Beretta M9A1 Review and Price
A Comprehensive Guide
Technical Data
-
System
DA/SA
-
Weight (Empty Mag.)
33.9 Oz (961 g)
-
Calibar
9x19 mm
-
Barrel Length
4.9″(125 mm)
-
Mag. Capacity
10 and 15 Rounds
In this Beretta M9A1 review article, you will find out what made this version superior, and you’ll also get informed about this handgun in detail. You will also find out Beretta’s price for this handgun. The Beretta M9A1 is a semi-automatic handgun first introduced in 2006 as an ultimate evolution of the Beretta M9, in use since 1985. This pistol comes in two caliber types, 9mm x 19 Parabellum and .22 LR. One can find both types of ammunition in online stores.
Table of Contents
This tactical pistol is not the cheapest handgun on the market, but its features justify its price. Depending on the retailer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $800 for this handgun.
Features of Beretta M9A1
Grip and Textures
The Beretta M9A1 has a redesigned grip that features a new checkering pattern and textures to improve the shooter’s grip. It was done in response to feedback from military and law enforcement personnel who said that the original M9 grip was too slippery. The grip’s backstrap has also been redesigned to be more ergonomic and fit the hand better. Slide serration has also been added to this law enforcement pistol. The design makes it easier for you to grip and rack the slide of your handgun, making it easier to load the first bullet into the chamber.
Size and Weight
The pistol is lighter than the original M9, weighing 33.9 oz. This makes it easier for you to carry and handle your handgun. The Beretta M9A1 measures 5.4 inches in height, 8.5 inches in length, and 1.5 inches in width. It has a barrel length of 4.9 inches. The Beretta M9A1 comes in both 10 and 15 round magazine capacity. It is also compatible with two types of calibers, 9mm x 19 Parabellum and .22 LR.
Stopping Power
The Beretta M9A1 can stop a target in its tracks with multiple shots due to the large size and intensity of the bullet that this handgun shoots. Despite being smaller than the average semi-automatic handgun, other features make it more powerful. These features include a rotating barrel that absorbs recoil by unlocking from the slide when firing and a low bore axis that helps reduce muzzle rise. This carry pistol is capable of shooting accurately even when fired rapidly.
Safety Features
The Beretta M9A1 has several safety features that make it a safe handgun to use. These features include an ambidextrous manual safety, a firing pin block, and a magazine disconnect. These features make it easier to operate your handgun, even if you are left-handed. The manual safety of this handgun is located on the frame, which makes it easier for you to engage and disengage it. The firing pin block is to prevent accidental firing. It moves in front of the firing pin when not in use. Magazine disconnect disengages the trigger when the magazine is removed from your handgun. It also prevents you from firing if there is no magazine inserted in your Beretta M9A1.
Slide Stop and Magazine Release
It has an open slide design that allows you to easily see your magazine to check the number of bullets left. It also makes it easier for you to remove, insert and change magazines. The slide design of this law enforcement pistol makes it easier for you to load, reload and release the slide. The Beretta M9A1 has a slide stop mechanism that is external and located on the left side of the frame. It is ambidextrous, which means it can be engaged by either the left or right hand, and hence it is easier for you to engage and disengage it with your thumb.
The Beretta M9A1 has a push-button magazine release on the base of its handle, making it easier for you to engage and disengage it with your index finger. The magazine release button lets you load a new magazine into your handgun. The magazine release is also located on the left side of the frame, making it easy for you to press it with your thumb. These features make it easy to reload your firearm in an emergency.
Trigger Mechanism
The Beretta M9A1 has a double-action/single-action trigger mechanism that automatically cocks the hammer when you pull back the slide making it easier to fire bullets rapidly in succession. Single action triggers can only release the hammer or striker when you pull the trigger and do not cock it again as in double-action. It makes it more difficult to shoot rapidly, as you must first cock the hammer by pulling back the slide. Double action refers to a type of firearm where pulling the trigger can both release and cock the gun’s hammer/striker, so every squeeze of the trigger will result in a complete firing cycle.
It is different from a single action, where the gun must first be manually cocked before every shot. This handgun also has an external hammer with a half cock position preventing accidental firing while loading bullets into the chamber. These features make it safer for you to load bullets into your pistol. This pistol has a fully rounded trigger guard that makes it easier to fire your handgun, even if your hands are wet or wearing gloves. Trigger pull is about 5 pounds, which results in a more accurate shot.
Recoil and Muzzle Flip
The Beretta uses a rotating barrel mechanism that reduces the felt recoil and muzzle flip by up to 30%, compared to other handguns. Therefore, it is easier to fire successive shots without feeling much of a difference between each shot. The Beretta M9A1 has a low bore axis, which is located below the line of sight and results in less muzzle flip. It makes it easier for you to fire your handgun, even if you are inexperienced with it.
Aesthetics
The Beretta M9A1 comes with a Bruniton finish, which gives it a unique look and protects it from corrosion. It also has military-style interchangeable grip panels that make it easier for you to hold on to your handgun. This law enforcement pistol also comes with a 3-dot sight system for quick acquisition. These 3-dot sights are in the same plane, which allows you to have a more accurate shot. These are removable sights allowing you to install aftermarket sights on them. This can be beneficial if your current set of sights is damaged or broken.
