Plain black, plain steel and a plain 15 round magazine: this Beretta 92 FS is the standard version of a pistol that has spent decades on ranges and duty belts. It is new, chambered in 9mm, with a 4.9 inch barrel.

There is something to be said for the unfussy model. You get the open slide, the hammer and the double-action/single-action trigger without paying for competition tuning or special coatings. A manual safety lever doubles as a decocker, so you can lower the hammer on a loaded chamber.

The 92 is a heavy pistol for its caliber, and that weight is a plus when you are firing. The 9mm cycle feels smooth, and follow-up shots come easily. Hands of many sizes find the grip workable, though shooters with small hands may find it wide.

A standard 92 FS fits many roles. It serves as a home defense gun, a range pistol or an introduction to hammer-fired pistols. If you later want to add grips or a different set of sights, the aftermarket for the 92 is deep. The pistol ships to a licensed dealer you choose. You complete the background check there and take delivery.