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Beretta M9A3

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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