[Echo40]

Ever since I first joined TA way back in 2017, I've wanted a Taurus PT92, but there was always something that I either wanted or needed more, so it always got pushed back, and to this day I still regretably don't own one.
I think it's about time to finally change that, so I've been shopping around and have found some pretty nice prices on used models, particularly of the .40cal. PT100/101 Moxels, which suits me just fine since I'm a .40 guy anyway. However, I've seen a few different variations from older as well as more recent production runs, with the main differences between them being largely aesthetic, with older models having more narrow slide serrations like a Beretta, no accessory rail, and sometimes a nicer-looking finish, albeit more often that not the older models are in rougher shape.

My question is whether older models are better in terms of overall fit/finish as well as longevity. A lot of folks online say that the older models are better, but seeing as I'm looking at .40cal PT100s here, and the Beretta 96 historically didn't hold up very well to a steady diet .40 S&W, thus prompting revisions like the 96 Brigadeer, 90-Two, and ultimately the 96A1, so I'm wondering if Taurus also built more recent examples of the PT100 tougher than older models as, or if Taurus got it right from the beginning.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[silverstring]

I've owned two new and two used Pt92'ss and a few PT917's, never had a lick of trouble with any of them. But they were 9mm. I know Beretta had some complaints with high round count 40's - cracking frame - damaging breechface etc.. So they ended up using a buffer to absorb recoil pounding, they used this in a few frames,,but my Beretta 92A1 has that buffer and I believe the brigadeer does as well. I don't think Taurus modified their frames for 40, but maybe they didn't need to. Hopefully a 40 cal PT92 owner will chime in.

 

[Echo40]

I know for a fact that Taurus beefed up the slide on the PT100, but I'm not sure whether the frame is any different from that of a PT92.

If anyone here owns both or knows of any differences, I'd sure like to know.

 

[DocCasualty]

Not sure this really answers your question but I purchased my PT99AFS in the early 90s, have probably just south of 10,000 rounds through it and still a great pistol (springs replaced, blocked replaced - original never fractured). A couple of years ago I decided to get a PT92AFS slide as a backup in case the sight on the 99 ”died”. Actually now have just left the 92 slide on as one of the HD pistols in my wife’s lockbox. Only difference I see is cosmetic though maybe finish is a little nicer on the older slide. Pics here: Anyone else get a spare slide for a PT99?

As an aside my decocker on the frame is the older design which doesn’t have a spring return to neutral. I learned it that way so not a big deal to me but something you might look for if buying used.

 

[Tracker627]

I bought my PT92 in August of 2005. Great pistol and no issues ever. I will be looking forward to reading the other replies.

 

[jwc007]

The Finish on the older PT92's, particularly on the Slide Flats is more of a more polished Blue, but on the newer PT92's the Finish is more of a flat Blue or possibly an epoxy paint or some such finish, from what I have seen. Manufacturing Materials however, have not changed.

The only point of concern on PT92 Pistols has been the Locking Blocks, which can break after about 7,000 rounds or so. However, by then it's time to replace the Recoil Spring anyways, and many neglect to do so, resulting in a broken Locking Block. I also consider the 13 lb stock PT92 Recoil Spring to be a bit light. Later on, Beretta did upgrade their Locking Block Design, Materials, and Recoil Spring. Taurus did not.

Currently, my 1992 PT92 has a second generation Beretta Locking Block and Wolff 15 pound Recoil Spring installed and runs great. I also replaced the Firing Pin Spring, which although it still worked, was badly worn when removed. My PT92 has a very high round count thru it, in the vicinity of 18,000 rounds or so, due largely to my USPSA/IPSC Match habit.

Can't speak to the PT100's longevity, as I never got into .40 S&W, but as with any used handgun, expect to do some maintenance to it, such as Springs.
Were I to go .40 S&W these days, I would probably buy a new S&W SD40VE (if you can stand the trigger pull) or M&P 2.0 .40.

As an aside my decocker on the frame is the older design which doesn’t have a spring return to neutral. I learned it that way so not a big deal to me but something you might look for if buying used.

Actually, your PT92/99 probably came with a small flat Decocker Return Spring, as mine did. The problem with that particular Spring, is that the Spring Material tends to be a bit brittle for a Spring, and tends to break with usage. I went thru two of those Springs, before I gave up on them. However, I may have a possible fix for that in the works. Stay tuned.

