Beretta 96 vs PT100

I went to the range yesterday afternoon and fired a box of 165 gr through the 96. The weapon handled that box fine and since I haven't fired a hand gun in 11 years I figured I'd start "slow" . Bad pun but I couldn't resist. First impression of the Beretta, I don't like the safety. It doesn't bother me too much that the safety is on the slide, had that on the M9. What bothered me was that it wasn't so much a safety as a decocker. When I was getting reacquainted with it I let the slide go forward and the hammer stayed back as expected. I pushed the safety down, the hammer went down and the selector went back up to the fire position. Not what comes to mind when I think of what a safety should do. Other than that the Beretta performed well. My performance on the other hand would not have won me a Small Arms Expert rating. First round out of the barrel was low and to the right, exactly where I knew it would go when I pulled the trigger because I felt myself jerk in anticipation. I was using a man sized silouhette at 7 yards and the rest of that magazine was spread between the 10 and 8 rings. When I settled down and used proper mechanics the third and fourth mags were hand sized groups with the strays tending low/right. The last 6 rounds went into the head of the target although the last 2 hit the left ear, one through the ear lobe and one at the top of the ear. Not my best performace but I can live with it for a first outing. When it came down to brass tacks and purchasing one I opted to go with the PT92SS. It wasn't because I didn't feel comfortable with the .40, it was logistically motivated. When I asked to test fire the .40 the sales person made a face as if to say if you want a .40 I'll let you fire a .40. After I was done I asked her why. She said the .40 was alright but she believed the reason it was so popular was that it is what the cops carry. She pointed out that with the right ammo and good shot placement a 9mm was just as lethal. The deciding factor was cost to operate. 9mm ammo being less expensive than .40 will mean I shoot more and if I do it right that means I get more proficient. The bad news is she had to order the pistol the good news is it will be here a week from today and that takes care of the 3 day wait in the process. Time to close this novel out. Thanks again for your advice JR.

Thank you, sir for posting this!!! I just saw the PT100 and rushed here to see if someone has posted about it. I LOVE the Beretta 92FS, my husband is retired AF, that was his main carry pistol, its also the pistol I learned to shoot on. I have wanted one for so long, and don't wanna shell out the money for it.

I have a Taurus PT111 that is my main carry pistol, and I just love it. I went on to the site to see what they have in .40 caliber pistols, and was just thrilled to see this one!! I will check out the PT92SS, though I already have a 9mm, and wanted something slightly bigger.

I did buy the Taurus 1911, as you can tell by my signature, but the first time I fired it, my hands jumped and I thought I would lose control of the pistol. It scared me so much, that its now my husbands gun, and his main carry. I do want to try to fire it again, (this time with more experience under my belt), and see how I like it. I can't imagine ever carrying it, but we will see.

Thank you again for this post...it helped this girl, tremendously!

The most successful 9mm loads are, unfortunately, all +P and +P+. Despite the Hungarian MFS loads in .40 S&W, there are zero +P loads in the caliber. Nor does there appear to be any reason for them.

The PT92F has been a constant shooting and teaching pistol for me for the last 25+ years. It works, and is surprisingly affordable. One of my female friends, back in Maryland, decided on one of these after we taught her how to shoot. She stands about 5 feet even, and weighs about 120 lbs, soaking wet, in winter clothes.

SCGirl, the 1911 platform is easily controlled, unless you believe it is a horrible recoiler. A firm grip, and locked wrists will allow you to shoot it easily. You don't need +P loads, either. Spend some time handling a certified EMPTY 1911, then try it with a coach. Most people think that the 1911 pushes, while the 9mm platforms have a sharper recoil. Good luck.

When choosing self-defense loads in the 9mm, use a premium load, like the Hydra-Shok, Golden Saber, SXT, or Gold Dot. The, try to use ammunition for practice in the closest weight to match. Having the same POA/POI is best.

SCGirl, InfidelIllini

Thanks for the compliments, and no the grips aren't photoshoped they're real 8) (here's a link to thread with a larger photo http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=7172.0). I didn't like the feel of the stock grips, so I got an engraved set of Alumagrips (custom image).


.....but this pic on the other hand is indeed photoshoped