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Author Topic: Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to many rnds.  (Read 1814 times)

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Offline UtahMike

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to many rnds.
« on: April 08, 2006, 03:58:19 PM »
I posted a question regarding the use of an aftermarket barrel.  I accepted the expaination that the 96 will not handle the pressure of the caliber (357 sig) and I haven't used the barrel since. (only about 20rnds).

However, I was also informed that 1. The only reason that Berreta was awarded a Military contract for the M9 (92) was Cost, period.... 2. And that the Berreta wasn't known for being a robust pistol, won't hold up with a lot of use.....

I've had my 96' for half a dozen years now with a couple of thousand rnds thru it.  I've had not a seconds problem with it.  Is this guy just blowning smoke or does he have any valid points????

Thanks, Mike
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Offline chris s

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2006, 03:47:53 AM »
He is right-Beretta passed all the trials and was awarded the contract on the bid price.
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Offline Warthog

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2006, 04:38:15 AM »
One of the biggest concerns from the military about the 92 was the open slide.  During field trials, I watched a Beretta rep pour bucket after bucket of sand into the slide of a pistol firing magazine after magazine of ball ammo.  There was not a single misfire or jam.  After that, I had very few concerns a 92 and have never a bit of trouble out of my military arm or my civilian one.
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Offline azmike

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2006, 08:25:52 AM »
I have carried a 96 Brigadier daily for the last four years, with several thousand rounds through it.  I have had no problems with mine.  I HAVE seen several frames crack, right at the front of the forward slide rails.  I believe this is the natural result of using relatively hot .40 cal loads (in this instance Federal and Winnie Ranger 155 grain HPs) on an alloy frame originally designed for a 9mm.  

Don't know how it would work with the .357 Sig, but personally, if I buy a Beretta (which is unlikely, as I am not a fan of aluminum frames), it would be a 92.  I want a little more service life out of it than I think I would get in .40 or .357.

YMMV, just my opinion.  Good luck.

Regards,
Mike
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Offline sniperVLS

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2006, 02:23:28 PM »
wasn't Sig the only other top contender along side Beretta? Price gets you contracts in the end I guess.
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Offline Sir Knight

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Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2006, 05:05:20 PM »
Quote from: sniperVLS
Price gets you contracts in the end I guess.
Airbases in Italy gets you contracts.
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Offline oznbolivia

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Re: Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to many rnds.
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2006, 10:06:26 AM »
Along with what has been said above, this last week end I was a a national match of pratcial shooters. I ask about the use of Bersa as a pistol for competition.  I was told that they do not hold up to repeated use as is given to the gun in this type of competition.  Now Bersa is a copy, made in Argentina, of Berreta. So much for the dream of an inexpensive gun for competition!!!

Oz
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Offline M60ACE

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Re: Berreta 96 Not Robust? Won't stand up to many rnds.
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2006, 09:56:23 PM »
I will try to help you out.
 First off, The Beretta is a fine reliable weapon, not the most accurate witht the fixed combat sights, but then again, it wasent intended for bullseye competition. JMO.
 First off on your aftermarket barrel, i would have the mfg. confirm that the chamber fully supports the .357 Sig round round. If it does, that would eliminate the possibility of damage due to a ruptured case.
The second thing to consider , is, will the round in itself damage the pistol. The main contributing factors(using a factory guiderod and spring) are 1. Bullet weight and velocity 2.pressure curve. Both can have detrimental effects on a handgun frame.
The faster heavier bullets are pushed, more recoil is generated, thus more stress on the frame as it is pushed back and upward in your hand, this affects alloy frames more so than steel frames. The 357 Sig typically shoots 125gr bullets, very similar to the 9mm, so bullet weight wouldnt concern me too much.
Now to pressure. The .357 sig generates a higher operating pressure. With a factory spring that is not strong enough, or has been used a lot, the action may open a few milleseconds early as the slide travel is faster than the firearm was designed for. This causes consistant and excessive frrame battering. This would be my biggest concern.
 You can tell if your having this problem by looking at the primer of the fired case. If the primer strike is not totally round but elongated, this is a sign that the action is opening with the firing pin still heavily engaged, or prematurely.
 If the barrel you bought is to correct specifications, you can shoot a steady diet of .357 Sig without any problems.
The easiest and most inexpensive way to accomplish this, is to use a good strong spring on your guiderod (WOLFF is a good quality spring) and change it every 300 to 500 rounds fired.
Another option are the specialty guiderod/spring assemblies from Sprinco (http://www.sprinco.com/index.html). These are expensive, but well worth it, and have a lifetime guarantee against breakage. They offer standard and Cor-bon(for +p loads) models. The guidrod with spring will run you about 85.00 for the Beretta 96.
 I hope this was of some help.
Best Of Regards To All, Todd
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The Best of Regards To All, Todd
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