The Beretta 92X Performance Defensive is a steel-framed double-action-to-single-action 9mm built for competition. Beretta still lists it, and the frame and the Brigadier slide were both lightened and the Picatinny rail deleted so the pistol would make the IDPA weight limit.

It still weighs 42.68 oz, holds 15 rounds and runs a 4.9-inch cold-hammered barrel with a chrome-plated bore in an 8.7-inch pistol 5.8 inches tall. The controls follow competition practice. The thumb safety is frame-mounted and works from either side and does not decock, the slide has an overtravel stop, the grips are thin and aggressively textured so the hand sits close to the bore, and the slide is cut for a red dot. The first pull is 6.6 lbs in double action and the rest are 3.3 lbs in single. With the rail gone there is nowhere to hang a light.

If you're cross-shopping, the CZ Shadow 2 is the direct rival with an MSRP of $1,399, 3.82 oz heavier with 17 rounds and a 4.7-inch barrel. The Sig Sauer P226 Elite is 10.28 oz lighter in the same double action layout with the same 15 rounds.