The Beretta M9: 25 Years of Service

[m24]

A U.S. military contract truly did seem an impossible goal for a foreign company in 1978, the year Congress issued its directive to the Dept. of Defense instructing it to search for a new 9 mm handgun to replace the M1911A1.

Although the M1911 was widely recognized as a reliable, powerful and iconic sidearm of American military might, and was a favorite with veterans, soldiers and traditionalists, Congress decided that maintaining the stockpile of M1911s and some 20 other types of military sidearms was impractical. Many of the M1911s were old and in disrepair. Maintaining ammunition and parts supply for the vast array of sidearms incurred unnecessary costs. Also, Congress believed it was imperative that the U.S. adopt the standard 9 mm Luger round so its soldiers could work more closely in the field with its NATO allies.

The original Beretta 92 went through a long series of design changes during its development. In the end, the Beretta Model 92SB-F passed some of the most rigorous military firearm testing in modern history to become the “Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9 mm, M9.” In exceeding the performance of all other entries, the 92SB-F overcame political, legal and technical hurdles—in addition to harsh criticism from both military and civilian firearm enthusiasts and supporters of the M1911.

A great read, rest of the article is available as a six page download pdf file from: http://www.americanrifleman.org/Article ... 24&id=2000

Regards

[tingriman]

Nice article, thank you for sharing.

cheers,
tingriman

[hvj1]

Probably I am one of the lucky few in India, who has shot with this pistol quite easily over ten thousand rounds, believe me the M 9 shoots so smoothly, that one can scarcely believe that you are firing a 9mm. Superb sights, trigger breaks very cleanly, I have never experienced any jamming even after firing so many rounds. The grouping and accuracy is phenomenal. One of my deepest regrets is that I can never own one as personal side arm.

[m24]

Probably I am one of the lucky few in India, who has shot with this pistol quite easily over ten thousand rounds,

Can you share that experience, 10k rounds with a Beretta M9.

One of my deepest regrets is that I can never own one as personal side arm.

And hvj1, the regret's mutual. Don't understand the logic of govt. declaring 9mm parabellum as PB.

Regards

[Vikram]

M24,

Interesting article.I am really enjoying the way you are picking educative and interesting articles for all of us to read,educate ourselves and enjoy.Thank you.

Best-
Vikram

[hvj1]

Dear M24
I was the Shooting Coach for the Armoured Corps Center from 1996to 2001. My team took part in the ARA Army SHooting Competitions. The pistol events are shot with the standard sidearm the 9mm. Initially we were using the IOF 9mm, during that period, most elite regiments of the armoured corp were given the Berettas. We took 20 of these pistols from various regiments.
Each day, each team member fired a minimum of 100 rounds. Roughly 25000 rounds a year!. As mentioned before, as a coach, I had to demonstrate shooting skills, so over a period of three years, you can well imagine the number of rounds I fired. Also, we ran through the first batch of twenty pistols and had to acquire a new batch. Obviously at the rate we were pooping of rounds,even the beretta pistols went through the roughest of wear and tear. But these pistols far outclassed the IOF junk. In fact it would be sacrilege to compare the two in the first place.
Those were the HAPPY DAYS!
BR

[Risala]

It has been the standard issue for the Armd Corps from the mid 80's....my unit was among the first to get it in circa 1985-86....I laid my hands on it for the first time in Oct 86.....a very robust,rugged and reliable handgun...never had a single misfire or jam....and they were put to serious use...

[m24]

Thanks tingriman, Vikram.

hvj1, I am glad at least some among us had the opportunity to handle a Beretta, you and Sanjay to name a few. Going OT, what is the ARA army shooting competition, that you've mentioned. Is it like the Annual US Army International Sniper competition??

Regards

[hvj1]

M24
The ARA competitions (Army Rifle Association) was formerly a biannual competition, where there are events for the rifle, pistol and mix of pistol and sten. The objective of these competitions was to raise the and assess the marksmanship skill of Indian Army Units. Initially, competitions were held COmmand wise, that is teams from units within each command were formed by holding competitions at different levels, div level and so on. The best firers were selected to represent each command. One of the events was the 'Young Blood' Competitions in rifle and pistol. These were open for soldiers below the age of 18 years. The best firers were selected to the AMU, Army Marksmanship Unit for further training. Best shooters from the AMU represented the Army at the National Championships and if selected (based on performance) were picked up to represent India.
Subsequently changes have taken place in the ARA format, specifically, the Young Blood competition is now conducted with air rifles and air pistols. Also the competition is now held Center wise, that is the Guards Center, MIRC center, Armd Corps etc.
BR

[m24]

Any reason why the comps. are being held with Air rifles and air pistols instead of actual firearms?? Can't see the logic.

Regards

[hvj1]

Dear M24
The air rifles and air pistols are the ones which are used for national/international competitions.Air rifle and air pistol shooting as you are well aware, is the 'mother discipline' for shooting sports. Mastery or proficiency in these events is a good indicator that the shooter will perform well in firearm events. Why ? That is because the 'follow through' in the air pistol and air rifle is the most crucial and difficult, owing to the fact, when the shooter hears the shot being fired, he must continue to hold the weapon the same way, before during and after the shot. Especially in the air pistol and rifle, the pellet is just emerging from the barrel, when the shot is heard. Any movement during this point of time will cause the pellet to deviate from its path.
The decision to hold young blood competitions in air pistol/rifle is a very good one in view of the above and it also shows, that the army brass is 'on the ball' and quick to make the necessary changes in the previous format where 9mms and 7.62/5.56 were used.
Regards

[timmy]

Great article, thanks m24!

[marksman]

hvj1,
I am most curious to know how these m-9s behaved with our IOF issued 9mm ammo. Their rims are uneven, so is the combustion, not to talk of the ill effects of our highly corrosive primer compounds. I have witnessed the Glocks failing to feed at times that are issued to Mumbai police. Many officers who are fond of shooting these pistols have had the chambers of their pistols polished for reliability to accommodate the sub standard ammo. Of course it is the man behind the pistol eventually but then he is as good as the ammo he shoots.When will our Babus handling this issue learn this simple fact.
Marksman

-- 16 Dec 2009 01:24 pm --

PS: I know

[hvj1]

Dear Marksman,
You will be surprised to know, that the Berretas had no problems in accepting the IOF ammo. After every shoot,every weapon was cleaned thoroughly, as is the common practice in the Army after every shoot. To clean the barrels of the pistols, we used a short 5 to 6 mm thick and roughly 10 inches long bamboo stick, to shove in a piece of oiled lint, wrapped carefully around one end of the stick, thereafter each firer gave the barrel a thorough once over. That done, the barrel was checked, any evidence of dirt or foreign matter was promptly removed. Each gun was stripped and cleaned with great care. The Berretas responded to this care and HOW? The guns NEVER JAMMED.
BR

[lionheartguru]

i dont agree to "marksman"

i have fired a couple of rounds(25) from Glock and once from Berretta too.... Berretta , no dbout is good...but Glock as you may know is for tactical purpose , if maintained well , will give performance...coz i know these mumbai cops all my life , they never care for the maintenance part...crime branch and narcotics are exception...

otherwise Glock is good similar to Berretta...