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  4. Welcome Back: Classic Beretta M9A1 Returns to Production

An iconic "service grade" Beretta 92 variant has been relaunched for those feeling nostalgic for Veggie Omelet MREs and Jingle Trucks. 
 
While the standard M9 was adopted by the U.S. military in 1985, by 2005, it was a bit obsolete at a time when Marines were fighting during the GWOT days in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Marines went to Beretta with their concerns, looking for a "COTS," or commercial off-the-shelf, solution that would be more desert-friendly and allow the quick installation of a weapons light.

The resulting M9A1, which included a host of minor upgrades as well as a MIL-STD-1913 rail on the dustcover, 3-dot sights, increased checkering on the front and back strap of the grip, and new PVD-coated sand-resistant magazines, was quickly adopted by the Marines and rushed into use with deployed units overseas.  
 

"A U.S. Marine attached to the Black Sea Rotational Force fires an M9A1 on an advanced urban combat range for Platinum Lynx in the Babadag training area, Romania, Sept. 23rd, 2016." Note the weapon light. (Photo: Cpl. Clarence L. Wimberly/U.S. Marine Corps)


While Beretta continued evolving the design and in 2015 introduced the M9A3, keeping everything that was liked about the M9A1 but switching to a slim Vertec-style grip, the Marines switched gears in 2017 and moved to the M17 and M18 pistol (although M9s continued to be seen in Marine Corps service as late as 2023). This led to the M9A1, then a "sandbox" classic, falling by the wayside and moving into low production, notably with the gun still on the approved California Handgun Roster with 10-round mags. 

Now, Beretta advises the "Alpha One" has returned to the general catalog and includes its hallmark dual surface controls (ambi slide safety/decocker), a short reset trigger bar, front and backstrap checkering, and a frame-mounted accessory rail while keeping the old "thick" M9 grip rather than the more anorexic Vertec style grip. 
 

The reintroduced Beretta M9A1
The reintroduced Beretta M9A1 runs a 4.9-inch barrel and has an overall length of 8.5 inches. (Photo: Beretta)
The reintroduced Beretta M9A1
Weight, with its alloy frame, is 33.9 ounces. Note the checkered grip backstrap. (Photo: Beretta)
The reintroduced Beretta M9A1
Its DNA remains true to the circa 2005 COTS pistol ordered by the Marines. (Photo: Beretta)
The reintroduced Beretta M9A1
It ships in the classic blue clam shell case, rather than the more modern black case. (Photo: Beretta)


"The M9A1 has proven itself as a sidearm that can be relied upon in the most demanding environments," said Broxton Carlile, Beretta USA Pistol Product Manager. "We’re excited to make it available again to those who want a true piece of military history paired with the reliability of Beretta engineering."

The resurgent Beretta M9A1 9mm pistol ships with two PVD-coated 15-round magazines with an MSRP of $829. A California Compliant model is also available.

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