A buddy of mine carries a 96D (DOA) Compact and loves it. In the hot weather in Phoenix, the compact is perferable. The 96F is a nice weapon, but Im partial to Berettas. Im normally found carring a 96D or a 92F full size. The most accurate full size pistols I have come across. Both weapons will shoot between 1"-1.5" @ 25yds out of a Randsom rest. Since the 96F compact does not have the "beefed up" slide as on the Elites or Brigadier models, I suggest a recoil spring change. I would suggest to replace the stock 13# recoil spring with a Wolf #18 pounder and stoke it with some serious .40 anti-personel rounds like Remington or Federal.
The INS has adopted the 96D (full size) as thier duty weapon and has put it through some harsh testing. The only downside I can think of is durability (Berettas in general) Im talking about enduring 50k+ of full duty ammo. This however is not an issue for 99% of the civilian market out there. Most people cannot afford, let alone have time to shoot one pistol to death. If your Beretta cracks, send it back and Beretta will give you a new one. The bottom line is, alloy frames crack reguardless of make.
IMO Berettas are the top choice in a defense weapon.
