The Beretta 96A1 is an upgraded or evolved version of the Beretta 92FS (M9). It is one of the world’s most successful pistols for military, law enforcement, and self-defense use.
However, that does not mean that there are no Beretta 96A1 problems to deal with.
These problems include the gun jamming up, consistently shooting low, a broken locking block, and the slide locking up. Also, it may face an issue with the takedown lever auto relock as well.
But before moving on to the problems and the steps to get those Beretta 96A1 problems fixed, below is a table showcasing the features and specifications of the 96A1.
Features & Specifications of the Beretta 96A1:
| Beretta 96A1 Specs | |
| Cartridge | .40 S&W |
| Capacity | 10/12 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.9 Inches |
| Weight | 33.3 Ounces (Unloaded) |
| Length | 8.5 Inches |
| Width | 1.5 Inches |
| Height | 5.4 Inches |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Safety |
| Sights | Dovetail Front Sight |
Common Beretta 96A1 Problems and Solutions
Before moving on to the detailed steps to Beretta 96A1 troubleshooting, let’s take a quick look at the problems and solutions provided in the table below.
Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions
| Beretta 96A1 Problems | Solutions |
| Jamming Problems | Refitting the extractor and polishing the chamber |
| Shooting Low | Adjusting the sights, equipping aftermarket sights |
| Broken Locking Block | Replacing the locking block |
| Slide Locking Up | Rechecking the gun, resetting the guide rod |
| Takedown Lever Auto Relock Issue | Hard racking the slide, breaking in the gun |
1. Jamming Problems:
One of the most common issues with the Beretta 96A1 is the frequent jams that come with it. In these issues, the gun will chamber the bullets with the slide back using the side release. But not with the gun recoil or by releasing the slide by hand.
The bullets all tend to catch on the bottom of the barrel feed. And the gun may not return to battery in such a case.
Solution:
Before moving with the other procedures, make sure that your gun is clean. Especially if it is new. As brand new guns tend to have a lot of excessive factory oils left over from the assembly.
After cleaning the gun, the possible solution for this problem is to refit the extractor. As it could move out of place. Hence, refitting the extractor may fix the issue.
But if that does not seem to work, polishing the chamber can also provide satisfactory results for jamming issues.
2. Shooting Low:
The Beretta 96A1 is often said to shoot low consistently. This may cause frustration among many users.
Solution:
The dovetail front sight is quite easy to adjust to your personal preferences. If the gun does seem to shoot low, you can try adjusting the sight.
If the factory sights do not seem to be up to your mark, you can easily get replacement aftermarket sights, which are also adjustable.
Such as the Beretta fiber optic front sight kit for 96A1, which can be found on the official Beretta website.
3. Broken Locking Block:
The locking blocks on the Beretta 96A1 are prone to breaking. As they tend to be quite brittle. Also, they fall out quite easily during disassembly. Hence, they are quite easy to lose.
Solution:
It is quite easy to get a replacement locking block (Fig 2) for the Beretta 96A1. The beretta 96a1 locking block kit without recoil spring is available on the official Beretta online shop.
If you ever lose or break your locking block, you may easily get a replacement and replace it yourself.
4. Slide Locking Up:
After field stripping the Beretta 96A1 and then trying to put it back together may lead to some issues. The slide can lock up in these situations.
It sticks out for about a quarter of an inch from being all the way back. And at the same time, it may slide about a quarter of an inch back and forth. But the slide will lock up and refuse to go all the way back.
Solution:
Before approaching the guide rod, there are quite a few things you need to try.
- The safety should remain OFF.
- The hammer should be down.
- Remove the magazine.
- Slightly slap the back of the gun with your palm.
- Grip the slide and pull forward.
- Cock the hammer to see if it releases the slide.
- If the trigger will move, try to ease the slide forward with the trigger depressed.
If this does not fix the issue with the slide, one can assume that the issue is with a displaced or damaged guide rod.
If the guide rod (Fig 3) has been simply displaced, make sure it is appropriately placed in the gun. However, if there is something wrong with the guide rod, you can easily get a replacement for the Beretta 96A1.
5. Takedown Lever Auto Relock Issue:
The Beretta 96A1 often needs to be reassembled. Either for cleaning, lubricating, or other maintenance reasons. However, one problem that arises during the reassembly is that the 96A1 takedown lever won’t auto relock.
Solution:
At first, you should try to rack the slide back at different speeds. You should also insert an empty magazine before racking the gun. This is to ensure that the slide doesn’t slam forward with the takedown lever out of position.
If this does not work, you should try hard racking the slide. This is mostly an issue with a newer gun. As you slowly break in the gun, it will not show this issue in the future.
User Feedback on Beretta 96A1
The Beretta 96A1 does have a few issues. But regardless, it has quite an overwhelmingly positive reputation among most of its users.
One such demonstration of its reputation can be seen on the official product page of the Beretta 96A1. On the product page, the gun has a 100% 5-star review.
But it does have its fair share of issues. One user on Reddit complained how his takedown level would not auto relock after reassembly.
Some have also faced other issues regarding the reassembly. Such as this user on the Handgun Forum, who faced an issue with the slide locking up halfway through.
While others have complained about the Beretta 96A1 shooting consistently low. Another user on the Handgun Forum expressed his frustration with the matter.
Another user complained on the Firing Line about how the Beretta 96A1 is plagued with jamming issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the dovetail-mounted front sight adjustable?
Yes.
How many magazines does the Beretta 96A1 come with?
Three 12-round magazines.
Can tactical accessories be mounted on the Beretta 96A1?
Yes.
Which rail does the Beretta 96A1 have?
Integral Picatinny Rail.
Can the magazine release be reversed on the Beretta 96A1?
Yes.
Conclusion
Although it is true that there are quite a few issues with the Beretta 96A1, it does have quite a positive reputation among most users who have had the chance to shoot the gun.
In case you have unluckily run into any issue, this article should help you fix your Beretta 96A1 problems without any issue.
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