Thinking of a Beretta 96 Series Pistol - Any Thoughts or Advice?

TriggerHappyGal

TriggerHappyGal

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I was considering a Beretta 92FS Inox pistol, but I tend to like calibre variety, and I already have 9mms.
I'm thinking about getting a Beretta 96 Series pistol in 40 S&W and wondered if anyone has experience with them and your likes/dislikes? My preference would be 96FS Inox, but would consider the 96a1, or 96 Brigadier.
 
TriggerHappyGal said:
I was considering a Beretta 92FS Inox pistol, but I tend to like calibre variety, and I already have 9mms.
I'm thinking about getting a Beretta 96 Series pistol in 40 S&W and wondered if anyone has experience with them and your likes/dislikes? My preference would be 96FS Inox, but would consider the 96a1, or 96 Brigadier.
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From your name I gather you might be female. "Gal" The 92 and 96 series pistols generally have a thick grip. As such, larger hands are better for these pistols. If your female, then I suggest to handle one first to see if it fits your hand properly.

I don't have a 96 myself but a 90-two. The Beretta 92 or 96 series are fine pistols to own. I will always own at least one.
 
Used a 96D Centurion as a Service Pistol. Straight double action and a very sharp slide that would cause serious damage to the webbing between your thumb and trigger finger if you where not careful. Went to a Glock 22 and found it much better.
 
What's your reason to go with .40 vs the 9mm? If you already have a 9mm keep it simple and stick with 9mm. Being adventurous and getting a bunch of calibers might be fun at first paying more for .40 and extra snappy recoil gets old fast IMO.
 
Ebola said:
From your name I gather you might be female. "Gal" The 92 and 96 series pistols generally have a thick grip. As such, larger hands are better for these pistols. If your female, then I suggest to handle one first to see if it fits your hand properly.

I don't have a 96 myself but a 90-two. The Beretta 92 or 96 series are fine pistols to own. I will always own at least one.
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Thanks for the input. Yes, I am a "Gal". lol. I had not realized the grips were thicker on the 96 series. I have other pistols with thicker grips that still feel good in my hand, but I think it's good advice to handle one first.
 
IM_Lugger said:
What's your reason to go with .40 vs the 9mm? If you already have a 9mm keep it simple and stick with 9mm. Being adventurous and getting a bunch of calibers might be fun at first paying more for .40 and extra snappy recoil gets old fast IMO.
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My husband and I reload for 30+ different cartridges/calibres, so one more just adds to the fun. I do know what you're saying though, but we've been shooting a wide range of calibres for years and still not tired of it.
As far as recoil, I regularly shoot my 45acp, and in revolvers I have up to and including 454 Casull (mind you, usually just a couple or 3 cylinders at the most per trip to the range for the latter!)
Thanks for your advice, but I think I will always be "adventurous"
 
I have a 96A1 and am very happy with it. I also have an M9 slide and barrel which fits on very nicely indeed. Also a 22LR barrel and slide, but only one magazine for that one. Essentially three pistols for the price of one and the added bonus of being able to use any sort of 9mm round, since the frame is built for .40 Smith.
 
I've read that the Beretta 96 models don't hold up as well with the .40 compared with the 92 in 9mm. I like the 92 in 9mm a lot but for .40 I've gone with other pistols (Glock 22, USP and P99). FWIW, I agree with trying different pistol calibres to to add variety.
 
Master-G said:
I've read that the Beretta 96 models don't hold up as well with the .40 compared with the 92 in 9mm. I like the 92 in 9mm a lot but for .40 I've gone with other pistols (Glock 22, USP and P99). FWIW, I agree with trying different pistol calibres to to add variety.
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That is why our Department went to the Glock 22.
 
"I've read that the Beretta 96 models don't hold up as well with the .40 compared with the 92 in 9mm"

Any idea how many rounds down the pipe before failure? My 96A1 is still going strong with no signs of wear after a lot of shooting.
 
Dave in Calgary: "three pistols for the price of one "
That is a very interesting aspect. Definitely adds to the appeal.

Ebola: "The factory 96 grip is the same thickness as a 92.
If you handled a 92 already you won't notice a difference"
I have handled the 92 so, good to know.

Master G "Beretta 96 models don't hold up as well with the .40 compared with the 92 in 9mm"
Winchester-1897: "That is why our Department went to the Glock 22"
Now that is a bit of a concern, but do you have any numbers? I mean, if it will last 9,000 rounds (just as an example)
instead of say, 10,000 then that wouldn't bother me. I'm not a competition shooter, so don't shoot the same
large volume of rounds. BUT if the difference is more significant, that would affect my decision.
 
I think the key to Beretta & Glocks in 40 S&W is recoil management. If you are going to like 40 & reload for it, I suggest you get bullets in the 140-160 grain weight. Or find or commission a light 40 mold, like the Magma Engineering 155 grain SWC.

Factory 40 S&W ammo kicks just as hard as 45, so stay away from 180grainers , and avoid any weight over 180.
 
hatman1793 said:
I think the key to Beretta & Glocks in 40 S&W is recoil management. If you are going to like 40 & reload for it, I suggest you get bullets in the 140-160 grain weight. Or find or commission a light 40 mold, like the Magma Engineering 155 grain SWC.

Factory 40 S&W ammo kicks just as hard as 45, so stay away from 180grainers , and avoid any weight over 180.
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I believe its the other way around, heavier bullets use less powder and shoot slower causing less recoil.
 
I'm not sure about the 96A1, but the 96 is one of the worst .40s on the market in terms of durability. Beretta used to advise that service life was only 10,000 rounds:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2158-Beretta-96D

That's only about two years of shooting a couple boxes a week.

If you must have a .40 (I would recommend against it), you would be better to look elsewhere.
 
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