Taurus PT-92AF 9mm Revisited...

[Stephen A. Camp]

The original range report was done about a year ago. I didn't find it on this site, but I THINK it's over at the old "The Firing Line" if interested.

Hello. It's been about a year since the original range report was done on the PT-92 I've owned for quite some time, and since the post, I've shot it very little. It has served as a "loaner" for folks qualifying on the Texas CHL course, but while I "like" this pistol, it's not a favorite.

No changes have been made to the gun since the original report and it continues to group surprisingly well despite the miniscule fixed sights and the way that pistols of this ilk have no real support at the muzzle end of the barrel.

Ammunition: The following factory rounds were fired and chronographed. The average velocity figure shown after each of the ammunition brands/loads is based on 10 shots fired approximately 10' from the chronograph screens.

Hirtenberger 100-gr. JSP "FL": 1363

Corbon 100-gr. PowRball +P: 1476

Remington UMC 115-gr. FMJ: 1214

Fiocchi 115-gr. FMJ: 1188

Federal 115-gr. JHP: 1170

Fiocchi 123-gr. FMJTC "Combat:" 1100

Fiocchi 123-gr. FMJ: 1119

PMC 124-gr. Starfire JHP: 1078

Speer Lawman 124-gr. TMJ: 1182

Triton 125-gr. Hi Vel JHP +P: 1301

Winchester 127-gr. RA9TA "Ranger T" +P+: 1292

Two handloads were also tested using Speer's 124-gr. Gold Dot Hollow Point and Hornady's 124-gr. XTP. They were loaded in Magtech cases (once-fired) over 6.0 gr. Unique and ignited with Winchester Small Pistol primers.

XTP handload: 1261

GDHP handload: 1174

It's interesting to note the difference in velocity that can occur between bullets having the same weight, but by different makers in different shapes. In some of my 9mm's, there virtually no difference in velocity or not quite this much.

"Scientific Bullet Expansion Testing:" As I've tested the Winchester RA9TA as well as the PowRball in a couple or three other range reports, I opted to fire two bullets of essentially the same weight, but opposite ends of today's velocity spectrum into water jugs. One was the Triton 125-gr. JHP +P, the other, PMC's 124-gr. Starfire, which was the slowest of any JHP fired today.

The Triton is on the left and it did separate from the jacket with fragmentation evident. I did NOT find all the little pieces as they were lost when the first jug exploded. The recovered Triton bullet (only) measured 0.50 x 0.58" and with the jacket and one piece weighed 108.2 grains. The PMC Starfire did lose one jacket petal and weighed 122.3 grains. The diameter of the bullet (only) was 0.57 x 0.61." FWIW the 124-grain PMC has been considerably more accurate for me in several pistols than the early 115-grain version. I think they're loaded too light as I've read that they don't expand after the dreaded 4-layers of denim thing, but they might do "a job" if the felon's not wrapped in denim!

Observations: Not really much different to report in that there were zero malfunctions of any kind. Felt recoil was minimal. I am glad that the sights, small though they are, have been "on" in terms of POA vs. POI as these might be more difficult to change with regard to elevation and windage. Yes, the rear sight's drift adjustable, but it's in the slide very tightly and there's not as much slide at the very top for it to be moved laterally without it perhaps extending beyond the slide.

You can see what I was talking about with regard to potential problems if much windage change was needed.

Though not a "favorite," I do like and respect what this handgun does. I think it was well worth the money.

Best.

 

[Snowdog]

Excellent report and pictures. Except for adjustable sights, my PT-99 looks identical (identical grips, Uncle Mikes of Oregon if memory serves me).

I bought mine used in like-new condition for $250 five years ago and have never regretted it.

 

[10-Ring]

Mr. Camp, thanks for re-issuing that report. I do have a question tho, outside of personal bias, how does it really compare w/ the Beretta 92fs?

 

[WonderNine]

It doesn't use Beretta mags. And I believe the safety has three notches, is this correct? If you accidently push the safety all the way down instead of halfway, you're on safe. That's enough to turn me off. But it's based on the Beretta 92 design, so how could it be an unreliable gun unless you get a bad one.

 

[chaim]

Wondernine, I could be wrong since I don't own one but I'm pretty sure if you accidentally push the safety all the way down you've just decocked it- safe is the top position. If you decock the gun accidentally you are in the same place you would be if you planned to fire DA/SA outright.

 

[Island Beretta]

Stephen: Thanks again!! That safety setup is better than the Berettas and is my major gripe with the Beretta. I notice that the Billenium has gone back to that setup however.

I agree with that rear sight critique and in fact changed mine to a LPA adjustable sight. It also gave me about an inch more of sight radius and you know how helpful that can be!!

 

[SouthpawShootr]

The "danger" with the Taurus safety is this: if you have a tendency to ride the safety (like some 1911 fans do) there is the possibility that the gun will not fire because you are continuously pushing the lever down to the decock position while pulling the trigger. For that matter, you could do the same thing with a Sig. This is a technique thing, solely the responsibility of the shooter.

All the way up is safety: trigger will not move, hammer will not move, sear is locked. Mid-range is off-safe, ready to fire. All the way down is decock (it is spring loaded so it pops up to mid position as soon as you let it go). The settings are quite crisp and positive. This system works well and I like it.

Mags: You can use Beretta mags, you just have to widen the catch notch just a little. It'll still work in the Beretta. I don't advocate this for factory pre-bans, primarily because of the expense involved.

I've often wondered if it would be possible to change the Taurus mag catch out for a stock Beretta part and use Beretta mags with no modification. What about it Mr. Camp, you know anything about this?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and thank you all for the positive comments.

I checked with a gunsmith and he advises that the magazine release from the Beretta does not interchange with the Taurus.

Again, I'm no guru on the Taurus/Beretta 92 series of pistols. The most detailed information I've done on this pistol can be found at the link below if interested.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/TaurusPT92.htm

Best.

 

[CZF]

My stainless 92AF sees little range time. When i pick it up
the gun feels Way wide..far more so than my Cz75s.

The gun feels big and blocky, but it is also stone-cold
reliable. Unlike a Beretta 92F. One can carry the Taurus
Cocked N Locked. The Taurus high-caps are still found
at reasonable prices.

I have a former SAP friend that is now a police officer
in Paraguay. They issue the 9mm Taurus.

 

[Grayrock]

I've got a pre-ban PT-99AF in the silver finish. I misremember what Taurus called it, but it is not stainless. I put a set of Pachmayr's on it and bought 2 18 round Ramline mags to go with the factory 15 rounder. I love this gun. It rides with me every day and I have shot it quite a bit with absolutely ZERO malfunctions. The safety placement and adjustable sights were what sold me on it. Now I'm waiting on its little big brother: a Millenium Pro PT-145 in stainless with night sights. It's only 11 rounds instead of 19, but I think I will like it as well.

 

[Big Mike]

The second gun I ever owned was a Taurus PT-92. I thought it was a very good pistol, but sold it to a friend who at the time liked it more than mine. I wouldn't hesitate to have another one. I currently have a Beretta Brigadier so the bug never left I guess. Nice pistols and my PT-92 never failed in any way in the year I owned it, probably @ 800-1000 rounds.

You know, many Beretta owners consider the PT-92 less evolved than the current run of Beretta 92 series pistols. There is some truth to this, but all things being equal, either will perform in a similar fashion. There are times that I ponder trading the Beretta for the Taurus because of the safety/decocker set-up. Or...I could save up for the Bilenium.

HTH, Mike