Beretta 96d

[bspillman]

I am going to check out a DAO beretta 96d in 40 cal tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it's a police trade in but not sure at this point. Since I don't know how old the gun is my question is does anyone know if current 96d parts fit the older models. Thanks.

[AustinTX]

There is no current 96D these days. The old 96 was discontinued a while back and later replaced with the 96A1, which is only available in DA/SA configuration. I imagine there is a fair amount of parts interchangeability between the two, but the frames, slides, and a number of small parts are not interchangeable.

However, the old 96 uses almost all of the same parts as the 92FS, both previous and current production (but not the newer 92A1).

What were you thinking of replacing?

[bspillman]

Austintx,

I'm not sure if I need to replace anything at this point. I'm just trying to research parts availability. I would imagine that at least the recoil spring could possibly be changed tho.

[RUN2424]

Remember they are built on the 92 frame, i have had one with a cracked frame and have seen another one cracked. I traded it.

[AustinTX]

Austintx,

I'm not sure if I need to replace anything at this point. I'm just trying to research parts availability. I would imagine that at least the recoil spring could possibly be changed tho.

Gotcha. Yeah, definitely replace the recoil spring. I'd do that every 2,500 rounds at the very most with an old 96.

Most of the parts for the 92FS will work for the 96. As far as small parts, I can't think of any that are different other than the extractor and ejector. A 96 slide can even be used with a 9mm barrel, though not the other way around, due to the smaller breechface area on the 92 slide.

[AustinTX]

Remember they are built on the 92 frame, i have had one with a cracked frame and have seen another one cracked. I traded it.

Yeah, bspillman, I would definitely make sure you're not getting a 96 from before the time Beretta strengthened/thickened the dustcover.

[bspillman]

How can you tell it the dust cover has been improved?

[AustinTX]

You'll want one with a slanted dustcover rather than a straight one. See this link for good pics showing the difference: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20304727&postcount=17.

[bspillman]

Here it is. Is this one an older one or a newer one

[amd6547]

That's the straight dust cover style.
I wouldn't worry about it cracking. If the price were right, I'd buy it, replace the recoil spring and put in the newer 3rd gen locking block.
Then I'd shoot it.

[bspillman]

I got to break it down and give it a look over before I bought it. I found no signs of any cracking on frame, slide or locking block. It was a private sale so there's no way to know how many rounds have been through it but the guy said he has put around 1000 through it. It came with 3 mags I paid 370 bucks for it. I don't think I did to bad.

[AustinTX]

Nah, you did fine. I overstated things a bit. Loads of people with early 96s have fired many, many thousands of rounds with no issues, but the guns will definitely be more sensitive to poor maintenance than later editions.

Replace the recoil spring straightaway, and, like amd said, put in a third-generation locking block (http://berettaforum.net/vb/showpost.php?p=969773&postcount=18) if it doesn't have one already. If it doesn't have the third-gen. block, you can get a locking block kit (http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92-96-locking-block-kit/le9201/) from Beretta USA. Recommended replacement interval for third-gen. blocks is every 15K rounds. This kit includes a recoil spring, but it's for full-size models, whereas yours is a Centurion; you can get the factory-standard 14-lb. Centurion replacement springs from Wolff (http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%20Pistols/BERETTA/92,%2096,%20AND%20CENTURION/cID1/mID2/dID36). If you're not going to use this pistol as a CCW or home-defense weapon, you could also buy some inexpensive Wilson Combat Shok-Buffs (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Shok-Buff-Recoil-Buffers-Beretta-92_96_M9/productinfo/700B/) (or if you are going to use this as a defensive weapon, you could just use the buffer at the range and take it out afterward to eliminate any potential reliability concerns). This will definitely help reduce the wear on the pre-reinforcement frame. Apply some grease to the aluminum frame rails to protect the anodizing (do this with any aluminum-framed gun) and to the area of the frame that guides and arrests the locking block, and you'll be in good shape. There are many different kinds available, from Shooter's Choice synthetic grease (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/320634/shooters-choice-all-weather-high-tech-gun-grease-10cc-syringe) to Brian Enos' Slide-Glide (http://www.brianenos.com/pages/slide-glide.html) to Wilson's Ultima Lube II Grease (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Ultima-Lube-II-Grease-4-oz-Bottle/productinfo/579-4/), and many others, any of which will do the job.

Congrats, and enjoy!

Edit: One last thing. If you're going to rely on the gun for self-defense, you should replace the trigger return spring as well (very cheap, and also available from Wolff). The one in the gun is probably the one it shipped with, and Beretta significantly strengthened the design of the spring around 2001.

[bspillman]

Hey thanks for the info and links. This is why I use the FLforums first rate experiances from the members.

[AustinTX]

No problem! Happy to help.

[LockedBreech]

I see my fellow Beretta nut AustinTX has taken care of things here. :P I agree with his advice 100%

While it's true the older Model 96 pistols had issues with the frame and were generally not optimal .40 S&W pistols from a design standpoint, they're still a pleasure to shoot and the D-type trigger is just fine if you treat it like a revolver trigger.

And for what a sample of one is worth, my dad's 96G carried him from 1990 to 2003 as a state trooper without ever bobbling a round. His experience with that pistol, and teaching me to shoot on it, is why I asked that my first ever handgun (a gift for my 20th birthday) be Beretta.

[10-96]

I'm kinda late to the show, but if you happen across 92 Centurian hammer springs- that is a worthwhile $3.00 investment.

[Gunkooker55]

I had the 96 sold it found the gun smooth buy way to big