This video is about the Beretta 96.

The Origins of the Beretta 96

The Beretta 96 traces its roots back to the Beretta 92 series, which was first introduced in the mid-1970s. By the 1990s, law enforcement agencies were looking for a more powerful sidearm that could bridge the gap between 9mm and larger, harder-hitting calibers. Enter the .40 S&W round, a cartridge specifically designed to offer greater stopping power than 9mm while maintaining manageable recoil.

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the Beretta 96 was Beretta’s answer to the demand for a pistol chambered in .40 S&W. Its sleek design mirrored that of the Beretta 92, but its larger bore and slightly modified internals made it a true powerhouse in its own right.

The Rise of the .40 S&W

The .40 S&W round, introduced in 1990 by Smith & Wesson and Winchester, was developed in response to the infamous FBI Miami Shootout in 1986. The FBI realized that the standard 9mm rounds being used at the time were not as effective in stopping threats as they had hoped. The .40 S&W was the solution—a round with more stopping power than the 9mm but without the heavy recoil of the .45 ACP.

This round quickly became the go-to caliber for law enforcement agencies across the United States, and pistols like the Beretta 96 became popular for their ability to harness the full potential of the .40 S&W. It provided a middle ground between speed, capacity, and raw power—qualities that agencies needed in high-stakes situations.

The Beretta 96 in Action

The Beretta 96 didn’t just sit on shelves; it saw action across a variety of law enforcement agencies. While Beretta doesn’t publicly track the specific instances of police shootings, numerous documented cases have surfaced where the .40 S&W round was credited with stopping violent criminals. In one instance, a deputy sheriff in Georgia was involved in a deadly shootout with an armed suspect. Armed with a Beretta 96, the deputy was able to stop the threat swiftly, with the .40 S&W round proving its mettle yet again.

This performance wasn't just a fluke—time and time again, the .40 S&W round in the hands of law enforcement and civilians alike delivered the stopping power needed to neutralize threats.

A Sturdy Design with Combat in Mind

The Beretta 96 is based on Beretta's tried-and-true open-slide design, a feature that enhances reliability by allowing for faster ejection of spent rounds. This open-slide system, originally designed for the Beretta 92, has been praised for reducing the chances of stovepipes and jams, making it ideal for stressful situations where reliability is paramount.

The 96’s steel barrel and slide, along with its polymer grips, ensure durability in harsh conditions while keeping the weight manageable for long hours of carry. The double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system allows for a smooth, deliberate first shot in double action and a light, crisp follow-up in single action.

Whether carried by law enforcement officers, security professionals, or civilians for home defense, the Beretta 96 offers reliability and power in a sleek package.

Law Enforcement’s Choice

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Beretta 96 became a popular choice for U.S. police departments transitioning away from 9mm sidearms. The FBI, which had been at the forefront of advocating for the .40 S&W round, saw numerous local departments follow their lead.

Though its role in law enforcement has diminished somewhat in recent years as agencies shift back to 9mm in the wake of advancements in bullet technology, the Beretta 96 remains a favorite among those who appreciate the .40 S&W’s combination of stopping power and manageable recoil.

Evolution of the Beretta 96

Over its lifespan, the Beretta 96 saw a variety of updates, including the Vertec variant, which featured a shorter trigger reach and Picatinny rail for mounting lights and lasers. These modernizations helped the 96 maintain its relevance in a competitive market.

Additionally, Beretta produced an “FS” version of the 96, which included an enhanced safety system, much like the one found on the Beretta 92FS. This included the decocker/safety lever, a feature that allowed users to safely drop the hammer on a loaded chamber without the risk of an accidental discharge.

Though the original 96 models were eventually phased out of production, their legacy endures. Today, the .40 S&W round remains popular among civilian shooters who value its performance, and the Beretta 96 is still sought after as a reliable, classic design.

The Decline of the .40 S&W in Law Enforcement

While the Beretta 96 and the .40 S&W round rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, the past decade has seen a shift back towards the 9mm round for many agencies. Advances in bullet technology have allowed modern 9mm ammunition to perform comparably to .40 S&W, while offering benefits like reduced recoil and higher capacity magazines.

As a result, the Beretta 96 was gradually replaced in many departments. But for those who still carry it, the 96’s track record of reliability and the raw power of the .40 S&W remain a strong combination.

Collectibility and Civilian Use

Though it’s no longer a standard issue in many law enforcement circles, the Beretta 96 has gained a certain degree of collectibility, especially among those who appreciate its role in the rise of the .40 S&W. Civilian shooters continue to praise the 96 for its accuracy, reliability, and smooth handling, making it a popular choice for home defense and range use.

For those interested in collecting firearms or simply owning a piece of history, the Beretta 96 represents an era of law enforcement where stopping power was key, and the .40 S&W reigned supreme.

The Legacy of the Beretta 96

The Beretta 96 may no longer be the leading sidearm for law enforcement, but its legacy lives on. It bridged the gap between 9mm and .45 ACP, offering a middle ground for those who wanted both stopping power and capacity. It served honorably in the hands of officers across the country and helped pave the way for the success of the .40 S&W round.

For those who own a Beretta 96, it’s more than just a gun—it’s a reminder of a time when power, reliability, and innovation combined to create one of the most formidable handguns in American law enforcement history.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a collector, a law enforcement officer who once carried the 96, or just a firearms enthusiast, the Beretta 96 will always hold a place in the pantheon of great handguns. Its history is one of service and effectiveness, and its legacy will endure for years to come.

The Beretta 96