- California versions
- 9
- Caliber
- .40 S&W
- MSRP
- $699–$799
- Barrel lengths
- 4.5", 4.7, 4.7", 4.9"
Is the Beretta 96 legal in California?
Yes. 9 versions of the Beretta 96 are on the California DOJ Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale as of October 27, 2026, so California dealers can sell those exact versions new. Only the specific versions listed on this page are certified: a different finish, barrel length or caliber that is not listed is off-roster and can only be bought through a private party transfer at a licensed dealer.
See all 9 California versions ↓ Shop the Beretta 96 on Guns.com → Compare models →
Beretta 96 versions on the California roster
| Photo | Version | Caliber | Barrel | Capacity | MSRP | Guns.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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96 | .40 S&W | 4.9" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
|
96 Black Inox | .40 S&W | 4.92" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
 |
96 Brigadier | .40 S&W | 4.92" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
|
96 Brigadier Inox | .40 S&W | 4.92" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
|
96 Inox | .40 S&W | 4.92" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
 |
96 Vertec Inox | .40 S&W | 4.7 | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | $699 | Search → |
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96G Elite A1 | .40 S&W | 4.5" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | $750 | Search → |
|
96G Elite II | .40 S&W | 4.7" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | $799 | Search → |
|
96G-SD | .40 S&W | 5" | 10+1 (CA; 11+1 std.) | — | Search → |
Tap a version for full specs, AB 1127 status and where to buy it in California. Guns.com ships to your local California FFL; prices change often, so confirm on Guns.com. Guns.com links are affiliate links that help support this site.
About the Beretta 96
The Beretta 96 is a full-size, semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Beretta of Italy, chambered in .40 S&W. It is a direct descendant of the iconic Model 92 platform, sharing its open-slide design, double/single-action trigger, and ambidextrous safety-decocker, adapted for the larger .40 S&W cartridge and intended for law enforcement, duty, and civilian shooting use.
How the California versions differ
- Finish: Standard versions use a blued steel finish, while "Inox" variants feature a stainless steel finish for improved corrosion resistance.
- Barrel length: Lengths vary across the family, ranging from 4.5 inches on the 96G Elite A1 to 5 inches on the 96G-SD, affecting overall size and muzzle velocity.
- Frame and grip: The Vertec variants use a more upright, slimmer grip profile compared to the traditional curved Beretta grip found on standard and Brigadier models.
- Slide and frame reinforcement: The Brigadier models feature a heavier, reinforced slide designed to handle sustained fire and reduce felt recoil.
- Trigger action: The 96G variants use a decock-only "G" trigger, which decocks the hammer without engaging a manual safety, a configuration preferred by many law enforcement agencies.
Who it suits
The Beretta 96 family is well suited to duty use, home defense, and experienced shooters who prefer a full-size, metal-framed pistol in .40 S&W with a proven, widely supported platform.