The Beretta 92FS/M9 is actually the successor to the 92SB, which itself had become the replacement side arm to the Colt M1911, although some further modifications had to be made before it made it into the US army as the model 92F. The beretta 92FS/M9 9mm pistol has become the choice of many police, security and armies around the world. Its primary advantage is low recoil and a large magazine compared to the bulkier .45.

Beretta 92 pistols are short-recoil operated, locked-breech weapons with an aluminium frame. The locking system is of the Walther type, with a vertically-tilting locking piece located below the breech area of the barrel. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer. All pistols of current production are fitted with an automatic firing pin block safety. Magazines are double stack, with the magazine release button located in the base of the trigger-guard on all 92-series pistols made since 1981. Sights on service models are of fixed type, with a dovetailed rear blade, usually with high-contrast inserts.

The Beretta is also available as the M9-SD. AA Corp. silencer represents the state-of-the-art in quick-detach sound suppressor technology. The suppressor features integral front and rear sights (front night sight optional) and can be attached or removed in under 2 seconds.