Beretta 9000S polymer grip disintegrates

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Ignacio49

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A friend of mine just bought this Beretta 9000S .40s&w, new in box. This gun was stored for +/-11 years, it was manufactured in 2.000 (BN code), s/n 005xxx. Early production as far as I know.

The polymer grip was falling in pieces. It seems that this rubber/polymer degenerates with time. I guess this happenned only to some early production units. Fact is it happened to this one.

I removed the grip (the pieces of polymer) and left the 9000s “naked”. I tried putting a rubber grip sleeve (pantyhose?) from Buttler Creek but it didn’t fit (too long at the front side).

Then I tried a “poor’s man gun pantyhose”..bike tube. This was better, but still not good enough. It was impossible to cover the area below the hammer because of its shape; the tube would not follow the contours (see pics). Another problem was that the naked surface was not totally flat. The rear block spring pin protrudes, and the grip has some sort of “ribs” behind the hammer spring that are very noticeable (pics). These protruding parts were very obvious as the bike tube has thin flexible walls that cannot conceal such protrusions. To fix this I used a piece of tire inner tube (much thicker than the bike tube) stuffed in between the grip and the bike tube. Now we got an almost smooth grip, better looking one (pics).

But...there is still much room for improvement. I am thinking of using skateboard tape. That is my next project. Meanwhile I would like to know your suggestions – what would you do/use?

One thing: the original rubber grip was very thick in the rear, where the “ribs” are. I guess this helped to absorb some recoil. Now, without this cushion, I wonder what the recoil will be... and yes, I know, theres only one way to know.

Oh!...last one: getting rid of the original rubber has a positive side: the grip is now less thick, much more comfortable to grab, at least for my kinda small hands. I like it better “naked”, but the looks....

Pics:

Naked girl

1.jpg


2.jpg


3.jpg


4.jpg


5.jpg
 
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9000S grip failure

My 9000S molded grip fell apart also. I searched online for a replacement , sleeve, or something to cover up the mold anchor holes and roll pin. No one offered anything for this model. I took some 3M grip/non skid tape a carefully cut pieces to "mold" a new grip. It was challenging fitting under the dove tail but turned out good. It's not something I would like to use often but I feel confident handling the gun in case of self defense. Does anyone know if there is a grip or sleeve offered for the 9000S ?

Thanks
 
nvm.. sry.. that was totally not what you wanted.. it was a resting clamp for that grip.. I thought it was a mold. sorry.. removed.

It looks like your screwed really.. You might be able to get a cover that might fit it somewhat.. But doubt it. The schematics shows the grips as being part of the lower slide and cannot be replace. basically part 67

 
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Have you tried Hogue for an aftermarket set?

What about Midway, Numrich or Brownells for a set of factory ones?

Then there's always calling Beretta for customer service too. They are probably aware of the issue (if common) and may even send you a free replacement.
 
None of the pics are showing up for me....

So does he like the 9000S?

I think this is another reason they are so infamous. Me thinks Beretta really missed the mark on this one. This coming from a guy who once owned a 9000S in 9mm. I tried as hard as I could to like mine but ended up getting rid of it after a couple years.

I agree that your friend should call Beretta and give them the chance to make it right....
 
i had a beretta 9000s in .40 , it was one of my first guns.....i had it for a while then i sold it to a friend because i needed the money......when we go to the range it likes to jam on him now....when i had it it worked great...
 
Guys, plastics are just temporary, kinda like glue, tape, rubber bands. When it goes just buy another.
 
Beretta 9000s

My 9000s 40 S&W is exhibiting the same problem. The “whatever” kind of coating on the frame is peeling off. Last week, while practicing for my clubs “Concealed Carry Mach”, I noticed a large “chunk” of the coating on the front of the grip had come off.

It is also an old pistol, a least 10 years old. The serial number is 4848.

I contacted Beretta via the “help” E-mail system and am awaiting a response. My thinking is Beretta will tell me “so sorry, tough luck”. I don’t see how it could be repaired - the entire frame might have to be replaced. Will post whatever responses I get from Beretta.

Anyway, if Beretta tells me “tough luck”, I plan to try to peel the rest of the coating off the “grip” and wrap with “old school” friction tape.

I understand I am one of only two shooters that like the 9000s. Mine fits my hand very well. The sights are very good. Accuracy is very good, even with my “crappy” reloads.

The lock work is great! Push the safety all the way up and the pistol “de-cocks”. The middle position is “cocked” and locked. The down position fire.

Function is perfect! 100%, even with my “crappy” reloads. The trigger is, well, OK. Much creep, but I have gotten used to it.

Hell, I like my 9000s so much, I bought four extra mags so I wouldn’t have to reload mags during the match.

Don't mean to offend he "Beretta haters" out there!

Jerry
 
Beretta 9000s grip

Here is the response I got from Beretta. Just what I was afraid of. Looks like I am on my own. Guess friction tape is the solution.

A little sad. I like the pistol. Plan to keep it, but hurts to know it is valueless. Can’t imagine someone purchasing a pistol where the covering of the grip has peeled off. I paid $400.00+ in 1990's money!

Don’t think I will purchase anymore Beretta products!

Hello Jerry:

Thank you for contacting Beretta Customer Support.

The grip is an integral part of the frame. You could send it in for evaluation but I have doubts as to what the result would be.

Check 1. berettasupport.com for instructions of sending it in to Beretta USA.

Best regards,

Beretta Customer Support
 
My experience with Beretta's cust. ser. was about the same. Send it back and we can put a new slide on it but no guarantee it wont shoot low just like the original. In other words" don't bother me with your piddling problem. Wont buy another Beretta.
 
That is really too bad about their sorry excuse for customer service. Back when I had my 9000 I tried contacting them regarding it always jamming. I didn't get any kind of response after multiple inquiries over a couple of months. It seems to me that if it is a safety issue that is the only time they actually do anything.
 
Must be a better way

Hi Ignachio,

Did you use any solvents to help get the grip coating off the frame. The coating on the front strap and the right panel came off easily, in several large “chunks”. The back strap and right panel are proving more difficult.

Have been slowly removing the coating with a sharp knife. Don’t want to damage the underlying polymer frame. This could take a while. There must be a better way.

Jerry
 
Hi Jerry,

No solvents used. Like in your case, most of the coating came off easily, in large “chunks”. What remained had a more "sticky", soft rubber consistency, and to remove it I rubbed it with an old cotton towel. Be patient, it takes some time but it works.
 
9000S GRIP Repair

My 9000S Grip Disintegrated, after reading all the info I decieded to REPAIR IT.
First I used small amounts of Shoo glue to piece it back together and fill in missing pieces.
Then I used TRUCK BED LINER POLYMER COATING (Spray PAINT)
I Carefully taped it ,
Sprayed it
then exacto knife
light 800 grit sandpaper ONLY where the tape left an edge.
Looks and feels food.
Just wanted to add an idea if anyone else was disappointed in the LACK OF alternatives.
Hope this helps
 
Welcome to TFL, ma33709!

This thread is several years old, so I'm going to lock it and send it back to the grave. If you'd like to create your own thread on this topic, you're welcome to do so.
 
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