This handgun has a 4.9-inch barrel. The hammer-forged barrels are cold-forged for increased strength, durability, and longevity. They resist wearing even in the harshest environmental conditions, making your job easier when you need to fire your handgun in adverse weather conditions. The integral Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rail is a bracket attached to a firearm that allows you to attach tactical lights, laser sighting devices, or action cameras.
Advantages of Beretta M9A1
Threaded Barrel
The Beretta M9A1 comes with a threaded barrel, making attaching a sound suppressor, compensator, or muzzle brake. These devices can help you achieve better accuracy as they reduce your handgun’s muzzle flip and recoil.
Accessory Rail
This law enforcement and best-in-class military pistol also come with an accessory rail, which allows you to attach tactical lights, laser sighting devices, or action cameras. It can be beneficial if your current set of sights is damaged or broken.
Adjustable Sights
The pistol also comes with adjustable sights making it easier for you to adjust your sights to your liking. It is beneficial if you cannot see your current sights or are damaged.
Magazine Well
The M9A1 also comes with an enlarged magazine well, which has an aggressive internal bevel, allowing you to speed load your handgun while firing more rounds.
Reliability
This standard sidearm has a fully-forged metal alloy frame. It makes it more durable as it can handle tough environmental conditions that damage other pistols. The rotating barrel also reduces felt recoil, allowing you to fire your handgun smoothly and accurately.
Disadvantages of Beretta M9A1
Safety Mechanism
The Beretta M9A1 has a manual safety mechanism, which can be a disadvantage if you are not familiar with its use. This can be an issue if you are in a situation where you need to fire your handgun quickly.
Size
This handgun is slightly larger, which can be difficult to conceal if you intend. It makes it a good military and law enforcement primary sidearm but not ideal for home defense or personal carry.
Aftermarket Accessories - Beretta M9A1 Review and Price
There are many aftermarket accessories that you can use with the Beretta M9A1. This includes sound suppressors, compensators, and muzzle brakes to help reduce recoil and muzzle flip. You can also find tactical lights, laser sighting devices, and action cameras to attach to the accessory rail on this handgun.
Sights
There are a variety of aftermarket sights that you can install on the Beretta M9A1 if your current sights are damaged or not working properly. It includes night sights, fiber-optic sights, and tritium sights.
Grips
The Beretta M9A1 comes with interchangeable grip panels, which give you more freedom on how you want to hold your handgun. You can use smaller or larger grip panels based on your preference and needs.
Lowers
You can also make modifications such as replacing the trigger, slide stop lever, magazine release button, mag well, and grips with aftermarket parts or original factory parts from Beretta.
Magazine
The Beretta M9A1 magazines are also replaceable with extended and high-capacity magazines. It gives you more flexibility, as you can carry more ammunition, so you don’t have to reload as often during a firefight.
Magazine Pouches
You can also attach magazine pouches to your tactical vest or battle belt, which you can use to carry spare magazines for your handgun. It will allow reloading when one of your magazines is running low quickly.
Slings
You can also use a sling to carry your Beretta M9A1. It can be helpful if you carry other gear with you and don’t want to hold the handgun in your hands.
Holsters
One can carry this handgun in a holster that can fit on your tactical vest, battle belt, or other equipment. You just have to make sure the holster is compatible with your sidearm.
Beretta M9A1 Leather Right Hand Holster
This holster from Beretta is made from high-quality leather material, which provides a good fit and durability. It can be attached to tactical equipment such as tactical vests and battle belts. You should have no issues maneuvering around tight spaces with this holster because of its flexible construction. This holster is specifically designed for the Beretta M9A1 and will not fit other handguns. It has a compact and flat rear profile; this makes the holster an ideal choice if you want to conceal your handgun. It’s also comfortable to wear as it sits close to your body and has a soft lining.
This holster comes with a thumb break safety that offers extra security. It can be opened quickly and easily, is convenient, and allows you to draw your weapon faster. It’s constructed from high-quality leather material, as mentioned above, and has a metal clip for attaching it securely to trousers or battle belts. There is also a release lever on the holster, making it easy to take your handgun in and out. It is a great feature if you need to access your weapon quickly in an emergency. The holster includes a GC Snap device that allows you to attach it to tactical vests or battle belts.
FAQs
What are some of the Beretta M9A1’s features?
Some of the Beretta M9A1’s features include a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories, interchangeable grip panels, adjustable sights, and a reversible magazine release.
Can I use different magazines with the Beretta M9A1?
Yes, you can use both standard and extended magazines with this handgun.
How to attach a laser sighting device onto the Beretta M9A1?
You can attach a laser sighting device by attaching it to the accessory rail on your handgun. Most lasers will come with the appropriate hardware that you need for this.
What is the material of this handgun?
It has superior steel construction, which makes it more durable than other pistols to use in harsh environments. The frames and slides are made of a steel alloy, while the grip is a polymer.
Conclusion
Hopefully, Beretta M9A1 review and price has given you a little better understanding of this handgun. It is a great choice for military and law enforcement personnel and those looking for a reliable and durable sidearm. There are many aftermarket accessories that you can use to customize your handgun to fit your needs, so be sure to explore those options. We appreciate your time and hope you have a great day.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
- Holsters2022.03.04Best Barsony Holster
