A 2011 Substitute
Beretta is doubling down on its 9211 guns, with seven different 9211 models available as of this writing. I believe this is driven by the popularly of double-stack 1911s, with Beretta offering its 9211s as an alternative.
I think this is a good play. With the addition of the single-action-only trigger and frame safety, the 9211 and double-stack 1911 become very similar guns. Compare the Squalo to a 5-inch double-stack 1911 like the Springfield Prodigy, and the two are nearly the same length, height, width, and weight. They both are hammer-fired and high-bore-axis guns with similar shooting characteristics. The differences are the overall form factor, the 92 hinge-style trigger, and the 92 Vertec grip.
The 92 platform is much more reliable, as wide-body 1911s can be finicky – especially the more budget models. Plus, 9211s are usually less expensive than 1911s and much less expensive than top-tier 2011s. Finally, if you are already in the 92 ecosystem, standard 92 magazines work with the 9211.
Details
Let’s move on to specific features. All 9211s have:
- Vertec aluminum grip
- X-Treme S trigger system
- Single-action-only flat-faced trigger
- DLC-coated trigger components
- Lightweight, skeletonized hammer
- Frame-mounted safety
- Fiber-optic front sights
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Beretta MRDS red dot mounting system
This particular Squalo has a few additional features. It also comes with:
- A Toni Systems competition magazine well
- Three 18-round Mec-Gar magazines with Toni Systems extended base plates for a 22-round capacity
- Extended takedown lever that can act as a gas pedal
- Adjustable extended magazine release
- Upgraded highly textured Hogue grip exclusively designed for Beretta
As the pistol is geared toward competition, all these upgrades fit within USPSA rules.
Shooting Impressions
Billed as a competition pistol, I decided to take the Squalo to my local steel match. Now, you have to cut me a little slack as this was my first time shooting the gun. I took it straight from the box to the match without even printing it on paper. In general, it performed great, although I did run into a few problems I’ll get to in a minute.
Recoil is soft and predictable. If anything, I like the recoil impulse of the 9211 more than a 1911 because it has a lighter reciprocating slide. In addition, most of the weight is lower in the gun than on a double-stack 1911, making for smooth transitions.
Splits are fast because of the excellent trigger. There is a good amount of initial takeup, but the flat-faced trigger feels great. The break is light, and there is no creep or overtravel, just a solid snap. The reset is short and easy to run fast.
I got great groups when shooting for accuracy at 15 yards. I did flinch once and got a flyer, so I shot six rounds for the group to make up for my mistake.
Pros & Cons
Other than a couple of easily fixable issues, I loved the gun. I’m a big fan of the Beretta Vertec grip. If you like big 2011 grips, I think Beretta grips will work for you, too. The slide is buttery smooth and just as good as any Staccato.
The first issue I encountered was that the slide was sluggish, and I did experience failures to feed. I chalked this up to the oil, since it was very cold and I think the lubrication on the gun was not rated for cold temperatues. The next time I shot it, I changed to Slip 2000 Extreme Weapon Lubricant designed for harsh conditions, and I experienced no issues.
My second problem was magazine compatibility. Yes, 9211s work with standard 92 magazines, but watch out for the Toni Systems magazine well. Not all magazine base plates are compatible with that magwell. Some of my personal magazines had difficulty seating, but all the mags that came with the Squalo worked flawlessly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think a Beretta 9211 is a great alternative to a 2011. From a competition point of view, if you are comparing guns in a single division, I don’t think the 9211 will hold you back at all. In terms of performance, what you lose in trigger feel is tiny and more than made up for in reliability and cost.
I have a 92 Performance – which is very similar to the 92XI – and a Staccato, and I love them both.
