Representative photo of the Beretta 92 family. The California model may differ in finish and details. Photo: Picanox, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Beretta 96 Black Inox
Beretta 96 Black Inox Overview & Reviews
Overview
The Beretta 96 is manufactured by Beretta, an Italian firearms maker with over 500 years of history. This pistol is a .40 S&W variant of Beretta's legendary M9/92 platform and has served law enforcement and military users worldwide. The Black Inox model features a stainless steel slide with a black anodized frame, combining durability with professional aesthetics.
Key Features
- Double/single-action trigger with a traditional safety lever
- 15-round magazine capacity (.40 S&W)
- Stainless steel slide with black polymer frame for corrosion resistance
- Picatinny rail for mounting tactical accessories
- 3.8-inch barrel with open-top slide for easy disassembly and maintenance
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Proven, reliable design with decades of professional use
- ✅ Excellent ergonomics and controllability in .40 S&W
- ✅ Durable construction with stainless steel components
- ✅ Strong aftermarket support for parts and accessories
- ❌ Larger and heavier than compact polymer pistols
- ❌ DA/SA trigger transition can have a learning curve for beginners
- ❌ Stainless slide may require more frequent cleaning in coastal California environments
Best For: Law enforcement training, home defense, sport shooting, and shooters who prefer the proven M9 platform with .40 S&W stopping power and traditional manual safety controls.
🏪 Where to Buy the Beretta 96 Black Inox in California
You can buy the Beretta 96 Black Inox online and have it shipped to a California-licensed FFL dealer, or buy it at a local gun store. Every handgun purchase in California requires a Firearm Safety Certificate, a DROS background check and a 10-day waiting period. Find a California FFL near you →
Online dealers ship to a California FFL. You pick up at your local gun store after the 10-day waiting period.
GUNS.COM®PURVEYORS OF FREEDOM™CA Compliant · Ships to your FFL · Price MatchShop CA-compliant →Searching retailers for Beretta 96 Black Inox. Prices and stock vary; confirm the exact California-compliant model before you buy. Some links are affiliate links that help support this site.