Thoughts on a Beretta 96?

[DudeFromTheWest]

They do pop up every now and again, on Buds and sometimes WBT. Does anyone here have experience with the 96 (in .40)? How does it compare with a 92 INOX other than caliber? If I want something just a little different?

[mej16489]

I've had one since about 1994 or so. Switched out the safety/decocker to a 'g model' decocker only a couple years ago.

I don't shoot it much anymore, but it still shoots as good as the day it was new - with at least 10k rounds though it - probably more.

It shoots just like any other .40 in the same frame as a 9mm brother/sister. Slightly snappier... But not nearly the difference as when comparing polymer frames.

[jeffyhog]

I've had a 96 Brigadier Inox for probably close to 20 years. I haven't shot it much in the last few years but it used to be my favorite pistol to shoot and one that I shot the best. I think the 92/96 is a great platform. Seems to be a lot of people here that poo-poo Berettas and .40 calibers, but I like them. I've since picked up a standard 92fs and a 92 Brigadier and they're all solid shooters.

[IVC]

There isn't any real difference beyond caliber. It's essentially a .40 S&W Beretta 92 (maybe slightly different dimensions, haven't checked). If you like the platform and want to shoot .40, get the 96.

As for .40, there has been a huge love affair when everyone and their uncle was going to .40, then there was this nasty breakup when one side said "you're not what you promised you'd be and I don't want to pay your bills" so they went back to 9mm. In reality, if ammo was growing on trees, I'd be shooting any caliber that was ripe and plentiful as I'm going to the range. Since we have an ammo shortage, and especially with the silly CA ammo background check in effect, getting 9mm is just much more practical.

So, I'd say stick to the 9mm unless you reload and unless you have buckets of .40 brass. Side note: I reload and I shoot .40 in USPSA Limited quite a bit, but brass is a problem these days. I scavenge what others leave at the range and I have to go by what I mostly pick up. Beggars can't be choosers. These days, I have buckets of 9mm brass and scarcely some .40, so I end up buying .40 range brass from time to time. Never had to buy any 9mm, I'm up to my gills in it.

[recpark99]

I just picked one up in the marketplace, took it to the range on Friday. Very little noticable recoil over the 92. I like it and plan on doing some minor upgrades to it. My reason for getting it was that I recently traded my M9-A1 since I have other 9mm's that I prefer, but was looking for something in 40 and definitely don't want my safe without a Beretta in it! I'd say go for it, good luck!

[SandHill]

I've had a 96 for a few years and love it. one of my favorites. Basically, I feel that calibers should match up with the platform you are shooing it from, and vice versa. Heavier calibers in bigger guns, and lighter calibers for smaller guns. Viewed from that perspective, the 92 is just way more gun than you need for 9mm. I really can't feel the difference between 9mm and .40 from the Beretta. No worries about "snappy" 40.

I think it's a great platform and very easy to shoot in either 9mm or .40.

[Romeo_alpha01]

I have the 92 and 96 uppers for my M9A1. Shoots perfectly fine in either caliber. WAL currently is converting it to a frame safety SAO.

[peregrine1220]

I had one before. Sold it to a friend that couldn’t shoot it for ****. It had a pretty good pop to it. My 92 shot better and is more manageable.

[Mr. Beretta]

Great solid gun.

Just not in my favorite caliber.

[Ruber]

Thoughts on a Beretta 96?

I like the 96, they shoot well for me and are more enjoyable to me than something like a 75b in .40 with its narrow tang/backstrap. If you like using the 92, the 96 should be a easy way to get a .40 in that platform.

I have an older straight dustcover 96 INOX and an older 96 Vertec that both show their wear and only get shot with light loads & buffers.

My newer 96's seem to be holding up well, but I make sure they are properly lubed with something that won't dry out. Look up some Langdon videos on lubrication. I do agree that this platform in 40 requires more maintenance and attention to lube than in 9. I do also think my PX4's in .40 hold up better than the 96 if you are just looking for a cheap Beretta in 40. They definitely require less upkeep than the 96's.


Both of these see regular range time (I shoot the Inox 96, my son uses the black one with a g-conversion):

[OCEquestrian]

IMHO, with modern bullet design, .40 S&W doesn't do anything better than 9mm or .45 ACP and it's harder to find.

[Garbcollector]

I have a 96a-1 it doesn't have many rounds though it but it's been reliable so far

[gumby]

I have the 96 Elite ll, it has the brigadier slide, great gun!

[TrailerparkTrash]

IMHO, with modern bullet design, .40 S&W doesn't do anything better than 9mm or .45 ACP and it's harder to find.

^^^ This.

Additionally… the 96 holds a mere 11+1. The 92’s now have the optional FACTORY 17 round magazines….. of course not in Cali.

[mej16489]

I don't know about today, but back in the 90s there were no differences between 9 and 40 mags (not even a follower change)