Beretta 96FS Conversion to 9mm ?

C

Catbird

New member
I have a Beretta 96FS (.40 cal.) and am wondering if I can simply purchase a Beretta 92FS (9mm) barrel w/locking block and install it in the 96 and shoot 9mm ammunition? If so, what success rate of extraction and ejection should I realistically expect?

In Glocks, 9mm conversion barrels (and extractors for reliability) are usually recommended to change calibers from .40 to 9mm, but I'm not aware of specific conversion barrels for the Beretta.
 
When I took the Beretta Armorer's course they said the 92 and 96 were essentially the same gun. The only parts that were different were the barrel and locking block and maybe the ejector. Why not give Beretta a call to be on the safe side. Their number is 1-800-237-3882 or 1- 800- BERETTA.
 
Short answer: yes.

I did research a couple years ago and bought a 96FS & a 9mm barrel for that very reason; two calibers, one handgun. And I could find 96's cheaper then so getting the extra barrel in another caliber didn't cost much more that a used 92.

The rim thickness dimensions are slightly different between the 9mm & the .40S&W as well as the diameter, so you might have some extraction problems. I haven't had any FTE's myself shooting 9mm. The mags for the two calibers also work for each other although the follower is slightly different; you just get fewer .40's in the mags. I use the 9mm barrel at the range, though, & I wouldn't trust it for defense. I'll just use the .40 setup for defense.
 
Thank you all for the feedback. Since a new 9mm barrel and locking block can be obtained for ~$100 or so, I think I'm going to give it a try.

Many years ago, before I knew better, I bought an aftermarket Glock 17 barrel to use in my G22 (not a true conversion barrel) and it functioned perfectly. I did, however, purchase a proper G22 9mm conversion barrel later.
 
A little bit OT for a minute...

I have been wondering why Beretta says not to shoot 9mm +P ammo in the 92, but essentially the same gun, the 96, can handle the much more powerful .40.

Any thoughts?

David
 
As far as I know, Beretta doesn't say not to shoot +P in the 92.

What it says is that the "extended use of +P+ or submachine gun ammunition" may decrease "the major components service live expectancy".

My 92 manual makes no mention at all of +P.
 
After some poking around, I found that apparently the newer Beretta manuals include both +P and +P+ in the warning that extended use may shorten the service life of major components.

http://www.berettausa.com/assets/39/29/92FS_Series_Manual.pdf

We do not recommend extended use of +P, +P+ or submachine gun ammunition because the chamber pressure may reach or exceed proof load pressure decreasing the major components service life expectancy.​

Still, that's not a prohibition, it's merely a recommendation against "extended use".
 
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