Question about a Beretta 96

[TheComedian]

Hi all. This is my first post on here after checking it out for a bit. I am hoping someone could help me out with something so here goes:

I found a Nice Stainless Beretta 96 at a pawn shop near where I live for a great price (I think they wanted $390 or something like that). Well when I examined the gun everything looked great, but the butt end of the pistol grip was pretty beat up. I a couple of the serrations on the back of the grip where were dented. Also when I released the magazine it didn't feel smooth at all. It seems to me that the gun may have been dropped or something, but I don't think it effected the over all function of the magazine housing I just need to double check and see if there is a crack in it. Everything else is in pretty good shape just needs a good cleaning and oiling.

Now after all that I was wondering if it is possible to buy a replacement frame for the 96. I know it's discountined, but was wondering if there are stills spare parts floating around. I've searched and searched and haven't found anything. I just wanted to see if anyone here had any idea if I could find a replacement for that. Thanks for your time folks.

 

[skipsan]

Another solution might be go find a nice SS M92FS (9mm) and try and get the M96 at a better deal. Then you'd have a common frame that would accomodate both the 9mm and the .40 sw upper. I started with the M92 and added a .22lr upper, and an M96 upper. Don't ask why--just looked like the thing to do. Uppers of all calibers are easy to find--not so much on the lowers.

 

[TheComedian]

I might try to do that. I just don't want this 96 to become a money pit lol. I might just get a grip glove or something to put over so I don't have to look at the scratches and polish the magazine housing a little.

 

[Hk Dan]

It shouldn't become a money pit. If you REALLY need a new frame, that and the 92 are interchangeable (they were even selling 96 slides FOR 92 owners for a while). That's a tough gun.

The rough magazine could be anything, including the mag. If it comes out, it's probably good to go. Maybe see if you can cycle some .40 snap caps through it?

 

[TheComedian]

Thanks for the advice i'm look for a 92 replacement frame now and I have to wait to see if the Pawn Shop will let me try the snap caps. I'm tempted to just buy a new Px4 .40 and not worry about it, but that stainless 96 is just a beautiful all around piece.

 

[TheComedian]

I can not for the life of me just find a replacement 92 frame since you guys suggested it. Does anyone know of somewhere that would sell replacement frames? I've even checked out beretta's website with no luck.

 

[skipsan]

"Just" a frame is gonna be hard to find, since because it has the serial number its treated as a fully functional handgun as far as the Feds and other authorities are concerned, and subject to all of the monkey motions that are required to handle a complete firearm.

I found my M92/96 components on gunbroker.com, searching both the M2 and M96 listings, and there's a lot of them.

 

[TheComedian]

Thanks I will check that out.