Opinions on the Beretta 96 series

P

Popsicle

New member
Hello! I've got the itch to buy another Beretta! I already have 2 92's and am considering a stainless 96. I can't decide between standard or brigadier slide configuration. In my opinion, the beefy slide is not needed in the 9mm guns... if it actually were, I think Beretta would have changed the entire product line to the brig slide. My 92's are flawless so far. In the .40 caliber, however, I am wondering if the extra slide mass would help in the durability dept. I know the .40 operates at higher pressures than most 9mm loads, and I don't run +p loads through my berettas, so it makes me think I almost need the bigger slide, although it's ugly as hell. Any thoughts on the durability of these guns from those of you with firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated!

Pat Brophy
 
I have a 96G, which is not a Brigadier model. It hasn't broken yet through many, many rounds of 180 gr. .40 S&W. I don't see any problems or excessive wear.
 
I have had alot of experience w/ a 96fs. It has been the nicest 40 cal pistol I've ever fired...includes a G23, Para P16, & this 96fs. I would get the brigadier only for the piece of mind the beefier slide would provide. When the 96 was 1st introduced, its only knock was that the 40S&W round would destroy the frame & slide designed for the 9mm. Even tho I've put 1000's of rounds through this particular 96 w/o a problem, the added sturdiness would put to rest any reservations...
 
Pat-

Don't be concerned about the durability of the 96. Contrary to popular belief, the .40 has the same SAAMI recommended max pressure as the 9mm (this can be verified in any reloading manual). The .40 will not destroy standard slides and frames, and there was no redesign that makes the .40 models different than the 9mm models. Actually, I believe if you were to look at sales figures, the standard slide 92/96 pistols probably outsell Brigadiers including the Elites (according to a friend of mine who works for a major Bereta wholesaler). The fact that Beretta has chosen to use the standard slide for use in the new Vertec line only further shows that there is nothing wrong with it.

With that said, the .40 pistols do have a snappier recoil. The Brigadier models may help you better control the recoil for faster follow up shots.

I have 92s and 96s but now shoot my 96D Brigadier exclusively. No problems, durability or otherwise.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Tom C
 
I carry a 96D with the original version of the slide. It's only got about 2-3000 rounds through it, but the only wear I see is holster wear, a slide ding from bumping up against something, and some wearing of the finish of the barrel (normal for 90 series) guns). I once got a comment from an IDPA RO about "impressive slide velocity," but I don't know if the beefier slide matters for durability purposes.
 
Never owned a Beretta 96; but given Beretta's
quality, I wouldn't mind having one.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
 
I have both a 96 Elite and an Italian 96 FS. The Elite has the INS trigger conversion and a 16lb hammer spring, that makes for a really nice trigger (no light stikes on CCI primers either). Both have 18lb wolff recoil springs, and both have been flawless through thousands of rounds, including a several hundred 1440fps/135gr Longshot loads. The heavy slide is not really needed, but it does make the gun steadier, and follow up shots are a little quicker.
 
i have a 96, with the original (slim) slide, which i've been carrying as a duty gun for about 2 years. it has been the most accurate .40 i have shot (sig 229, glock 22) and i'm extremely happy with it (sometimes i still miss my sig 220)

i've been luking over on beretta-l lately and have been thing about the brigadier slide. the extra mass is supposed to lighten the shock and battering to the frame due to the sharper recoil of the .40. the other thing i like is the dovetailed front sight.

the downside is the selection of holsters available...i've never seen a duty holster for the brig or elite
 
I have a 96 F.S. it is a very nice pistol, the fit and finish on this pistol is excellent it is one of my favorites.
 
I like my 96 so much I've thought about trading my Kimber for a 92. I shoot the 96 as well as I have ever shot any handgun. Recoil is mild compared to my Glock 23. The only thing I would think about is the red dot sights on the SS version. I could not see the front sight about half of the time in the store. I opted for a blue 96FS and couldn't be happier. If you're bent on SS I would opt for the 96G. I just like the front sight better.
 
I've owned a Border Marshal, and now have a "slickslide" 96D.

Very nicely made firearms, and quite accurate for .40's (a caliber not known for tackdriving, bullseye-match winning accuracy).

On its clean lines alone, the 96D is one of the slickest, most graceful-looking pistols I've owned, too; that's important. ;)
 
My wife shoots a 96 and we have put a lot of rounds through it. Very very reliable and reasonably accurate. I bought it used about 7 years or so ago, and it was shot a lot before I got it. The only problem we have had is have the plastic mag follower break and jam the gun. I had two mags break within a month, so I ordered some spare followers, no problems in the last 5 years so spare parts must be a hex on the gun.

Lots of fun to shoot, before I went with the 10mm, I used to carry the 96 as our camping gun. Just to reliable not to carry.
 
I don't want to start a new thread, this one comes close enough....but does anyone have, heard, or know of someone with the new 92 or 96 Vertec? Looks tempting.
 
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