Beretta 96F Vertec, any opinions?

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KeysBear

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I'm looking for a solid range and self defense pistol in .40 S&W - something I can shoot a couple of hundred rounds a week without a lot of maintenence issues. Yesterday I looked at a Beretta 96F Vertec and it fit my hand perfectly. I was considering a Glock, but I rented one and the natural point of the grip angle would take some getting used to - also I hear too much trash about .40 S&W Glocks. Anybody own the Vertec, or have some Beretta experiences to share? Will consider other brands under $600. Thanks, Keys :cool:
 
I never owned, but have rented on occasion a .40 Beretta. For some reason, they just never felt right. Not that it didn't shoot well, just it seemed...wrong. But I'll leave caliber preference up to you. For purely utilitarian purposes, there's nothing wrong with the Vertec but I thought it didn't have the same vibe as the older frame Berettas.

I had a Vertec and sold it pretty quick...it shot fine but I just didn't get attached to it like my Elite II. Berettas in general are very very reliable though their finish may be a little rough. People are upset over plastic parts but that doesn't really bother me.
 
The first thing I was going to say was "hold one for yourself because they have a funny grip."

Did you shoot or at least dry-fire the Vertec? I have average-sized hands, maybe leaning a little large, and the Vertec is basically unworkable for me. You have to mash the trigger practically to the frame before it'll fire. I found it to be an incredibly awkward and uncomfortable firearm.

I personally also think its ugly.

I forget; what are the differences between standard Berettas (92/96) and the Vertec?

Anyhow, Berettas are damn fine guns. I've always loved them, and my first gun was a blued 96, followed shortly by a Stainless 96. Both have given me ZERO problems, except for the stainless which had a bad trigger bar and was replaced by the factory.

I haven't shot them a ton, but they have been reliable so far.

Berettas don't have the best trigger in the world. You may want to consider a trigger job. I'm also undecided on the advantage/disadvantage and my personal preference on the DA for first shot.

I have two Glocks, one a 27 .40 and absolutely love them both. My Berettas no longer see much range time since I got my Glocks.

Whatever "trash" you've heard about Glocks is just that; trash. They are superior firearms. I know some people dislike the grip initially, but it really is superb. They point so naturally it is ridiculous, due to the barrel axis being so low. Add reliable-as-a-brick to their resume, along with being able to fully strip them and replace each part yourself, and you have a hell of a gun.

I love both brands and have had great experiences with both.

Let me know if you need more info/advice.

Drjones
 
I own a 96 vertec and I love the gun. I have put close to 3000 rounds through it without a single malfunction. It has functioned no matter what type of ammo I put through it. The only major drawback with this gun in my opinion is the lack of any real high capacity magazines. If you can find them they are kind of expensive and very hard to find. Even then if you do find them they only hold 11 rounds, which doesn't really make it worth the hassle then. Overall its an excellent weapon that I have absolutely love, if you have your heart set on a 40 then I would recommend it in a heartbeat, but I would also recommend you look at the 9mm version as well.
 
I own a '92 and like it. I have small hands and most larger "double stack" mag guns do NOT fit my hand. The Vertec feels fine. It has been perfectly reliable and accurate. 15-round mags for it aren't too hard to find.

My Vertec trigger wasn't so hot. You will likely need to replace the hammer spring but after that (VERY CHEAP and EASY mod), everything else is OK. - Actually better than OK.

I LIKE the rail. - Planning on putting an M3 on it soon. It does look a little strange at first but I got used to it. - Doesn't bother me anymore. (Not that it ever really bothered me anyway.)

Logistar
 
Also:

There is absolutely NO other gun on the market that is easier to field strip than a Beretta. :)
 
Thanks everyone,
I don't have long fingers, and my hands are a little fat, so I like the slim handle on the Vertec more than the classic Beretta. I'm into the .40 S&W round since I presently own two Kel-Tec P-40's for carry. I like the Kel-Tecs, but they are designed for short range personal protection, and not the best target guns. Also, it's not that I believe the Glock trash, but I've heard so much of it from other people I'm not sure the resale value would be there if I wanted to sell a G-22 or G-23. Glocks point high for me, which I guess I could get used to. If I buy a Glock it will be a 9mm G-19 for concealed use, but I will still want a good heavy duty .40 S&W.

Regards, Keys :cool:
 
Keys:

There are enough glock lovers that selling a Glock will not be a problem. You need to visit www.glocktalk.com :)

You should try buying a used gun. I got both of my Glocks from members on GT and was very happy. My 27 was $425 and my 30 wasn't much more than that.

Glocks generally aren't expensive handguns.

Further, if you REALLY want a "heavy-duty" round, check out the G30, which is a very compact .45 with an 11-round capacity! I LOVE mine. It is frighteningly accurate, recoil is negligible, and boringly reliable.

Doesn't get much better than that! :cool:
 
Why not a Sig?

Your posting said you are looking for a solid range and self defense .40 caliber gun that you can shoot a lot without problems. Why not consider a Sig, such as the model P229 in .40? The one I bought 2 years ago has been flawless, and has the best grip and trigger feel of any .40 I have shot. The gun is also very rugged, and will take a lot of shooting without showing any signs of failure. The single action trigger is about 4 lbs., and feels like a good 1911 trigger to me. The gun can also be carried and concealed, as it is compact.
sig-p229.jpg
 
Drjones,
I've looked around Glock Talk, but when I tried to register it said my IP address was banned. I've never registered there before under any name. I think it's a problem with my ISP. I've e-mailed the Webmaster twice in two weeks with no response. Anybody have any pull over there? My .45 experience is with a Taurus PT-945, and it is a pleasure to shoot.

pogo2,
Thanks for the tip. I know a LEO who used to be on a force that used SIG's, but now he's with another force and must use a Glock. He really liked the SIG much better. I think I know one dealer who stocks them. I'll look into it.

Regards, Keys :)
 
Hmmm...that's odd...

I'll try to get in touch with someone over there.

PM me with your email addy.


Drjones
 
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