Beretta M9A3
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Sergei Mosin
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Saw one at the LGS. Nice gun, but pretty pricey for what it is.
JTQ
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I don't intend to buy one as I think they are pretty pricey, I don't care for the color, and I have no use for the threaded barrel. However, I think what the M9A3 brings to the whole 92/M9 line-up is a big deal if the general features of the M9A3 find their way into other models in the 92/M9 line-up.
The threaded barrel option will appeal to a lot of folks. The Vertec grip with the additional modular grip that offers a standard 92/M9 grip is a really good idea.
The really big deal is the slide on the M9A3. The slide has a front dovetail allowing sight options without having to go to the Brigadier size slide, I know the 92A1 offers that, but the biggest deal is the M9A3 is user convertible from safety/decocker to decocker only. This used to be a gunsmith level change and will make a huge difference to owners, unless Beretta simply begins to offer all their guns as G-models (decocker only).
The threaded barrel option will appeal to a lot of folks. The Vertec grip with the additional modular grip that offers a standard 92/M9 grip is a really good idea.
The really big deal is the slide on the M9A3. The slide has a front dovetail allowing sight options without having to go to the Brigadier size slide, I know the 92A1 offers that, but the biggest deal is the M9A3 is user convertible from safety/decocker to decocker only. This used to be a gunsmith level change and will make a huge difference to owners, unless Beretta simply begins to offer all their guns as G-models (decocker only).
bannockburn
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The biggest design feature that I like about the M9A3 is that they're using the Vertec grip frame as this makes reaching the trigger better for those with smaller size hands.
The price is just stupid in my opinion. I'd rather have a regular used Beretta M9 than to pay that huge price for the new one . The only thing I can think of that is positive for me is that they have the option of being decocker-only or safety-decock. But I am not sure that is set in stone .
JTQ
Member
I don't think the price is out of line. However, it doesn't really buy me stuff I want.
For the suppressor guys, how much does it cost for a threaded barrel? How much does it cost to have a gunsmith convert your F model to G model? How much premium does the railed and dovetailed sight guns carry over an M9/92FS? The Vertec with standard grip capability is basically a freebie since you can't get that on any other Beretta.
If you add it all up, the price is pretty reasonable, if you have a need for all those features. You certainly can get a G model cheaper, but no rail or dovetailed sights, you can get a … you get the point.
For the suppressor guys, how much does it cost for a threaded barrel? How much does it cost to have a gunsmith convert your F model to G model? How much premium does the railed and dovetailed sight guns carry over an M9/92FS? The Vertec with standard grip capability is basically a freebie since you can't get that on any other Beretta.
If you add it all up, the price is pretty reasonable, if you have a need for all those features. You certainly can get a G model cheaper, but no rail or dovetailed sights, you can get a … you get the point.
OregonJohnny
Member
Yes, much like when the Wilson Combat/Beretta 92G Brigadier Tactical was released, people are quick to judge the sticker price. But when you add up the individual features and upgrades, the price starts to appear reasonable.
The M9A3 will eventually come from the factory in either F or G configuration, with the ability to switch back and forth with the right parts. However, nobody has seen a G in the wild yet. All models released so far have been F. And we are yet to see the G conversion parts. The rumor on berettaforum.net is that the conversion parts will be compatible with all models of the 92 series, which would be a HUGE deal. Up until now, if you wanted to change your 92FS to a G, you either had to buy a complete G gun or slide assembly, or send your slide to a gunsmith to mill some internal part of the slide to make the G parts work.
The M9A3 will eventually come from the factory in either F or G configuration, with the ability to switch back and forth with the right parts. However, nobody has seen a G in the wild yet. All models released so far have been F. And we are yet to see the G conversion parts. The rumor on berettaforum.net is that the conversion parts will be compatible with all models of the 92 series, which would be a HUGE deal. Up until now, if you wanted to change your 92FS to a G, you either had to buy a complete G gun or slide assembly, or send your slide to a gunsmith to mill some internal part of the slide to make the G parts work.
JTQ
Member
Yes it would.
Panzerschwein
member
I think they are flat out awesome.
Add the fact that you get an awesome carrying case, a total of three mags, some other junk, and I think the price isn't as awful as people are letting on. However, on the auction sites, I've seen them with like 30 different bids on the very few currently being sold. No way I would get one now unless I could find one in a brick and mortar store and the price was in line with MSRP or lower.
I personally think this pistol is a great candidate for the DOD's trials, and I say that as active duty, not a couch commando. It makes sense not only fiscally, but performance and training wise as well. It's got a lot of great new features, solving many issues with the earlier M9s, and the fact that the manual of arms/disassembly is the same as the current M9 and the fact that it can use standard M9 holsters means it would be much less expensive overall if the DOD went with this one.
I really, really like it.
Add the fact that you get an awesome carrying case, a total of three mags, some other junk, and I think the price isn't as awful as people are letting on. However, on the auction sites, I've seen them with like 30 different bids on the very few currently being sold. No way I would get one now unless I could find one in a brick and mortar store and the price was in line with MSRP or lower.
I personally think this pistol is a great candidate for the DOD's trials, and I say that as active duty, not a couch commando. It makes sense not only fiscally, but performance and training wise as well. It's got a lot of great new features, solving many issues with the earlier M9s, and the fact that the manual of arms/disassembly is the same as the current M9 and the fact that it can use standard M9 holsters means it would be much less expensive overall if the DOD went with this one.
