Beretta Model 96FS Police Special

lamarw · August 26, 2017, 06:29 PM

Acquired a police trade-in Beretta 96FS yesterday. It came from the Ruleville, Mississippi Police Department. I used the Beretta Serial Number look-up, and it states a manufacture date of 1998. In the nomenclature it identifies it as a Police Special. My question is whether all 96FS's are considered a Police Special or is there something different from a regular 96FS.

carguychris · August 26, 2017, 07:52 PM

According to the Beretta Forum 92/96 FAQ and this old TFL post, the "Police Special" 92/96 pistols had a slightly rougher slide finish because Beretta did not buff the slide as thoroughly. This allowed them to offer the pistol to LE agencies for a lower price, as this particular production step was not fully automated at the time.

pblanc · August 27, 2017, 01:17 PM

I have a Beretta 92FS Police Special that is over 10 years old that has Trijicon night sights.

It came in a cardboard box instead of a hard case and one more magazine than commercial 92FS pistols were shipping with at that time.

lamarw · August 27, 2017, 01:52 PM

The links carguychris posted make sense. The same was the case with S&W Model 28 vs. 27 revolvers. It was to make it more affordable for law enforcement. Other than holster wear, the finish is as good as any of my other Beretta pistols.

It did come with three magazines. One is a standard PB magazine made in Italy. The other two are PB also but are further marked on the other side "80399 RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY". Other than the markings, there is absolutely no difference between the three magazines.

Thanks, I appreciate the the information.

August 26, 2017, 06:29 PM	#1
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Beretta Model 96FS Police Special Acquired a police trade-in Beretta 96FS yesterday. It came from the Ruleville, Mississippi Police Department. I used the Beretta Serial Number look-up, and it states a manufacture date of 1998. In the nomenclature it identifies it as a Police Special. My question is whether all 96FS's are considered a Police Special or is there something different from a regular 96FS.

August 26, 2017, 07:52 PM	#2
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	According to the Beretta Forum 92/96 FAQ and this old TFL post, the "Police Special" 92/96 pistols had a slightly rougher slide finish because Beretta did not buff the slide as thoroughly. This allowed them to offer the pistol to LE agencies for a lower price, as this particular production step was not fully automated at the time. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

August 27, 2017, 01:17 PM	#3
pblanc Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 697	I have a Beretta 92FS Police Special that is over 10 years old that has Trijicon night sights. It came in a cardboard box instead of a hard case and one more magazine than commercial 92FS pistols were shipping with at that time.

August 27, 2017, 01:52 PM	#4
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	The links carguychris posted make sense. The same was the case with S&W Model 28 vs. 27 revolvers. It was to make it more affordable for law enforcement. Other than holster wear, the finish is as good as any of my other Beretta pistols. It did come with three magazines. One is a standard PB magazine made in Italy. The other two are PB also but are further marked on the other side "80399 RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY". Other than the markings, there is absolutely no difference between the three magazines. Thanks, I appreciate the the information.