I have a newer 96 with an inox slide........it doesn't say fs on the slide...as far as I know, and I'm no expert, the 96 is exactly the same. except for the caliber of course....you can check the serial# by googling Beretta serial# check, but all you will get is the date of manufacture......even though the manuals say 96fs, it's just a given that they just call them 96's....and what safety updates are we talking about? It wouldn't have a rail anyway, never did.....if you go to an online gun store, you will no doubt see all of the different models of Beretta's....as far as I know, the fs designation, is how many rounds the mag holds......I am sure someone with a bit more knowledge will give you a better answer in the future.....

The 96 was introduced in 1990, way after any updates to the 92F to FS. It never went through any safety updates as it never needed it. It was always the same configuration as the updated 92FS. It came in three configurations F, D and G, but the only ones I think you'd get are the F, or the FS if you wish. Hammer decocker/safety configuration. I'd jump on it in a heartbeat an excellent shooter and I'd run at least a 15 pound wolff extra power recoil spring in it.

Why the 15 lb. spring????????

Originally Posted by berettabone

Why the 15 lb. spring????????

I run either 14lb or 15lb springs in both my 92 and 96. The reason I run 15lb in the 96 is the 15lb spring decreases shock and wear on the frame w/o any performance issues. Beretta factory springs are rated 13lb for both the 92 and 96 and indeed the 96 has more energy, thus the the 96's locking block hits the frame pretty good w/ the 13lb spring.

I realize that this should probably be on another thread, but have you ever tried Buffertech or Swissbianco recoil parts?????

Originally Posted by berettabone

I realize that this should probably be on another thread, but have you ever tried Buffertech or Swissbianco recoil parts?????

No, I've pondered some type of recoil buffer but was leary of the functioning aspect of the pistol. If you try 15lb springs in your 92 or 96 you will see the casings hitting about 5 to 6 feet out as opposed to 10 to 15. I shoot nothing less than WWB in power and have found that both the 92 and 96 function flawlessly w/ less energy coming back to the frame, but not comprimising the reliabilty of the pistol.

thanks for the help guys. I think I will go ahead and get it!

Did you replace your guide rod?????????

Originally Posted by berettabone

Did you replace your guide rod?????????

No, I bought the pistols before the polymer guide rods were incorporated. Both the 92 and 96 came w/ steel guiderods and have always functioned flawlessly. I will always use steel guiderods in my 92 and 96, plus the ease and cost of changing the wolff spring and poundages at will is a major plus. The steel guide rods will last indefinately and you have the option of 9 to 20 pound springs for about $7.98 a pop. I don't know how much you pay for the Polymer guide rod and spring, but the steel guide rod is inexpensive, is a one time buy, and as mentioned above replacement springs from Wolff in your poundage of choice are $7.98 less shipping of course. I believe and for what it's worth you will mainly see steel guiderods in the pistols of all the top competition shooters out there.