The Beretta 92X Full Size is a luxurious pistol to shoot. Installing a metal guide rod and 13# hammer spring make it more so. Its shorter Centurion brother has its own good traits, but is more challenging to master. But then, I'm new to this.
I am a 1911 guy, have been for years. But recently I've gone down the path to a higher capacity 9mm for serious use. I still like the 1911, but from here on it will be a gun I shoot because I want to, not because I need to. I need to shoot the guns I carry and rely upon. Not long ago I purchased a set of five Glock pistols and started learning about them. I like the Glocks -- they are almost like using an easy button. But I have a preference (i.e. "bias") for metal guns with hammers. Beretta's introduction of the 92X has made it tempting to go down another road of discovery, and I've given into temptation. If this new experiment with the Berettas doesn't work out, the Glocks are still a good choice to fall back on.
I now own a 92X Full Size FR currently serving duty as a nightstand gun. I also own two copies of the 92X Centurion GR, past versions being called the "Centurion G" model. I have a few hundred rounds through a couple of them, and have a JMCK AIWB holster for the Centurions and one on the way for the Full Size. Why for the Full Size? I'll get to that.
I really enjoy shooting the 92X Full Size pistol. The mild recoil impulse, modest muzzle blast, and overall shooting characteristics make it a joy to shoot. The weight up front provides just a bit more leverage for managing the double action trigger, especially with my TLR-1 HL attached. It is just a very mild mannered, well behaved pistol. Reserved, accurate, and steady and with its longer sight radius giving confidence to the shooter. The Centurion has many of the same attributes as the Full Size -- at least on the surface. But it is like a wild teenager compared to the more mature and settled Full Size. It somewhat amazes me how much different they are to shoot. Yes, with the same hammer springs installed the trigger is the same on both guns. But the Centurion is snappier to shoot and with more muzzle blast. Not bad mind you, but noticeably different. And whereas the Full Size is somewhat more forgiving of less than perfect technique, mistakes are amplified by the shorter Centurion. It demands the shooter's focus all the way through the shooting cycle in order to get a good hit on the target. Okay, yes all handguns perform better when proper focus and technique are applied. But I am pointing out the tangible difference between shooting the Full Size and the Centurion.
I ordered the holster for the Full Size because I want to carry it for a while to see whether it is close enough in comfort to carrying the Centurion to justify purchasing a couple 92X Full Size GRs for carry and training. The Centurion logically has a small advantage for carry in that it is a little lighter and quicker to draw than the Full Size. But honestly? There is something about how the Full Size 92X balances that makes it almost seem lighter in the hand than the Centurion. Hard to explain and possibly subjective depending on the user, but for me that's how it seems. The Centurion makes more sense for carry on paper but sometimes other more esoteric factors come into play when it comes to how two guns feel when shooting and carrying them.
I will post more when I get further down this path. So far it is both enjoyable and informative. And I don't think my reasons are frivolous so maybe this thread will serve a purpose if it prompts meaningful discussion. Please feel free to add your opinions, ideas, experiences, etc... if they are relevant and in the spirit of the topic.