Beretta 96 Border Marshal questions! (Long post)

[Hinden]

Hi All,

I've been lurking for awhile on THR trying to take in as much knowledge as possible. I'm a relatively new shooter and I've only been a firearm owner for roughly a year. I shoot as much as possible and lately have been trying to improve my small collection of firearms. In the past year I have shot roughly 7000 rounds down range between a 92FS, 686 SSR, and a M&P 9c; with a majority of the range time going to the 92FS (approx. 4000 rds). It is bar none my favorite firearm I own and I absolutely love shooting it.

Anyways, I like to window shop the local gun stores and see what pops up in the used firearm cases. I've recently stumbled upon a Beretta 96 Brigadier Border Marshal at what *I think* is a good asking price, but I have some questions regarding it. I went back today for a second look and inspected it further (field stripped and inquired what all comes with it). This is where I need some help from the veterans.

It has very minor holster wear (which doesn't bother me at all), but when field stripped a lot of the finish on the inside of the slide and frame is worn off, which to me looks like excessive wear. The only reason this concerns me is because all I have for comparison is my Beretta 92FS, and it has barely any wear on the inside of the slide/frame. I understand that the 96 is a .40 caliber and that this version has the heavier slide on it, but should all the finish where the slide contacts the frame be completely worn off? Could this mostly be due to improper maintenance where the gun wasn't kept lubed enough to prevent this? Am I overly concerned and this really isnt a problem?

I still consider myself a rookie when it comes to this stuff and this would potentially be my first used firearm purchase so I don't really know if this is just typical wear from use or if I should steer clear of this. I take meticulous care of my firearms and I've never seen anything like this before. The rest of the gun looks to be sound. I assume the night sights aren't bright anymore, but this gun is roughly 12 years old so that isn't a concern.

Also for the record the gun comes with original box, paperwork, and 1 magazine and the asking price is $579.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post!

 

[henrifirstman]

Well. I actually own a Border Marshall myself and paid about 570 for it about six months ago.
According to Beretta's website, it's about 12 years old.
I put a good amount of holster wear on mine and the internals show wear also but it seems to just be that black finish they use on the frame. I noticed that the finish was worn off on certain parts of the top of the frame where the slide fits onto. Mine has functioned flawlessly and I have shot it and do shoot it often (it's my only pistol)
It seems to be most accurate with 180 grainers but ymmv.

 

[henrifirstman]

In other words the finish wear has not messed with function lol.
It might just be a lack of lube to. I try and keep it oiled but its dry and dusty here in AZ.

 

[NG VI]

Is any metal missing or deformed, or is it just the finish on the aluminum frame that's going or gone?

 

[henrifirstman]

It's just the finish that's worn. None of the metal is deformed.
Here's a picture.

 

[berettaprofessor]

It has been shot more than a few times. But that shouldn't hurt it unless the barrel is worn out....which would take more than shooting a few times.

 

[Hinden]

Thanks for the replies. I figured it wasn't a big deal. I'd say the one I'm looking at may be a bit more worn than yours Henri. The rails on the slide have the finish completely worn off and the frame shows a bit more wear also. I think I might have to go pick it up, I love me some Berettas!

 

[henrifirstman]

You will not be disappointed!
Good luck on your Beretta purchase.

 

[NG VI]

The finish on most pistols is almost entirely for protection against corrosion, and to color the pistol the default black color. An aluminum alloy frame like the Berettas have isn't all that susceptible to corrosion to begin with, so if some of the anodizing or whatever they do to it wears off the points of contact, it's not really an issue at all.

If you've ever seen a large-format picture of a U.S Servicemember with their rifle, you'll notice that most of them have pretty distinct patterns where the black finish has worn off the receiver, especially the lower and dustcover area. Not an issue, but it's a good question. Definitely better to ask and see what the consensus is!

Also, welcome to THR!