Introduction
Why Accessorize Your PT92 AF?
The Taurus PT92 AF, a firearm steeped in history and renowned for its robust design and reliability, has long been a favorite among gun enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its dependable performance and classic aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, accessorizing your Taurus PT92 AF can significantly enhance its functionality, improve your shooting experience, and reflect your personal preferences.
Accessorizing your Taurus PT92 AF is more than just aesthetics; it’s about tailoring the firearm to your individual needs and maximizing its potential. Upgrading components can lead to improved accuracy, enhanced comfort, and faster target acquisition. The right accessories can also contribute to a more secure and enjoyable shooting experience. By understanding the available options and carefully selecting accessories that complement your specific requirements, you can transform your Taurus PT92 AF into a truly personalized and optimized firearm. This guide serves as your starting point, helping you navigate the vast world of accessories and make informed decisions that best suit your needs.
Essential Gear for Your PT92 AF
A well-chosen collection of accessories can transform your Taurus PT92 AF. Let’s delve into the essential components that will not only enhance your gun but also contribute to a safer and more efficient shooting experience.
Finding the Right Holster
The holster is arguably one of the most fundamental accessories for any handgun, including the Taurus PT92 AF. It serves not only as a means of carrying your firearm safely and securely but also as a crucial element of accessibility in a self-defense scenario.
Types of Holsters
Consider the types of holsters. Options are diverse. Inside-the-waistband holsters (IWB) are popular for concealed carry, offering a discreet way to carry your PT92 AF close to your body. Outside-the-waistband holsters (OWB) are a common choice for range use or open carry, providing easy access and often greater comfort. Shoulder holsters offer an alternative carry method, suitable for certain clothing styles or for those who prefer the distribution of weight across the shoulders. Tactical holsters, often incorporating features like light mounts and active retention systems, are popular among law enforcement and military personnel.
Materials Matter
Choosing the right holster material is critical. Kydex holsters are known for their durability, weather resistance, and precise molding. Leather holsters provide a classic look and feel, often molding to the shape of your firearm over time. Nylon holsters are a more budget-friendly option, though they may not offer the same level of retention or durability as Kydex or leather.
Key Considerations
Think about the factors that shape your decision. Concealment is a primary concern for IWB holsters; choose one that minimizes printing (the outline of the gun showing through clothing). Retention, or how firmly the holster holds the gun, is vital for safety and preventing accidental dislodgement. Comfort is paramount, especially for holsters worn for extended periods. Draw speed, the ease with which you can access your PT92 AF, is a crucial factor in self-defense situations.
Holster Recommendations
To get you started, a few holster brands are worth investigating. Look into brands such as Galco, known for their high-quality leather holsters and a wide array of options for the PT92 AF. DeSantis offers a broad range of holsters in various materials and styles, catering to different carrying preferences. Remember to try on several holsters, if possible, to determine the best fit and comfort for your specific body type and carry style.
Magazines and Management
Beyond the holster, consider the critical accessory: the magazine. Having reliable magazines and effective magazine management are crucial for both range practice and self-defense.
Magazine Capacity
The standard capacity magazines for the PT92 AF are often a starting point, however, you might consider extended magazines to enhance your firepower, offering additional rounds for increased capacity.
Magazine Pouches and Carriers
Explore magazine pouches and carriers. These come in many forms, from simple open-top pouches to more sophisticated carriers with retention features. The choice depends on your intended use. Single magazine pouches offer discreet and compact storage, while double or triple magazine pouches allow you to carry multiple magazines. Materials range from nylon and Kydex to leather, each offering different levels of durability and style.
Speed Loading
Speed is key when reloading. Magazine loaders, also known as speed loaders or magazine assist tools, can significantly expedite the process of loading magazines. These devices often allow you to load rounds quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time at the range.
Reliable Magazine Options
Always opt for reliable aftermarket magazine options. Reputable brands such as Mec-Gar are known for manufacturing high-quality magazines that are compatible with the PT92 AF, providing reliable feeding and performance. These can be a wise investment to augment your magazine collection.
Grip and Handling
The grip of your Taurus PT92 AF has a significant impact on your comfort, control, and accuracy. Modifying or upgrading the grip can significantly enhance your shooting experience.
Grip Types
Experiment with grip types. Options include rubber, wood, and aluminum grips. Rubber grips offer a comfortable and secure hold, often providing enhanced traction, even in wet conditions. Wooden grips, offering a classic aesthetic, can add to the gun’s overall look. Aluminum grips, provide exceptional durability and a tactical feel, adding weight and potentially aiding in recoil management.
Benefits of Each
Think about the benefits of each. Rubber grips are prized for their grip and shock absorption qualities. Wooden grips may provide a classic appearance. Aluminum grips offer a tactical feel and a more robust build.
Grip Modifications
Consider grip modifications. Stippling, a process of applying a textured pattern to the grip surface, increases friction and enhances control, particularly in adverse conditions. Grip tape can provide a cost-effective way to improve grip, offering a similar level of traction to stippling. Grip panels, specifically designed to replace the factory grips, offer a straightforward way to change the look, feel, and performance of your PT92 AF.
Grip Upgrade Recommendations
Look into grip upgrade recommendations. Hogue is a leading brand in grip modifications for firearms. Their rubber grips are celebrated for their comfort and durability, while their grip panels provide a range of textures and styles to suit personal preferences.
Aiming for Excellence: Sights
The sights on your Taurus PT92 AF play a critical role in accuracy. Upgrading your sights can vastly improve your target acquisition and shooting performance.