Note that Taurus later decided to go with a more robust Decocker Return Spring Design after only two years of the previous design.

 

[DocCasualty]

Actually, your PT92/99 probably came with a small flat Decocker Return Spring, as mine did. The problem with that particular Spring, is that the Spring Material tends to be a bit brittle for a Spring, and tends to break with usage

No, mine never had a decocker return spring and I did purchase it new. I read somewhere, maybe a sticky here about this being a later change and that mine would not accommodate a spring. Perhaps I’m incorrect in this and would actually install one if that were the case.

I’ll see if I can find the info I’m referencing, though it was from back when I did the overhaul.

 

[Echo40]

Can't speak to the PT100's longevity, as I never got into .40 S&W, but as with any used handgun, expect to do some maintenance to it, such as Springs.
Were I to go .40 S&W these days, I would probably buy a new S&W SD40VE (if you can stand the trigger pull) or M&P 2.0 .40.

The ones I'm looking at appear Like New to Good condition-wise, so I'm not to concerned over them being worn out or in need of replacement parts, but obviously I'm prepared for the possibility that something might break down eventually.
I actually already own a Smith & Wesson SW40VE as well as an M&P40 Shield, both of which are my primary carry guns.

Autumn/Winter EDC

• Echo40
• 5 mo ago

Ruger LCP 10th Anniversary Edition + Smith & Wesson SW40VE with Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Warm Weather EDC Loadout 2.0

• Echo40
• 9 mo ago

Buck 110 Hunter Sport / S&W Performance Center M&P40 Shield / Ruger LCP 10th Anniversary Edition

So I don't need any more of those, although I'd like to own a M&P40c or Full-Size M&P40 someday.

 

[jwc007]

I actually already own a Smith & Wesson SW40VE as well as an M&P40 Shield, both of which are my primary carry guns.

Nice! 🆒 I own and have carried one of two lightly customized SW9VE's, both which I have done trigger jobs to.
The top one, shown below, has had it's Slide Cerakoted in Armorers Black, has a Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Front Sight, and DPM Recoil Spring Assembly.
The Bottom one, shown below, has had it's Frame Cerakoted in Caribbean Blue. Not shown in this pic is a Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Front Sight that was later installed.


Customized S&W SW9VE's

Getting back to the PT00. Pick out a nice one, buy it, and install a DPM Recoil System on it.

 

[DocCasualty]

The Finish on the older PT92's, particularly on the Slide Flats is more of a more polished Blue, but on the newer PT92's the Finish is more of a flat Blue or possibly an epoxy paint or some such finish, from what I have seen. Manufacturing Materials however, have not changed.

The only point of concern on PT92 Pistols has been the Locking Blocks, which can break after about 7,000 rounds or so. However, by then it's time to replace the Recoil Spring anyways, and many neglect to do so, resulting in a broken Locking Block. I also consider the 13 lb stock PT92 Recoil Spring to be a bit light. Later on, Beretta did upgrade their Locking Block Design, Materials, and Recoil Spring. Taurus did not.

Currently, my 1992 PT92 has a second generation Beretta Locking Block and Wolff 15 pound Recoil Spring installed and runs great. I also replaced the Firing Pin Spring, which although it still worked, was badly worn when removed. My PT92 has a very high round count thru it, in the vicinity of 18,000 rounds or so, due largely to my USPSA/IPSC Match habit.

Can't speak to the PT100's longevity, as I never got into .40 S&W, but as with any used handgun, expect to do some maintenance to it, such as Springs.
Were I to go .40 S&W these days, I would probably buy a new S&W SD40VE (if you can stand the trigger pull) or M&P 2.0 .40.



Actually, your PT92/99 probably came with a small flat Decocker Return Spring, as mine did. The problem with that particular Spring, is that the Spring Material tends to be a bit brittle for a Spring, and tends to break with usage. I went thru two of those Springs, before I gave up on them. However, I may have a possible fix for that in the works. Stay tuned.

Note that Taurus later decided to go with a more robust Decocker Return Spring Design after only two years of the previous design.

