Beretta M9A3: Nixed by Army, avail @ retail, MSRP $1099.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military ... /75664308/

The above link is to an article in the "Army Times".

Although the US Army declined to buy the improved Beretta M9A3, it has been available to be
purchased on the civilian market since October 2015.

Beretta's website lists an MSRP of $1,099.00. YMMV may vary with regard to actual selling price.

SIA

[Beiruty]

At $699 it may sell well.

[Abraham]

Even at $699.00 (sheesh, just say $700.00) how well does it fare against a considerably less costly Glock, performance wise and dependability?

[Beiruty]

Even at $699.00 (sheesh, just say $700.00) how well does it fare against a considerably less costly Glock, performance wise and dependability?

All-steel frame cost more to make. If US DoD cannot qualify a handgun for combat, then we are all doomed. Should be rock solid, I have heard anecdotal complaints.

[Abraham]

Thanks Beiruty,

What specific complaints would they be?

[Beiruty]

Thanks Beiruty,

What specific complaints would they be?

Jamming. Not sure if it is true. However, I can blame wrist limping for any 1st time shooter (who mighty be the complainer when he enrolled)

[Abraham]

O.K. food for thought.

I think, I'll stay with Glocks.

[Beiruty]

O.K. food for thought.

I think, I'll stay with Glocks.

Review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F6P9c6JLQI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GOmunl4278

[ELB]

The M-9 has some problems early on - like 30 years ago - with cracking, and the slide occasionally ejecting itself, but I think since then it has been a fairly reliable handgun. I remember reading reports early in the Iraq invasion/occupation that there was a problem with bad magazines, and people in the States buying commercial ones to send to their sons/husbands/etc.

I think when the Army started making noises about getting a new handgun, Beretta woke up and tried to head it off by offering some new features (rails, grip, etc), making the pitch the Army could get what it wanted for much cheaper cost than a new acquisition, but so far the Army hasn't taken the bait.

I always thought the M-9 was kind of a big gun even for a double-stack 9mm. I shot it a bit in service and always had to crab my grip a bit.

[KHickam]

Well, I really like my Beretta - accurate, reliable bet my life on this gun for alot of years (still my go to war gun too) I like it alot - very accurate, trigger is very good for a stock gun - and now with the grip and modifications Beretta is doing with the A3 it is a very serviceable gun

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Over time I have read mixed reviews on the M9. Some people really like it, and my
impression would be that they sell a lot of them in the civilian market to veterans who
have gotten quite comfortable with it.

On the flip side I read that the Los Angeles, CA Sheriff's Department switched from Berettas
to Smith and Wesson M & P's (Military and Police), and found that the accuracy scores of
their LEO's went up significantly with the Smiths. YMMV.

SIA

[ScottDLS]

Over time I have read mixed reviews on the M9. Some people really like it, and my
impression would be that they sell a lot of them in the civilian market to veterans who
have gotten quite comfortable with it.

On the flip side I read that the Los Angeles, CA Sheriff's Department switched from Berettas
to Smith and Wesson M & P's (Military and Police), and found that the accuracy scores of
their LEO's went up significantly with the Smiths. YMMV.

SIA

I've owned one for almost 20 years and it's a tack driver. Very accurate and I've never had a FTF even when shooting crappy ammo. I've used lousy aftermarket mags that I had to get before the '94 AWB expired. I have a SIG P226, and just haven't been able to get the same accuracy out of it, though I like it too.

[jt88]

I don't understand the Beretta hate. The 92fs was my first gun. I learned to shoot and handle guns with it. I was in for a shock when I eventually started shooting other guns. Nothing is as accurate or solid feeling as my Beretta. It's a tack driver at up to 15-20 yards. 1200 rounds through it without a single hiccup. My confidence in this gun is through the roof.

The bad things you hear about these guns are from military guys using old, poorly maintained guns in extremely harsh environments. A civilian Beretta that's properly cared for is, in my opinion, the best handgun that you can buy. You just gotta keep it clean and wet, and you'll never have a problem with it.

I would carry mine every day if it weren't so big. I have my Safariland ready to open carry it as soon as I can. I also plan on buying an M9A3 as soon as they're back in stock.

[bnc]

I have nothing against the Beretta, but for that type of pistol I prefer a CZ.