting sports that have specific ammunition performance requirements.
SEE ALSO: Beretta Launching M9A4 Handgun, Enhanced 1301 Tactical Shotgun
The Performance Defensive also has an Xtreme-S fully adjustable trigger system and lightweight skeletonized hammer, while the RDO comes with a simpler short-reset trigger and standard hammer. The competition model also has a slightly extended beavertail, a fiber optic front sight, and a fully adjustable rear target sight.
Finally, the Performance Defensive ships with 10- or 15-round magazines and has a nickel Nistan finish over the 92X RDO’s black Bruniton finish.
While these guns have a lot in common, they’re also very different, and the prices reflect that. The MSRP for the 92X RDO is $699, while the 92X Performance Defensive is up there with other premium competition pistols at $1,549.
For more information about these and other new Beretta products, visit them online.
I’d avoid Beretta products at most all cost. I sent my pistol back to them for warranty work way back in 11/2020. Still waiting for parts and the customer service reps could not care less. AVOID Beretta