Beretta 92 Police Trade-In Guide
Last updated 24 October 2026.
The short answer
The Beretta 92 is a full-size, double/single-action 9mm pistol with a 15-round magazine. Its military version, the M9, is the 92FS adopted by the US Army in 1985, and many American law-enforcement agencies have also carried the 92 series. That is why used, police-issued Beretta 92s turn up as trade-ins.
Key facts
| Caliber | 9mm Luger (9x19) |
|---|---|
| Action | Double/single-action, with a slide-mounted safety/decocker |
| Barrel | 4.9 in. (125 mm) |
| Magazine | 15 rounds, staggered box |
| Frame and slide | Aluminum-alloy frame with a steel slide and barrel |
| Weight | About 33 oz unloaded |
Figures come from Wikipedia: Beretta 92 and Wikipedia: Beretta M9. Sources disagree on some dates (for example when the improved version entered service), so check the exact model in front of you.
92, 92FS and M9: what is the difference?
The M9 is the military designation of the 92FS. The 92FS is the improved civilian and police version of the earlier 92F. For most buyers the practical difference is the markings and the finish, so look at the slide markings and ask the seller what model it is.
What to check on a used police Beretta 92
- Look at the slide-to-frame fit and the locking block for cracks or heavy wear.
- Check that the safety/decocker works and the trigger resets cleanly.
- Look at the bore and the feed ramp.
- Ask how many magazines come with it and what shape they are in.
- Expect holster wear and finish marks on a former police gun; they affect looks more than function.
Buying
A pistol is a complete firearm, so it ships to a licensed dealer (FFL) in your state, where you complete the paperwork and background check. Check your state's magazine rules before you buy a pistol with a 15-round magazine.
General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. Laws change; check the official source before you act.
