92 FS Problems

[pab1]

I just bought a used (well cared for with few rounds fired) Beretta 92 FS that was made in 2003. It constantly fails to eject and often fails to feed, locking up with the round partially chambered. When its not one of those two problems it will stovepipe.  This happens with several types of ball and jhp factory ammo. I have cleaned it thoroughly and tried both light and heavier coats of Rem-oil for lubrication. The first magazine fired after a cleaning will usually feed and eject well. After that, the problems start up again. I was very excited to get this gun but I'm on the verge of using it as a target for my Rugers which I've never had an issue with. Any ideas about what I can do to improve its performance? 

[Noreaster]

take it apart and inspect it, make sure nothing is put in wrong. If that doesn't work contact Beretta and see what they can do over the phone. Also check your local clubs/ranges/gun shops and see if there are any armorers that will check it out for you. Good luck, they are a great firearm.

[wecole]

That is extrodinarily unusual for a Beretta 92.  They are big and have a trigger that takes some getting used to, but they are normally rock solid reliable.  Until the locking block breaks, but that is the subject for a whole 'nuther thread.

I wonder if the recoil spring is correct.  Could the guy you bought it from have accidentally subsituted the original recoil spring for a spring from a different pistol like a 92 compact?  Could he have stored it with the slide locked back for long periods of time?  A factory recoil spring should be about 5" to 5.25" long.  Some aftermarket springs can be 1/2" longer than that.  If yours is less than 5", get a new one.

I would also consider replacing the extactor spring.  If the gun was stored for a long time with a round in the chamber, that could weaken the extractor spring too.