The Beretta M9 was adopted by the United States Armed Forces in 1985 and officially entered service in 1990 after emerging victorious from a series of trials designed to test its suitability for the field. After being subjected to a battery of field tests that saw the pistol exposed to extreme temperatures, submerged in salt water, buried in various compositions and dropped repeatedly on concrete, the pistol beat out several models from top manufacturers, including: Colt, Fabrique Nationale, Heckler & Koch, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Steyr and Walther. Another noteworthy aspect of the pistol is its outstanding mean rounds before failure, or MRBF, which is reportedly 35,000. This means that on average, the pistol can cycle 35,000 rounds before experiencing a jam. Seeing as how this is believed to exceed the expected service time of the pistol by over five times, you can understand why this firearm is noted for its reliability.
Though the pistol is very highly praised, there were some criticisms made when it was introduced into service. Several soldiers expressed their concerns regarding stopping power with the 9mm full metal jacket, as hollow points and other expanding bullets are strictly prohibited from use in warfare per the Hague Convention of 1899.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent pistol for civilian use, especially in matters of self-defense as hollow points would be legal and increase the stopping power of the 9mm cartridge. Consider the Beretta M9 for:
- Collections
- Reenactments
- Sport shooting
- Match shooting
- Self-defense
- Much more…
Though the M1911 was replaced by the Beretta M9 as the official sidearm of the United States Armed Forces, it still remains in use by select units, including the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
Beretta
Beretta, also known as Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, is an Italian arms manufacturer established in 1526, making it the oldest active arms manufacturer today. The company has been owned by the Beretta family since its inception and now has a factory in the United States – right down the road in Accokeek, Maryland.
