Beretta 90two

Lore & Background

The 90-Two series was released in 2006 as an enhanced version of the Beretta 92. Its most obvious difference from the 92 series is appearance, featuring an 'ergonomically enhanced' design with a technopolymer interchangeable wrap-around grip that allows users to choose grips for large or small hands. An accessory rail on the dust cover accommodates light/laser attachments, and a rail cover is included when no accessory is attached. The frame is constructed of light aluminum alloy, while the slide and barrel are steel. The slide itself is a new design with smoothed edges for a more snag-free profile. The 90-Two also includes an internal recoil buffer and upgraded sight points with a 5 mm increased length between them.

The 90-Two is available in three operation types. Type F is a double/single-action (DA/SA) pistol with a manual safety that also serves as a hammer decocking lever, operating like the Beretta 92F (M9). Pushing the slide-mounted safety lever down returns the hammer to its down position and disconnects the trigger until the lever is pushed up to fire. There is also a half-cock safety notch. Type G is a DA/SA pistol with no manual safety; its lever serves only as a hammer decocker, similar to most SIG pistols. Type D is a double-action-only (DAO) pistol where the hammer follows the slide to the uncocked position with each shot, requiring a double-action trigger pull for every shot; it has no manual safety, half-cock notch, or hammer drop lever, and operates like a 'hammerless' double-action revolver, though the exposed hammer cannot be manually cocked.

Magazine capacities vary by caliber: 9×19mm offers 10-round single-stack or 15/17-round double-stack; 9×21mm IMI offers 15-round double-stack; .40 S&W offers 10 or 12-round double-stack. The model name and number do not denote caliber. The Beretta 92A1, announced at the 2010 SHOT Show, incorporates the internal design and Picatinny rail of the 90-Two with the overall shape and styling of the 92FS.

Reader's Guide

The Beretta 90-Two represents a transitional design within Beretta's pistol lineup, bridging the classic 92 series with modern ergonomic and accessory-mounting features. Its interchangeable technopolymer grip and integral accessory rail addressed user demands for customization and tactical versatility, while the smoothed slide and internal recoil buffer aimed to improve handling and reliability. The 90-Two's introduction of a Picatinny-style rail and upgraded sight geometry influenced the subsequent 92A1/96A1 models, which combined the 90-Two's internal improvements with the traditional 92FS styling. Although the 90-Two was eventually replaced by the 92A1/96A1, it remains notable for offering three distinct operating systems—Type F (DA/SA with safety/decocker), Type G (DA/SA with decocker only), and Type D (DAO)—across three calibers. Its availability in 9×21mm IMI also catered to markets where civilian ownership of 9×19mm is restricted. The 90-Two's legacy lies in demonstrating Beretta's willingness to evolve the 92 platform with user-focused enhancements, even as the model itself was superseded.

Did You Know?

• It features an interchangeable 'technopolymer' wrap-around grip for different hand sizes.
• The 90-Two includes an internal recoil buffer and upgraded sight points with 5 mm increased spacing.
• The Beretta 92A1 combines the 90-Two's internal design and Picatinny rail with 92FS styling.