Keefe Report: Beretta Tries Again with the M9A3

by
posted on February 13, 2015

Beretta, the maker of the standard-issue "U.S. Pistol, M9" for 30 years, has submitted to the U.S. Army its Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to the contract signed in 2012 for up to 100,000 pistols as another attempt to improve the pistol bought by its largest single customer. After the widely reported rejection of Beretta’s ECP in late January, Beretta resubmitted through proper channels again, letting the Army know it can make the changes it wants—not necessarily all of them. The resubmission took place about 10 days ago, and Beretta has not received a thumbs up or down from the Army at the time of this writing. undefined

I have written and done videos about the M9A3 before, and thought the pistol was of sufficient interest to spend a day in Accokeek, Md., with Beretta's Vice President of Defense Marketing and Operations, Gabriele DePlano, to dig deeper on the changes to the M9 (see video for full interview). The M9A3 incorporates a number of improvements identified by Beretta, soldiers and the Request for Proposal (RFP) of the relatively new Modular Handgun System (MHS). Beretta has done a good job of updating a pistol designed in the 1970s, tweaked into the M9 of 1985, and used by soldiers since the Reagan Administration, to make it more suitable for the modern solider—meaning one that has many features needed on a military combat handgun today that is also more likely to fit all soldiers' hands. 

Reasons for the rejection are not clear at this time, as the Army initially said there were too many changes. But the Army and other branches often incorporate more numerous ECPs from its contractors, regardless of the "weapon system." The MHS, which you can read about here, I am told is on hold at this time. And the M9A3 was not eligible for participation in that trial, anyway.

If the MHS program restarts, look for all major handgun manufacturers to participate.  A free and open competition that results in the best combat handgun for our troops is a laudable goal. No one wants anything but the best tool for the job for the troops that put their lives on the line for the sake of our Freedom. 

But one cannot help but wonder why a more modern version of the M9 that could be made under the current contract with little more than a stroke of the pen could not be looked at until the MHS is eventually tested, decided and adopted. If the M9 is the only option for new production handguns entering service at present, why not provide the most up-to-date variant? If 9x19 mm NATO M9s are the only pistols allowed under current procurement rules and contract, why not look hard at features soldiers say they need with the gun they already have before the next design (perhaps the result of the MHS ) is tested and adopted? 

Obviously, the M9 is not the most current handgun design on the market. Are there more modern designs? Of course. The Army needs to decide what it wants out of a sidearm. Then come up with the money to pay for it.

While the Army may be been less than enthusiastic so far on the M9A3, it appears that consumers most assuredly are. Look for the upgraded Beretta on your dealers' shelves later on this year. 

 

Latest

John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background
John Parker flowing piece flintlock muzzleloader right-side view on white background

Captain John Parker's Fowler: Witness To History

While thousands of firearms were used in and around the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, few survive today. One survivor is the flintlock fowler used by Capt. John Parker of the Lexington militia.

New For 2025: Mossberg 590M Standoff & 500 Slugster Pump Shotguns

The Mossberg 500 is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns ever made. That doesn’t keep the company from making updates and improvements, as evidenced in the new-for-2025 590M Standoff and 500 Slugster series.

Preview: Warthog Sharpeners V-Sharp Elite A4

Warthog USA’s V-Sharp Elite A4 pairs the company’s most feature-packed portable blade-sharpening unit with a detachable wooden base for added stability.

The Men & Guns Of Lexington Green

On April 19, 1775, 250 years ago, approximately 80 armed militiamen from Lexington gathered on their village green to confront several hundred British infantrymen. The events of that morning began a conflict that would ultimately establish the United States of America.

"Battle Road" & The British Retreat To Boston: 250 Years Later

After the fights at Lexington and Concord's North Bridge, the British column had to return to Boston. On its way, the regulars were set upon by hundreds, then thousands, of armed militiamen hell bent on revenge.

Preview: Hawke Airmax 2-7X 32 mm AO

Shooters looking to add optics to their air rifles should choose airgun-specific scopes such as those in Hawke’s Airmax line—which offers four models.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.