Trigger feel differences between Taurus PT99 and Beretta M9

Being a first timer for pistol, I have to go thru the pistol SAFS.  This means shooting a (likely beat up) M9.  So I’m not expecting much for a pistol.  I’d practice with a Beretta 92 if for nothing else getting an idea on their trigger feel.  But I don’t have one. I do have a Taurus PT 99 9mm, which is about as close as dammit, but I have no idea if the triggers are comparable.  I really don’t want to go buy one as I much prefer the 1911 for serious target work.  But I MUST shoot an M9 in SAFS.  

So, for those still with me, if you’ve fired both, how do their (single action) triggers compare?

I've fired plenty of rounds through an issued M9. I bet your Taurus is just as lousy as a Perry M9. Train with what you have. Also consider that SAFS is all at 25 yards on a B-8 target.

Sorry, but if you already have a Precision Pistol Classification, why do you have to do SAFS?

Whether I have a classification may be questionable… my current “classification” listed in my profile was my NRA classification from decades ago.  About 1990 was my last pistol shooting at the San Diego Police Range Regional.  So I’d be “Master Unclassified”  for CMP purposes..ergo the SAFS requirement.

I have some very nice Beretta pistols done by Ernie Langdon at Langdon Tactical. I would reach out to him to ascertain how compatible parts are between the 92 and the 99. Often with Beretta 92s a huge upgrade can be done by changing the main spring from an 92F series to a D series. The D series may be the Cougar D series. I don't remember. There are different trigger return springs too, which can make a slight difference. Going to a D mainspring or similar lighter MS may require Federal primers for 100% ignition.    

ernest@langdontactical.com   

Tell him I sent you. He's a very knowledgeable on Beretta platforms and variants.

~ Martin

Wobbley,

" for CMP purposes..ergo the SAFS requirement."

I was told by "he who knows" that there is no requirement for you to do SAFS in order to shoot the Nationals.

But, maybe you just want to do it anyhow.

Wobbley wrote:...So, for those still with me, if you’ve fired both, how do their (single action) triggers compare?

So, according to the article, the BIG difference between a Taurus 92 and an M9 is the 92 uses a hammer LOCK in its safety instead of the M9's decocker.  Apparently, the internal parts are different as well.  How the parts difference translates to trigger pull is unknown (is not mentioned in article).

Link to article:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/taurus-pt92-and-pt100-beretta-gun-copycats-or-something-more/ar-AA18OQbE?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=19de69706bcc4e338a3f9d80612a21ac&ei=20

Hope this helps.

I am glad I always describe myself as a novice, what is SAFS?

Small Arms Firing School.  These were setup by the DCM/CMP at Camp Perry to give very basic marksmanship instruction to newbies.  They’ve been run for years (on and off) since the early 1900s.  During my first trip to Perry in 1983 I had to attend the SAFS for rifle.  At that time the rifle I had to shoot was a beat up M16.  I can’t remember if a SAFS was held for pistol but I think so.  I don’t know what firearm was used then but now it is the M9 (Beretta 92).

The M9 I shot in SAFS had a substantially grittier, stiffer trigger than my commercial Beretta "M9". The commercial gun is about a 5lb break with a little mush, maybe you could generously call it a roll.

The SAFS M9 was, just guessing, 7-8lbs with a hard wall that lurches over another small speed bump on the way to firing. I thought it was a lot worse than the commercial gun. Maybe if you pour some sand in your PT99 it will be a good SAFS simulator.

That being said the SAFS gun *was* accurate. It was just a tougher trigger than I expected from shooting my own Beretta.

Wobbley wrote:Small Arms Firing School.  These were setup by the DCM/CMP at Camp Perry to give very basic marksmanship instruction to newbies.

There's an advanced section people can choose to be part of. It's useful for more than newbies. And better coaching from more accomplished instructors.

I'd hazard it's worth doing for anyone who isn't classified master or above. Always something to learn.

I went to the range today to try my Taurus.  I just shot it off the bench to get an idea on the accuracy.  I think it will do ok as a trainer for SAFS.  The first target was shot with a line of white and the second target was shot center of mass but favoring right.  Both were at 25 yards from a rest.  The ammo I used was the Winchester “Active Duty M1152 115 gr.  That ammo is HOT.  

For what it is worth, I personally would spend more time with whatever gun you primarily would shoot service pistol matches with rather than worrying about training with a M9 style gun for SAFS, unless you intend to shoot a one for service matches. If you shoot a 1911 you will need to adjust your grip for an M9 and the trigger will feel different than a 1911 but the shot process should be the same. The biggest benefit of SAFS is the time with the instructor.

Oh I will, but I wanted to get a bit of time on an M9 even if it’s a clone.  Maybe 200 rounds…

My Taurus 92 has a harder trigger than most M9s I have shot. Stacks up toward the end of the stroke. Good enough to get comfortable with the platform feel.