TFB Review: Dlah Designs Beretta 92 RDO Flush Optics PlateThe Firearm Blog

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant transformation in the handgun industry’s offerings, with a notable shift towards optics-ready models. Nowadays, it’s almost unusual to encounter a new pistol that doesn’t come equipped with optics. This emerging expectation has prompted companies to modify their older pistol designs to accommodate these advancements. The timeless Beretta 92 has proven itself adaptable to the changing times, exemplified by the exceptional 92X RDO. While the 92 is already an outstanding firearm, its conversion to an optics-ready configuration poses certain challenges. That’s where the Dlah Designs Beretta 92 RDO Flush Optics Plate comes into play, aiming to optimize the RDO variant to its fullest potential. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the review!

Dlah Designs @ TFB:

Specifications: Dlah Designs Flush Optics Plate

The Dlah Designs Beretta 92 RDO Flush Optics Plate (wow, that’s a mouthful) comes with three sets of two screws (5mm, 8mm, 10mm) and a flush-fit firing pin block. Along with this are instructions on installing the plate itself. That is an important note because you still have to install the new firing pin block. I covered this in a recent TFB Armorer’s Bench article.

Manufacturing: CNC Milled
Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Shipped: Unfinished (Anodized test runs vary)
Fit: Beretta factory RDO slides (92x, M9A4, 92XI, 92 Performance)
Optic Patterns/Footprints: RMR, RMRcc, SRO, Holosun 507/407c, 508T, 507k/407K, EPS, EPS Carry, 509t/509 ACSS, Vortex Viper, Vortex Venom, Delta Point Pro, Romero 1Pro, Cmore, and probably more that I missed.

The MSRP for these plates is $135. This price may fluctuate if anodized colors start to be offered. Honestly, the silver look under my optic is not totally unappealing. Paired with a stainless slide for a color accent I bet it would look very nice. Nonetheless, I am excited to see if anodized ones make a home on the site!

All optic mounting plates are designed for a specific optic of choice and CNC milled from 7075-T6 aluminum to ensure maximum strength with minimal optic/plate over-hang. The system is currently the lightest and lowest mounting option for the Beretta® factory RDO slides. This includes the 92x, M9A4, 92XI, 92 Performance® and other factory cut RDO slides. There are no slide modifications required, no parts to be sent in, and all installs can be done by the end user or competent smith. A modified firing pin safety block (FPSB) along with specific mounting hardware is included in each package and MUST be installed for proper function. All plates are made to order and UNFINISHED with a typical lead time of 7 business days.

Install: Dlah Designs Flush Optics Plate

Part of the secret recipe to this whole setup is the Dlah Designs firing pin block that comes with the flush optics plate. You see, when the trigger is pulled on a Beretta 92 a firing pin block is lifted vertically in order to no longer block the firing pin from ramming home. When this block lifts, it actually lifts out of the slide and is visible. This presents a problem with mounting an optics plate.

Beretta’s solution was cutting a recess in their optics plate in order for the firing pin block to have a spot to go Into. Unfortunately this “fix” makes the Beretta factory optics plate pretty thick. Dlah Designs gets around this by providing a modified firing pin block that functions normally but is much shorter in the right spot in order to be perfect or just below flush when the trigger is pulled. this means the plate does not need to accommodate the firing pin block at all and can sit as flat as possible.

Installation of the block was straightforward, however, I do not recommend anyone do it without fully being equipped with the fact that things are under spring pressure and you may lose a piece. Be careful and if you are uncomfortable, it is an easy 10-minute job for a competent gunsmith. Use your best judgment and be safe. For a full breakdown on installation, check out this article here!

Installation of the optics plate and optics itself was very easy, especially when paired with the very detailed instructions Dlah Designs includes. I however for the sake of some more visual learners wish that Dlah would have these instructions available to be viewed on the website or even an official video.

Range Time: Dlah Designs Flush Optics Plate

After installing the firing pin block, plate, and my RMR, I was underwhelmed. Not in a bad way at all, it just did not feel like anything changed even though if you look at the side-by-side of the two plates it obviously did.

The range, however, was a different story. I had grown so used to the factory optics plate and the subsequently added height of my optic that it took a good hour of readjusting. There is a difference and it showed mainly in my muscle memory. Besides that, looking down through the optic was not any different and my accuracy did not change. The plate did its job.

Not my best but that’s on me.

I handed my 92X RDO (with this Dlah setup) to a friend at the range and he loved every aspect. So much so that not too long ago I heard he picked up the same stuff and even reached out to Dlah and got a plate ordered. If I remember correctly, Dlah Designs was nice enough to send him a test run anodized version of the optics plate.

Conclusion: Dlah Designs Flush Optics Plate

The Dlah Designs Beretta 92 RDO Flush Optics Plate shaved weight off, made things tighter to the gun, innovated where another company did not, and offers it at a reasonable price. Besides potential warranty issues with Beretta should something arise and nonfactory parts be found in the gun, I do not see any reason not to equip your RDO with this plate. It is the best option in my humble opinion. I would highly recommend it!

In closing, I want to say thank you to Dylan at Dlah Designs for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out one of their Flush Opics Plates! That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that this plate is something worth spending your money on? Would you run to the range with this setup? Would this optics plate turn your ordinary 92 into your go-to fun gun at the range? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.