AboutCharles Gage Expertise I can answer questions dealing with firearms and their development due to western expansion. I can answer most questions about any firearms of the world manufactured after the Civil War(1868 - present. I can offer safety warnings about these. I can offer opinions and the reasons behind these.
Experience I have been at the study of firearms and their use since my first issue of Field and Stream in 1962.At that time I was completely devoted to rifles, but over the years I have experienced the thrill of the hunt with handguns, shotguns and of course rifles. I moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1972 and since I have taken numerous game and non-game animals with all firearms (cannons excluded)including blackpowder muzzleloading rifles,shotguns and handguns. My favorite handgun for large non-game animals, such as feral hogs, is my Uberti replica of a 1847 Colt Walker. Very heavy, but accurate.
Education/Credentials I am a 1973 high school graduate. Junior and senior year I developed a class on Wildlife Depredation and Conservation of our Rocky Mountain states. My specialty was the brown bear.
Awards and Honors New Mexico Hunter Safety Program Instructor 5 year award.
Question I have a Beretta model 96, and I am trying to identify if it is a 96F etc; Also I am trying to appraise it for resale. The serial number of the weapon is: A 21195 M On the slide above the serial number it says " Pietro Beretta gardone V.T. - Made In Italy, it was manufactured in 1992.
Answer Hello Joe Rabe. I cut my teeth on a Beretta so I am very partial to the Model 96. The 96 doesn't always carry a letter distinction on the slide, thus the term '96'.It's as simple as a 'safety on a loaded gun'. And that is how you can tell the '96' from the '96F'. The '96F' is a true double-action with a Safety and a Decocker. The system used for the '96F' allows it to be carried on SAFE or on FIRE. The '96' only has the Decocker but no Safety. There are a fist full of different models, but most revolve around these two models. As far as a resale value, there are standard book values and there are actual supply and demand values. I have found them in different auction sites from $400 to $700 and above. A standard '96F' in good condition should fetch $400. A little more if you have extra mags or a holster. If it were mine, I would start at $600. and back off a little if I had to. I hope this has answered your questions and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
