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Post by tbradford on Aug 25, 2004 18:26:21 GMT -5
I had to figure out how to blow a bonus check from work, and had my mind made up on the Sig .45 GSR. After reading about several problems with the fit and initial quality of these guns coming out of the factory, I decided to wait and look for a 220 or 229 stainless. While looking for a good deal at my local gun shops, I ran across a Beretta 96 Stainless. This gun had a very nice heft, pointed well, and already had new adjustable target sights, wood grips, and a trigger job. I am just going through the mandatory 5 day waiting period, before I can pick it up, since I had accidently let my CCW permit expire. I have not shot the pistol, but considered it too good of a buy to pass up. $499 like new condition, 3 extra mags. I still plan on purchasing a P226 in 9mm at a later date, but I am dying to know what others think of this gun, until I get a chance to shoot it myself. This gun will be used for bedside/target only.
I would like to know if anyone has any experience with this model, good or bad.
Thanks Travis
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Post by MLB on Aug 25, 2004 19:55:13 GMT -5
Hey Travis, welcome to the forum.
I don't have a trememdous amount of experience with the Beretta, but someone here does I'm sure.
There's another thread here recently about a Border Martial edition of the 96 I think. Take a look around.
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N4Z
Member
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Post by N4Z on Aug 26, 2004 11:56:20 GMT -5
I have a new stock Beretta96 Inox (stainless). I like the heavier weight and it's a good fit for my hand. Mine has been pretty accurate even with the stock sights. To date I've put 800+ rounds thru it without a snag. All UMC and Win. white box. No complaints. The wife even shoots it.  |
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Post by tbradford on Aug 27, 2004 17:57:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the welcome MLB ;D And thank you for the input N4Z. I just picked it up today and will be shooting a couple hundred rounds in the morning. I'll give a report and let people know how it shoots.
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Post by tbradford on Aug 31, 2004 15:21:05 GMT -5
Here is my report......
Likes - This gun is just about the perfect weight for recreational shooting. The stainless construction makes it very easy to point and hold on target, and it is not so heavy that you have the shakes by the time you have only put 100 rounds through it. The double stacking column is well designed and gives you a relatively slim grip, that can be built up if anyone needed to. The thumb safety and decocking lever makes it one of the safest handguns I have ever held. I don't have any idea how this gun could have an accidental or unwanted discharge. It is also conveniently located and in easy reach of the thumb without changing your grip. The accuracy was great. First pattern of 5 shots from 8 yards measured 1" and no flier. Backed up to 15 yards and shot several 5-shot groups from a bench with an average group of 1.85". No hang-ups or misfires, for the entire 200 rounds. The recoil was tightly controlled, and came nearly straight up, making it very easy to get back on target for follow up shots. Cleaning is a breeze, and the disassembly lever enables you to field strip without tools. This was a nicely fitted gun. The frame to slide fit was extremely tight, almost to the point where I wondered if it had some aftermarket fitting done.
Dislikes - The slide release lever was just out of thumb reach when applying your normal grip to the gun. I have medium to large hands, but even someone with long digits, may have a tough time reaching it. The trigger in double action was very long. It was smooth and broke cleanly and crisply and at the same point as when shooting in SA. In SA, the trigger was great. This is not something I would use as a concealed carry weapon.
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Aug 31, 2004 15:46:18 GMT -5
Thanks for the report on the Stainless Beretta; Travis. I have a couple of stainless frame Sig sport pistols that feels the same way. If you want to copy and paste the report for the "Handgun Critique" board, it would be a valued addition. Welcome to Our Forum.
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N4Z
Member
Posts: 4
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Post by N4Z on Sept 2, 2004 23:24:11 GMT -5
I concur with most of what is posted here and like youself, am quite happy with this weapon.
The DA is very long and IMO could be a bit lighter. I am toying with the idea of a trigger job on mine.
When you say cleaning is a breeze I will agree for all save the bore. This thing clings to carbon like a dog with a bone. It comes clean but only after many many passes of the brush and patch. Perhaps it is my method or product(s), I'm just not sure. May I inquire as to what you use on yours?
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Post by NButler on Sept 3, 2004 6:16:07 GMT -5
I concur with most of what is posted here and like youself, am quite happy with this weapon. The DA is very long and IMO could be a bit lighter. I am toying with the idea of a trigger job on mine. When you say cleaning is a breeze I will agree for all save the bore. This thing clings to carbon like a dog with a bone. It comes clean but only after many many passes of the brush and patch. Perhaps it is my method or product(s), I'm just not sure. May I inquire as to what you use on yours? i believe there is already a thread (under customizations) to lighten the beretta DA trigger. It involes putting in a 1911 mainspring (if i remember correctly) edit for link handgunforum.proboards3.com/index.cgi/index.cgi?board=interest&action=display&thread=1081563859 |
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Post by tbradford on Sept 24, 2004 12:35:00 GMT -5
Sorry this took so long to reply to. I just used the good old Hoppes #9 solvent, brush, and patches. It took 5 or 6 passes with the brush, and used about 7 patches before they came clean. The only thing I can think of in yours is: 1)I clean the gun the same night I practice. 2) Maybe the previous owner did a slightly better job with the barrel break-in. If you perform a deep cleaning after every 10 rounds or so, plus a quick brush and swab between individual rounds, this helps smooth the microscopic grooves that occur during the barrel manufacturing process. Do this for the first 75-100 rounds. If cleaning is put off, then copper can get in these grooves and be near impossible to get out. Barrel break-in isn't too big a deal in handguns, in my opinion, but it will definately improve the consistency of your shot groupings, and ease of cleaning in your rifles. 3) Maybe the smell of Hoppes and gun oil is so enjoyable that the cleaning only seemed easy to me. 4) Also, I always make sure i apply gun oil to all working parts and the barrel before putting the gun away (wipe off all excess oil). This will definately help your next cleaning session, since the oil will absorb copper and gsr and make it easier to brush out.
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