
Fabbrica · Pistol
Beretta M9A3
Short recoil (semi-automatic) · 9x19mm Parabellum · introduced 2015
Also known as M9A3 Type G, M9A3 FDE
About the Beretta M9A3
The Beretta M9A3 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A. since 2015. This Italian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 17-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense. The traditional DA/SA trigger system combines the safety of a long initial double-action pull with the precision of subsequent single-action shots, a time-proven design trusted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The 5.0-inch barrel provides an excellent balance between sight radius and portability, making it equally suitable for duty carry and recreational shooting. Weighing 947g (33.4 oz) empty, this firearm strikes a practical balance between manageable carry weight and sufficient mass to moderate felt recoil during shooting. The aluminum alloy frame achieves a notable weight reduction compared to all-steel construction while maintaining the structural rigidity required for safe, reliable operation. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.
The M9A3 was Beretta's last-ditch attempt to keep the M9 in U.S. military service. Proposed as an Engineering Change Proposal to upgrade existing M9 pistols, the Army rejected it in favor of launching the entirely new Modular Handgun System competition, which SIG Sauer ultimately won with the P320.
Beretta M9A3 specifications
General
- Type
- Pistol
- Action
- Short recoil (semi-automatic)
- Firing mechanism
- Double action single action
- Trigger
- Double action
- Trigger pull
- 5.4 kg (11.9 lb)
- Calibres
- 9x19mm Parabellum
- Magazine capacity
- 17 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 127 mm (5.0 in)
- Overall length
- 221 mm (8.7 in)
- Height
- 137 mm (5.4 in)
- Width
- 38 mm (1.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 0.95 kg (2.09 lb)
- Weight (loaded)
- 1.18 kg (2.59 lb)
- Sight radius
- 160 mm (6.3 in)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:10 in (250 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Aluminum
- Slide
- Steel
- Finish
- flat_dark_earth
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 381 m/s (1250 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 540 J (398 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 50 m
History
- Introduced
- 2015
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- IT
- Designer
- Carlo Beretta
Features
- Threaded barrel
- Picatinny rail
- Tritium night sights
- Vertec thin grip
- Interchangeable backstraps
- Sand resistant magazine
- Beveled mag well
- Front and rear slide serrations
- Suppressor height sights
Safety
- Ambidextrous manual safety
- Decocking lever
- Firing pin block
- Hammer half cock
The M9A3 was originally proposed to the U.S. Army as an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to upgrade existing M9 pistols, but was rejected in January 2015, leading to the MHS competition. The M9A3 uses the same Beretta 92 series magazines but includes upgraded sand-resistant variants. The Type G (decocker-only) variant eliminates the manual safety lever. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 for suppressor attachment. The Beretta 92 series has been in production since 1975 and is one of the most widely issued military pistols in the world.
This is a variant of the Beretta 92FS.
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