The Beretta 96A1 is the .40 S&W member of the 90-series family: a full-size semi-automatic with a 4.9-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel, Beretta's open-slide top end and a Black Bruniton finish that resists corrosion. It measures 8.5 inches, weighs 34.4 ounces and wears polymer grips. The controls are an ambidextrous manual safety combined with a decocker, and a recoil buffer cushions the slide against the frame. An integral Picatinny rail accepts lights and lasers, the front sight is removable, and the rear carries two dots. Three 10-round magazines come in the box.

For an Illinois owner this is a home-defense and range pistol more than a pocket gun; at 34.4 ounces and 8.5 inches it belongs on a nightstand with a light on the rail or in a range bag. The ambidextrous safety suits left-handed shooters, three magazines mean fewer reloads between strings, and .40 S&W is a substantial defensive cartridge in a frame many shooters already know from the 92.

Key features

• .40 S&W, 10+1, three 10-round magazines included
• 4.9-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel, open-slide design
• Ambidextrous manual safety with decocker
• Integral Picatinny rail for lights and lasers
• Black Bruniton finish, 34.4 ounces

Handguns ship to an Illinois FFL dealer of your choice; you complete the transfer there and pick up once the dealer's hold period has run.