Can any of you Beretta guys help me out?

F

Frontier4

New member
Hello, thank you for taking the time to read this thread! I am interested in getting (used of course) a Beretta 96D which I understand is DAO setup chambered in 40 s&w for around $300. I would prefer to have a 92fs for 9mm platform but i do already own two other .40's so no big deal..

Here are my concerns,

1. I have heard issues with frame cracking? Can anyone inform me or put this to rest?

2. I dont mind DAO triggers at all but will I be able to purchase a few Wison Combat parts and change this trigger to a DA/SA trigger system? Will these mods require gunsmithing services and tools or can the average man with some patience work it in? If i am able im not too worried about any external safeties...as long as i dont need them for legal purpose. If i were to carry this, doubtful, I usually dont carry condition 1 unless it is strictly a single action only system. I tend to carry striker fired, or sometimes i do carry da/sa but usually in DA with round chambered.

3. Mags? Will I be limited to the hilarious "11 round hi cap" mags it comes with or will I be able to swap some Mecgar or aftermarkets to gain even a few more rounds in the capacity count and have no issues with the mags releasing?

4. Will aftermarket grip panels fit both 92/96 platforms exactly in terms of screw placement and threading?

Thanks
 
Conversion to da/sa will be expensive if possible at all. One of the reasons cited for discontinuing th 96 is the frame cracking issue. Notice 96a1s have an internal aluminum buffer from the factory.
 
Thanks for your response and input. I'm thinking the $300 could be better spent on a different firearm. Although I do admit that I still love the classic look of full size Beretta's!
 
TunnelRat thanks for the link. The beretta 92 was the first handgun I ever shot long long ago. I hated the chunky body of the frame but liked the low recoil impulse. At that price there are a few other more ergo options I am into. I was at my LGS lusting over this $300 96d. Finish was excellent one grip panel was pretty marred but still functional. I think I will be better off going for a police trade in 92s from Italy at the $300 mark. There are tons of 92's and M9's out there that may pop up used. I will be patient. Thanks for your input!
 
I have a 96FS that was a police trade in from a local department near me. I have fired it some, but it saw most of it's rounds as a service pistol. I gave $275 for it.

I also have a 96 Centurion that I bought new in about 96 and have put thousands of rounds through myself, mostly duty grade ammo.

That said, do you think you're going to shoot it enough to have a frame cracking problem? I have seen literally hundreds of different 96's and have never actually SEEN one with a cracked frame.
 
To all fans of the Model 92 . . .

I strongly suggest you also consider the Compact model. You loose a few rounds in the 9mm version, but the grip is shaped just a little bit different and, to my hands, it is very nice.

The slide is shorter too but not enough to make it harder to shoot. All in all, if I had to choose between the full size 92 and the compact, I would go with the compact.

Of course, I have both :D

Downside to the compact - no aftermarket grips, and the holsters and magazines are hard to find. Your reload is a large capacity M92 magazine, of course. I think I have one that holds 20 rounds, and 18 rounders are available.

Bart Noir
 
I've got a Beretta 92 but I've put it aside and Im mostly using other guns instead. The Beretta is a bit complicated to use, the double and single action trigger pull can affect accuracy, and the top slide has lots of edges that can be hard on your hands. So, I've switched to other guns such as the Glock and the Canik.
 
Out of the 9 duty weapons I carried when I was a LEO, I carried a 96D the longest. I carried it over 10 years because I had confidence in it and I really liked how it shot in both accuracy and the way it felt.

The DA trigger was long but not bad, and under stress, I prefer it to shorter/lighter triggers so I wouldn't fire one off unintentionally.

I've always heard of metal framed pistols cracking but I've never seen it in mine or the other officers carrying the Beretta.

I had Hogue or Pachmayr grips on mine, but I don't remember if they were exclusive to the 96 or were for both the 96 and 92.

Sorry to hear you have to be limited on hi cap magazines. Here in Texas, there is no issue.

OT: I only stopped carrying the 96D after wanting something smaller and lighter while on bike patrol. The longer barrel and weight made me start using my Hk P2000 .40 which was my exclusive off duty carry at the time.
 
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