Sight Types
Understand the types of sights. Iron sights, the standard sights that come with most firearms, consist of a front sight and a rear sight. These are simple, reliable, and require no batteries. Red dot sights offer a bright, illuminated aiming point, making target acquisition faster and easier, especially in low-light conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Think about the advantages and disadvantages. Iron sights are durable and require no batteries. Red dot sights are fast, easy to acquire, and provide a clear sight picture but require batteries and can be more costly.
Compatibility
Ensure compatibility with the PT92 AF. Look for sights that are specifically designed or adaptable for the PT92 AF. Some modifications may be needed for installation, such as the use of a dovetail adapter or a rail system.
Sight Upgrade Recommendations
Seek sight upgrade recommendations. Trijicon produces high-quality sights known for their durability and low-light performance, popular for both the range and self-defense. XS Sights are renowned for their big dot sights, offering a large, easily visible front sight that enhances rapid target acquisition.
Illumination and Targeting: Lights and Lasers
For enhanced target identification and threat assessment, consider adding lights and lasers to your Taurus PT92 AF.
Options Explored
Explore the options. Weapon-mounted lights attach to the firearm, providing illumination in low-light environments. Laser sights project a visible laser dot onto the target, aiding in aiming.
The Benefits
Understand the benefits. Lights illuminate the target, allowing for positive identification and assessing potential threats. Lasers offer fast target acquisition and can be particularly useful in stressful situations.
Mounting and Compatibility
Ensure compatibility. Many lights and lasers are designed to mount on a rail system. Carefully evaluate the mounting options for your PT92 AF.
Safety First
Prioritize safety. Always practice safe gun handling and follow all applicable laws regarding the use of lights and lasers.
Recommendations
Seek light/laser recommendations. Streamlight and Surefire offer high-quality weapon-mounted lights and laser sights known for their durability, brightness, and reliability.
Maintenance: Keeping Your PT92 AF in Top Condition
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliable performance and longevity of your Taurus PT92 AF.
Importance of Maintenance
Proper gun maintenance is critical. Consistent cleaning and lubrication prevent malfunctions, corrosion, and ensure the gun functions reliably.
Essential Supplies
Acquire essential cleaning supplies. A good cleaning kit should include a bore brush (specific to the 9mm caliber), solvents to dissolve powder residue, lubricants to keep moving parts functioning smoothly, cleaning rods, patches, and a cleaning mat.
Cleaning Kits
Consider recommended cleaning kits. Many brands offer complete cleaning kits that include all the necessary components for maintaining your PT92 AF. Individual products can also be purchased.
Other Useful Accessories
Beyond the primary essentials, several other accessories can further enhance your shooting experience and the practicality of your Taurus PT92 AF.
Ammunition
Understand the type of ammunition your PT92 AF uses. The PT92 AF is chambered in 9mm. There are a variety of types to select from. Consider the distinction between ball and hollow-point rounds. Ball ammunition is typically used for target practice. Hollow-point rounds are designed to expand upon impact, providing greater stopping power.
Ammunition Brands
Choose ammunition from reputable brands. Brands like Federal, Hornady, and Winchester are known for producing reliable and accurate ammunition.
Spare Parts
Having spare parts on hand can prevent downtime if a component fails. Replaceable parts include springs, pins, and other components that might wear out over time.
Quality Parts
Ensure your PT92 AF is always running with quality parts.
Common Parts
Consider the common replacement parts. Spare firing pin springs and recoil springs are always good to have in your gun safe.
Finding Parts
Know where to buy these parts. Gun stores, online retailers, and reputable gunsmiths are good places to buy spare parts.
Range Bags and Cases
Protect your Taurus PT92 AF and transport it safely with a suitable range bag or case.
Bags and Cases Types
Select from the different types of range bags and cases. Hard cases offer maximum protection, while soft cases are more compact and convenient for transporting your firearm. Range bags offer a complete solution for your shooting gear, with compartments for your gun, magazines, ammunition, and other essentials.
Features to Look For
Look for features such as ample storage compartments, durable construction, and padding to protect your firearm from damage.
Range Bag Recommendations
Seek recommendations. Consider brands such as Plano or Vism for range bags or cases to keep your gear safely stored.
Before You Buy
Before you start acquiring accessories for your Taurus PT92 AF, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Budget
Determine how much you want to spend. Accessories can range from budget-friendly to expensive.
Intended Use
Define your needs. Determine what you intend to do with your firearm. Are you shooting for competition, self-defense, or casual range use?
Compatibility
Always ensure that the accessory is compatible with your specific model of the PT92 AF.
Legal Regulations
Keep in mind that state and local regulations can affect the types of accessories you can purchase.
Where to Shop
There are several avenues for purchasing accessories for your Taurus PT92 AF:
Gun Stores
Gun stores, both local and online. Local gun stores often offer hands-on expertise and assistance, while online retailers provide a wider selection and competitive pricing.
Online Retailers
Explore popular online retailers. Retailers like Amazon, Brownells, and MidwayUSA offer vast inventories and convenient shopping experiences.
Gun Shows
Gun shows can be a great venue for finding a wide selection of accessories.
Conclusion
Choosing the right accessories can have a huge impact on the shooting experience. By carefully selecting accessories, you can refine your Taurus PT92 AF to fit your needs. Remember to research accessories and choose items that match your goals. Start improving your Taurus PT92 AF today!