No, mine never had a decocker return spring and I did purchase it new. I read somewhere, maybe a sticky here about this being a later change and that mine would not accommodate a spring. Perhaps I’m incorrect in this and would actually install one if that were the case.

I’ll see if I can find the info I’m referencing, though it was from back when I did the overhaul.

I think I found what I seemed to remember and it was a thread you were also part of. It does appear that early decocker models did not have a return spring. I’ll have to take off that left grip and take a look and see if it looks like a notch for a spring exists or a broken spring is there. Decocker Survey

 

[Ickthus]

I have an old heal magazine release PT92 that is like new. My uncle won it playing golf from a Taurus rep in the early 80's. He ran a magazine though it and it sat in his safe until i got it a little while ago.
It is so old It might as well say Beretta on it.

 

[jwc007]

I think I found what I seemed to remember and it was a thread you were also part of. It does appear that early decocker models did not have a return spring. I’ll have to take off that left grip and take a look and see if it looks like a notch for a spring exists or a broken spring is there. Decocker Survey

Taking off the Left Grip Panel will tell you nothing, as that original tiny flat Spring is concealed under the round Safety Lever mount, and can be a pain to get to, which is probably why I've been procrastinating dealing with the problem. I believe, however, that I may have a solution to the problem with a very common Spring. Right now, I'm tied up with Work and Family issues, but I do plan to try my solution and will post about it in the Gunsmithing section of the Forum.

 

[Echo40]

Well guys, I was gonna buy a Taurus PT101, until I found this completely insane, almost too good to be true yet totally legit deal...

https://berettafirearmsusa.com/beretta-96d-40sw-dao-stainless-police-trades/

$399 for Stainless Beretta 96Ds in Excellect Condition with 4 magazines!

Best of all; "Free Delivery All oders over $99!"

It's sold by Beretta themselves too, how could I lose?!

 

[Echo40]

So, just to bookend this thread... I'd like to announce that just yesterday I ordered a brand new Taurus PT92 AFS online. It was nicely priced and came with free fast shipping as part of the deal. Estimated Delivery is Monday, but my LGS isn't open on Mondays so I won't be able to pick it up until at least Tuesday.

One thing I'm interested to see once it arrives is when it was actually produced, because as near as I can tell, importation of the Stainless Steel AFS model was discontinued as of 2021.
The online listing merely used old stock photos of the PT92 AFS with the older logo on the slide/grips, but models produced within the last few years should have the current logo on the grips and more minimalist slide markings. So we'll have to wait and see what we get.

I'll post a new thread complete with pics once I have received it, and I have some fun things in store for the gun in the future. I plan to customize and upgrade it a bit, but that'll be further down the line.

 

[jemsj4]

No, mine never had a decocker return spring and I did purchase it new. I read somewhere, maybe a sticky here about this being a later change and that mine would not accommodate a spring. Perhaps I’m incorrect in this and would actually install one if that were the case.

I’ll see if I can find the info I’m referencing, though it was from back when I did the overhaul.

I have the same early decocker. It doesn't return & never did.

 

[jemsj4]

Well guys, I was gonna buy a Taurus PT101, until I found this completely insane, almost too good to be true yet totally legit deal...

https://berettafirearmsusa.com/beretta-96d-40sw-dao-stainless-police-trades/

$399 for Stainless Beretta 96Ds in Excellect Condition with 4 magazines!

Best of all; "Free Delivery All oders over $99!"

It's sold by Beretta themselves too, how could I lose?!

Beretta's website is NOT https://berettafirearmsusa.com/ . It's https://www.beretta.com/ & last I knew, Beretta doesn't do direct sales. Also, the site you posted doesn't take credit cards, BUT DOES take Paypal! Paypal prohibits firearm purchases. I'd be weary of it.

 

[Echo40]

Beretta's website is NOT https://berettafirearmsusa.com/ . It's https://www.beretta.com/ & last I knew, Beretta doesn't do direct sales. Also, the site you posted doesn't take credit cards, BUT DOES take Paypal! Paypal prohibits firearm purchases. I'd be weary of it.

Thanks, but my post was being sarcastic. I could tell that it was a scam right from the beginning, I was just fooling around.

I then went on in a subsequent post to announce that I've since ordered a PT92 AFS, which is actually scheduled for delivery tomorrow.