New Product Highlight: Beretta 92XI Squalo

Beretta updated its flagship 92 platform, introducing the 92XI Squalo, with a host of performance upgrades, which looks like everything customers have been asking for.

A few key changes to the existing Beretta 92XI make the 92XI Squalo a high-performing carry gun that, according to Beretta, can shoot fast and flat enough to compete with dedicated race guns.

“We are excited to bring to the market the first 92XI true tactical race gun that was engineered to dominate the competition and elevate shooters’ performances,” Nicola Lorenzi, pistol product manager at Beretta, said. “The 92XI Squalo is born to win.”

The Beretta 92 is a proven starting point for any pistol, so the Squalo (Italian for shark) is more of an evolution than a revolution.

Upgrades include a buttery smooth single-action-only X-treme S trigger with a slick DLC coating, an extended takedown lever that doubles as a thumb rest to control recoil, a flared magazine well for speed reloads, and unique Hogue grips.

This pistol gets the same fiber-optic front sight, optic-cut slide, and accessory rail as the Beretta 92XI. The Squalo ships with three 22-round magazines (Beretta calls 18+4 since they use an extended baseplate).

The Beretta 92 first hit the scene in 1976 and replaced the 1911 as the U.S. military’s sidearm under the M9 moniker in 1985. The Italian pistol predates the Glock 17, so you might consider it the original Wonder 9.

Militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide have favored variations of the Beretta 92 for decades. Beretta has contributed to that longevity by methodically updating the platform with upgrades like frame-mounted accessory rails, optics-cut slides, and suppressor-ready threaded barrels.

Beretta describes the Squalo as a tactical competition pistol. It certainly has the chops to back up the tactical claim. The improved trigger and extended takedown lever promise to enhance a competitive edge that already benefits from a steel frame.

The Squalo’s refined single-action-only trigger should broaden the Beretta’s appeal to more shooters.

Beretta lists an MSRP of $1,299 for the 92XI Squalo.

What do you think of the new Beretta 92 XI Squalo? Let us know below. For more on Italian duty pistols, check out our hands-on review of the Beretta AXP A1.