Maybe buying a used (Police trade-in) Beretta 96: Pros, Cons?

[saturno_v]

I may have a decent deal on my hands...a used Beretta 96 40 S&W (ex police) standard model (I believe is a 96D)

Very little external wear, feels tight, excellent bore.

I always had a soft spot for this pistol, the 92 was my service handgun in the military

What are the weak spots?? I heard somewhere that some early 96 had some ka-booming trouble because, being derived from the standard earlier 92 9mm model, the early barrels took away lot of chamber support for the feeding ramp.

So what's the story?? Any particular year/SN to avoid??

Should I stick to a "traditional" 92??

Thank you


Regards

 

[rhodco]

Keep in mind that the 96D is double action only.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Since you are already familiar with the 92, I won't have to tell you about the guns reliability or handling features.

But I will say that my 96 has been the most accurate .40 I've ever shot...out of the Glock G22/23, Sig 226/229, H&K USP, S&W 4006

 

[saturno_v]

Keep in mind that the 96D is double action only.

Ooops!!...no is the standard DA/SA pistol...so it is not the 96D...

 

[Nick5182]

never experienced the 96, but i love my 92. if it's a good deal i'd say go for it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

So just a regular 96...don't make the mistake of calling it a FS, that only applies to the 92...too bad it isn't a 96G. The 96G is very sweet with just a de-cocker on the slide.

I have several LE trade-in guns and have been very happy with them. There can be some holster wear, but the internals almost always look new

 

[sxcamaro05]

Well documented here that I like mine a lot. If you can strip in and look inside to see if you can see any visible cracks etc. Also ask how many rounds approx. through it. Other than that I really do not know of any "things to watch out for". The only issue I have had is with some after market mags not fitting tight. Check out the Beretta forums, they could probably shed more light than I could.

 

[MidwestRookie]

don't make the mistake of calling it a FS, that only applies to the 92

um, no. it's a 96FS...

 

[benderx4]

I have a 96D from the Rhode Island State Police - awesome gun! I especially like the slick slide with no levers - nice change of pace. I was surprised how consistent and light the double action trigger is - great gun for HD.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

If you can deal with DAO and you like Berettas, police trade-ins are typically great buys. Carried a lot, shot a little.

 

[earlthegoat2]

The price will be right.

I would not buy it just because it is a 40 though.

 

[wideym]

PD trade-in's are some of the best deals out there, I picked up a 92FS that look brand new, the label on the butt said "CO 6" which I belive was a commanders's sidearm.

One of the best things about a 96 is that you can drop in a 9mm barrel and mag without any modification.

 

[Cemo]

I have a 92D and I thought the DAO pull was too much, pulled me off target. I heard about swapping the hammer spring for a standard 1911 spring to lighten the pull. So I did the swap and boy did it smooth it out and it's still safe to carry.

 

[beretta/ak]

I have never heard of a kb problem with any of the 96 variants. Dosent mean it hasnt happened. I wouldnt be afraid to get it. I have a 96 fs police special and its been a fantastic gun.

 

[SIGLBER]

I have a 96G Elite. It has the heavier Brigidier slide. Never a problem and a great gun. If it feels good in your hand go for it.