The Beretta 92X RDO could very well be an outstanding self-defense gun at a very reasonable price point. Here is what we can tell you: Just recently Beretta USA, a subsidiary of Benelli Armi SpA and Beretta Holding S.p.A., announced the launch of its Beretta 92X RDO, the newest addition to its venerable Model 90 series family of handguns. The Beretta 92X RDO was developed to meet the needs of competitive dynamic shooting as well as for defensive purposes. It features a red-dot optic slide and dovetailed combat sights for optimal sight options, along with a short reset trigger, and the Beretta Vertec frame with included aggressively textured Vertec-style thin grips that the company claims will ensure a more natural fit for all shooters.
“We are proud to launch the latest variant of the new 92X family of pistols,” said Gabriele de Plano, vice president of BDT Marketing & Operations. “This launch continues the long history of success of the Beretta 92 series, now integrating features modern shooters demand.”
The single-double action, handgun is chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum, and has an overall length of 8.5 inches and an overall height of 5.4 inches. Its width is 1.6 inches, while it has a sight radius of 6.1 inches. Unloaded it weighs just 33.3 ounces.
Consistent and Accurate
The Beretta 92X RDO also features a short reset trigger for faster trigger pulls – crucial in competitions, but something that is even more important in a home defense weapon. It offers front slide serrations that enable the end-user to manipulate the slide easily in any weather or light conditions. The textured Vertect-style thin grips and front and backstrap checkering also allow for instinctive control and pointing, and makes for consistent and accurate target acquisition.
The optics-ready slide features integral slide cuts, which further allow for the mounting of red-dot optic style plates. The handgun comes with blacking covers while also offering the operator the option to purchase of five different plates that will fit most popular red dots. The upside of this feature is that you don’t have plates you won’t need, but the downside is that the firearm isn’t exactly optics-ready out of the box.
The handgun further offers a removable front sight for tactical shooters who have a distinct preference for sight picture, material, or construction. In addition, the 92X RDO can be used with a variety of accessories thanks to the built-in 3-slot Picatinny rail located in front of the trigger guard, which enables the easy attachment of a variety of tactical lights, laser devices, and other accessory options.
The 92X RDO, which continues the evolution of the iconic series of sidearms, are “proudly built in the USA” the company was quick to note. The new handgun comes with two 18-round, anti-fraction coated magazines, while 10 and 15-round magazine options are available for capacity-limited states (hello, California and Illinois).
The Beretta 92X RDO is available now from select dealers. It has an MSRP of $699.
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.
