The Vertec is simply a 92 with a straight backstrap and dustcover grooved for module attachments.

While this pistol is one of Beretta's latest offerings, it is in fact a version of the well-known Model 92 but with some significant differences.

The most noticeable change is to the back strap that is straight instead of being curved at the bottom. Another feature is a set of rails incorporated as part of the dust cover to enable the attachment of light and aiming modules.

ACTION TYPE AND FEATURES
Like the 92, Vertec is a locked breech semi-automatic pistol that employs the Walther style of dropping block locking system. It has the same double-action trigger system as the 92 with the slide mounted decocking safety lever.

The purpose of the new backstrap is to make the pistol more user friendly for shooters with small hands. One of the detractions of the 92 is that small hands often have difficulty in properly engaging the trigger when in the double-action mode.

Apart from the grip and dust cover changes, the Vertec is the same as the 92 in terms of operating controls and takedown procedures.

FIT AND FINISH
The Vertec displays the high quality of fit and finish that has become the hallmark of all Beretta products. The slide/barrel fit is tight yet functions smoothly. The single action trigger pull is 53⁄4 pounds, although it seems to be lighter. The double-action stroke is a smooth, even pull of around 11 pounds.

I found the grip to be very comfortable for my hand. While I have not had problem with the grip of the regular 92, I sought the opinion of some of the ladies in our group and the general consensus was that they liked the grip and could manipulate the trigger without any difficulty.

The fixed sights with white dots provided a very clear sight picture when the pistol was brought quickly into the aim.

Specifications Maker: www.berettausa.com Action Type: Locked breech double-action semi-auto Caliber: 9mm Luger Capacity: 10 + 1 Barrel Length: 4.92 inches Overall Length: 8.54 inches Weight: 33.86 ounces Sights: Fully adjustable target Trigger: Pull--SA: 5 3/4 lbs, DA: 11 pounds, Reach--SA: 2 1/4 inches, DA: 2 3/4 inches Grips: Checkered black plastic Finish: Blue Bruniton Price: $712

SHOOTING PERFORMANCE
I shot the pistol on a cold clear day in early January of this year at the Petersen's Ranch range using the ammunition listed in the accompanying accuracy chart. Accuracy shooting was done, as usual, at 25 yards from a bench rest using my Millett BenchMaster rest.

The pistol delivered very good combat accuracy with all of the ammunition, the best group of two inches being shot with the Pro Load 147-grain sub-sonic JHP.

On my combat course the pistol performed equally as well, keeping all of my shots within the nine and 10 rings of the target. Recoil was minimal enabling me to deliver reasonably fast 2-shot strings all the way back to 20 yards.

RELIABILITY
It came as no surprise that the pistol was completely reliable with all of the ammunition that I shot in it. One problem, however, must be mentioned. When I first tried shooting double-action I found that the trigger seemed to freeze up just before the point of hammer release. No matter how hard I pressed I just could not get the pistol to fire.

A closer examination revealed that the problem was self-induced. The reduction of the trigger reach caused me to engage the trigger with the first joint of my index finger. This in turn resulted in the tip of my finger contacting the back of the trigger guard just as the trigger was near the point of releasing the hammer.

Those with small hands and shorter fingers probably will not encounter this problem, but it is something that those with larger hands need to be aware of. I solved the problem by consciously repositioning my index finger so that the first pad engaged the face of the trigger.

Apart from this, no other problems were encountered and I found the pistol's overall performance to match that of previous 92s that I have shot.

The Vertec is more user friendly in terms of shooting and handling for folks with small hands who have often found shooting the regular 92 double-action a bit of a handful Those with larger hands will also find it a good shooting defense pistol, although some adjustment in how the trigger is engaged may have to be made.