Check out this news out of Beretta: The M9A3
The new Beretta M9A3.
After delivering over 600,000 M9 pistols to the DOD and on the heels of being awarded a new contract for up to 100,000 M9s, Beretta USA announced today the presentation of the M9A3 to the US Army. The M9A3 introduces major improvements to the M9 that will increase the operational effectiveness and operational suitability of the weapon. The improvements include design and material enhancements resulting in increased modularity, reliability, durability, and ergonomics. They are being submitted via an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) in accordance with the terms of the current M9 contract.
Made in the U.S.A. by an American workforce since 1987, the M9 has been the sidearm of the U.S. Armed Forces for nearly 30 years; serving with U.S. service men and women in training and combat operations throughout the world. The M9A3 is designed for the next 30 years – delivering 21st century capability and features while increasing usability and reliability.
“The M9A3 represents the next generation military handgun utilizing the best of the legacy M9 combined with proven COTS modifications that increase performance and durability” stated Gabriele de Plano, Vice President of Military Marketing and Sales for Beretta USA. Mr. de Plano added, “After listening closely to the needs of U.S. Army and other Service small arms representatives, we determined the M9, much like its counterpart legacy weapon systems (M4, M16, M240, etc.), was capable of being upgraded through material and design changes. The resulting M9A3 we are offering to the DOD will likely cost less than the current M9 and answer almost all of the Services’ enhanced handgun requirements.”
The M9A3 features a thin grip with a removable, modular wrap-around grip, MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, removable front and rear tritium sights, extended and threaded barrel for suppressor use, 17-round sand resistant magazine, and numerous improved small components to increase durability and ergonomics, all in an earth tone finish.
“Furthermore, the M9A3 benefits from having a law enforcement and commercial variant that will be launched at S.H.O.T. Show 2015 in Las Vegas, NV” stated Rafe Bennett, Vice President of Product Marketing for Beretta USA. Mr. Bennett added, “The M9A3 offered to the DOD is the exact gun that consumers will be able to purchase in the second quarter of 2015.”
Is this gun ever going to become available to the civilian market. I have a Beretta collection but have never been able to locate this gun which was supposed to be available years back.
100 Million murdered by Governments in the last 100 years attest to the 9’s effectiveness. I have shot the M-9 Beretta and the Beretta Inox and there is hardly any comparison in quality. The Inox is one sweet and slick babe. I would hope that the new military model would approach the quality of the Inox.
This weapon system is great. First of all it has been 30 years that the U.S. military has been using this as a sidearm. It has seen two major wars and several smaller ones. The 9mm round is sufficient enough at close range (CQB) situations. Also, consider the billions that will be saved in taxpayer revenue by just upgrading from the m9a1 to the m9a3. Not a lot of differences, and also the grip accommodates less than larger hands and that’s great for the smaller men and woman in the military. A 17 round mag adds a bit more firepower, and the piccatinny rail accompanies a light/laser when it has been shown that most CQB engagements occur at dusk or at night. Our vets including myself and the current active and reservists would not have to be retrained on a whole new weapon system and this one is about as simple as it gets. Simple=Better point blank period (no pun intended). I like it and believe that the 9mm round will get the job done when a rifle isn’t handy. 2 thumbs up to Beretta, I hope uncle Sam likes it too.
Frame mounted safety! Then I’d be in line.
Frame mounted safety! Then I’d be in line.
Frame mounted safety! Then I’d be in line.
This is more of the same. New paint, tweaked safety, and an accessory rail just are not good enough. Need more stopping power. I have never had a problem with my safeties. My safety is positioned firmly between my ears.
Stopping power is bullet placement. Shut down the centeral nervous system and the theart WILL stop.
Frame mounted safety! Then I’d be in line.
Says who?
But it is still only a 9mm. We need a 40 or 45cal in combat zones.