I really, really like it.
the M93A seems like a fine gun, but most of the features I don't need, really. However, if it means that my 92fs can be converted to a G, then it's worth having them out there.
I don't get bent out of shape about the safety position and direction like some do, but if I had my preference, I would certainly like it to be G-like in nature.
I don't get bent out of shape about the safety position and direction like some do, but if I had my preference, I would certainly like it to be G-like in nature.
Zaydok Allen
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The price is a little high since its new on the market. When it comes down a little I think it'll offer good value for the features.
That being said, I don't care for the color, I don't really care about the threaded barrel, and the Vertec grip is too small for me. I'll stick with my Wilson Brig Tac.
The M9A3 will be perfect for a lot of folks though.
That being said, I don't care for the color, I don't really care about the threaded barrel, and the Vertec grip is too small for me. I'll stick with my Wilson Brig Tac.
The M9A3 will be perfect for a lot of folks though.
wickedsprint
Member
Local gunshop had one. I do not like the vertec grip shape compared to a regular M9; the grip felt smaller and less form fitting to my palm. Slide felt like it was on rails though.
I've always loved the standard M9 / 92 grip but sad to say the vertec is a deal breaker.
I've always loved the standard M9 / 92 grip but sad to say the vertec is a deal breaker.
JTQ
Member
I believe there is supposed to be a grip module for the pistol that would give the standard feel. I thought I had read it was part of the package, but in a quick search I didn't find that reference.
JTQ
Member
OregonJohnny
Member
And it comes with three 17-round PVD coated sand-resistant magazines. Those things are about $35 a piece.
UltraFudd
Member
I owned a 92F in the '80's, but sold it for a more compact H&K P7M13.
Was hoping for an improved model 92 and the new M9A3 met all of my requirements for upgraded features that I wanted; specifically
- Smaller grip. I do not have hamhock hands. Small hands, short fingers. The Vertec style grip fits my hand much better than the arched backstrap of a 92.
- Threaded barrel. I shoot suppressed a lot.
- Replaceable tritium night sights. The front sight dovetail is a considerable improvement allowing you to replace tritium when it dims with age. Plus, Beretta went to three dot sights instead of the old dot on a post sight picture.
- 17 round capacity stock or 18 rounds with Mec-Gar mags. Our local department where I'm a reserve officer is going to transition from .40 S&W to 9mm in the next year or so.
- I always liked the accuracy of the 92 / M9 series. While on active duty, I spent a fair amount of time over at the Beretta plant, and when they put M9s into the machine rest, you'd be surprised how tight these things shoot out to 50 yards.
- Beveled mag well. Easier to shove the thingy in the hole.
So, I picked one up at Cabelas. By the way, they offer a 5% discount for current, or former GIs. Covered my sales tax.
I've had one range trip so far and ran 100 rounds of Olympic 124gr ball, plus a 25 round box of Critical Duty through it. No failures, and the sights were dead on out to 25 yards. I ran 50 rounds suppressed with an Octane with no malfunctions.
So far, it's a keeper. Blackhawk makes a level 3 duty holster for the M9A1 that fits the M9A3 perfectly.
Was hoping for an improved model 92 and the new M9A3 met all of my requirements for upgraded features that I wanted; specifically
- Smaller grip. I do not have hamhock hands. Small hands, short fingers. The Vertec style grip fits my hand much better than the arched backstrap of a 92.
- Threaded barrel. I shoot suppressed a lot.
- Replaceable tritium night sights. The front sight dovetail is a considerable improvement allowing you to replace tritium when it dims with age. Plus, Beretta went to three dot sights instead of the old dot on a post sight picture.
- 17 round capacity stock or 18 rounds with Mec-Gar mags. Our local department where I'm a reserve officer is going to transition from .40 S&W to 9mm in the next year or so.
- I always liked the accuracy of the 92 / M9 series. While on active duty, I spent a fair amount of time over at the Beretta plant, and when they put M9s into the machine rest, you'd be surprised how tight these things shoot out to 50 yards.
- Beveled mag well. Easier to shove the thingy in the hole.
So, I picked one up at Cabelas. By the way, they offer a 5% discount for current, or former GIs. Covered my sales tax.
I've had one range trip so far and ran 100 rounds of Olympic 124gr ball, plus a 25 round box of Critical Duty through it. No failures, and the sights were dead on out to 25 yards. I ran 50 rounds suppressed with an Octane with no malfunctions.
So far, it's a keeper. Blackhawk makes a level 3 duty holster for the M9A1 that fits the M9A3 perfectly.
Milkmaster
Member
Hickok45 did a video on the A3 this past week. Nice video on the differences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q61P1skurwc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q61P1skurwc
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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UltraFudd
Thanks for the review and photos. My hand size is much the same as yours so the Vertec grip is a real plus along with the replaceable Tritium night sights and the threaded barrel.
Thanks for the review and photos. My hand size is much the same as yours so the Vertec grip is a real plus along with the replaceable Tritium night sights and the threaded barrel.
According to a magazine article I read awhile back, the acceptance criterion is 10 shots of military ball into a group of 8cm (3.15") or less at 50meters (54.7 yards). That's from a machine rest, but even so it's impressive.
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