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((short description|Semi-automatic pistol))
((more citations needed|date=March 2023))
((Use dmy dates|date=February 2023))
((infobox weapon
| name               = Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9
| image              = M9-pistolet.jpg
| image_size         = 300px
| alt                = Beretta M9 pistol
| caption            = 
| origin             = United States, Italy
| type               = [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = Yes
| is_bladed          = 
| is_explosive       = 
| is_artillery       = 
| is_vehicle         = 
| is_missile         = 
| is_UK              = <!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1985–present<ref>((Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |title=The Beretta M9 Pistol |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2011 |page=75))</ref>
| used_by            = [[United States Armed Forces]]
| wars               = ((Unbulleted list|[[Operation Just Cause]]|[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]|[[Somali Civil War]]|[[Kosovo War]]|[[Global War on Terrorism]]))
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]
*[[Iraq War]]
[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
[[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 1980s
| manufacturer       = [[Beretta]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1985–present
| number             = 
| variants           = M9A1, M9A2 (never released and cancelled) and M9A3 and M9A4
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = 
| weight             = Unloaded – ((convert|34.2|oz|g|abbr=on))
| length             = ((convert|217|mm|in|abbr=on))
| part_length        = ((convert|125|mm|in|abbr=on))
| width              = ((convert|38|mm|in|abbr=on))<ref name="Beretta">((cite web |title=Beretta M9 |url=https://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9/ |website=Beretta))</ref>
| height             = ((convert|137|mm|in|abbr=on))<ref name="Beretta" />
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 
| passengers         = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 
| barrels            = 
| action             = [[Recoil operation|Short recoil]], hinged locking piece assisted [[breechblock]]
| rate               = 
| velocity           = ((convert|381|m/s|0|abbr=on))
| range              = ((convert|50|m|yd|abbr=on))
| max_range          = ((convert|100|m|yd|abbr=on))
| feed               = Detachable box [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]]; capacities:
* 10 rounds (''restricted'')
* 15 rounds (''standard'')<ref>((cite web |title=Beretta 92FS Magazine 9mm 15rds |url=https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-magazine-9mm-15-rds/jm92hcb/ |website=Beretta USA |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124175338/https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-magazine-9mm-15-rds/jm92hcb/ |url-status=dead ))</ref>
* 17 rounds (''standard for the A3'')<ref>((cite web |title=Beretta M9A3 Sand Resistant Magazine 9mm 17rd |url=https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/m9a3-sand-resistant-17rd-mag-92/jmc8a0437/ |website=Beretta USA |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126023916/https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/m9a3-sand-resistant-17rd-mag-92/jmc8a0437/ |url-status=dead ))</ref>
* 18 rounds (''flush high-capacity'')<ref>((Cite web |url=https://gunmagwarehouse.com/beretta-92fs-9mm-18-round-magazine.html |title=Beretta 92FS 9mm 18-Round Magazine |website=GunMag Warehouse))</ref>
* 20 rounds (''extended'')<ref>((cite web |title=Beretta 92FS Magazine 9mm 20rds |url=https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-magazine-9mm-20-rds/1385979-1 |website=Beretta USA |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121144141/https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-magazine-9mm-20-rds/1385979-1/ |url-status=dead ))</ref>
* 30 rounds (''extended'')<ref>((cite web |title=Beretta 92FS CX4 Magazine 9mm 30rds |url=https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-and-cx4-magazine-9mm-30-rds/c89282 |website=Beretta USA |access-date=5 February 2021 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201193330/https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/beretta-92fs-and-cx4-magazine-9mm-30-rds/c89282/ |url-status=dead ))</ref>
* 32 rounds (''extended'')<ref>((Cite web |url=https://www.classicfirearms.com/promag-beretta-92fs-32rd-mag-9mm-blued-finish-ber-a4/ |title=ProMag Beretta 32 Round Magazine 9mm for Sale |website=ClassicFirearms))</ref>
* 35 rounds (''extended'')<ref>((cite web |title=Red White & Blue Beretta 92 Magazine 9mm 35 Rounds Steel Black BER35RD |url=https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/red-white-and-blue-beretta-92-magazine-9mm-35-rounds-steel-black-ber35rd/FC-151550004915.html |website=Cheaper Than Dirt))</ref>
| sights             = [[Iron sight]]s
))

The '''Beretta M9''', officially the '''Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9''', is the designation for the [[Beretta 92#92FS|Beretta 92FS]] [[semi-automatic pistol]] used by the [[United States Armed Forces]]. The M9 was adopted by the United States military as their [[service pistol]] in 1985.

The 92FS won a competition in the 1980s to replace the [[M1911|M1911A1]] as the primary sidearm of the U.S. military, beating many other contenders and only narrowly defeating the [[SIG Sauer P226]] for cost reasons.<ref>((Cite web |url=http://archive.gao.gov/d4t4/130439.pdf |title=Pistol Procurement, Allegations on Army Selection of Beretta 9mm as DOD Standard Sidearm |date=June 1986 |page=18 |website=[[General Accounting Office]] |access-date=2010-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721043159/http://archive.gao.gov/d4t4/130439.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-21 |url-status=live))</ref> It officially entered service in 1990.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/individual/m9.html |title=M-9 Pistol Fact File |website=U.S. Army |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116045350/http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/individual/m9.html |archive-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead))</ref> Some other pistols have been adopted to a lesser extent, namely the [[SIG Sauer P226#P228 (M11)|SIG P228 pistol]], and other models remain in limited use.

The M9 was scheduled to be replaced under a [[United States Army]] program, the ''Future Handgun System'' (FHS), which was merged with the ''SOF Combat Pistol'' program to create the ''[[Joint Combat Pistol]]'' (JCP). The JCP was renamed ''Combat Pistol'' (CP), and the number of pistols to be bought was drastically cut back. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are replacing the M9 with the [[SIG Sauer]] [[SIG Sauer M17|M17 and M18]].<ref>((Cite web |url=https://www.military.com/kitup/2017/05/modular-handgun-system-3.html |title=MHS Update: Services Embrace Army's New Sidearm |website=Military.com |date=3 May 2017))</ref>

==History==
[[File:M1911A1 and M9 DA-SC-91-10188.jpg|thumb|left|M1911A1 and early M9 with magazines removed]]In the 1970s, every branch of the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. Armed Forces]] (except the [[U.S. Air Force]]) carried the [[.45 ACP]] [[M1911 pistol]]. The USAF opted to use [[.38 Special]] [[revolver]]s, which were also carried by some criminal investigation/military police organizations, USAF strategic missile ([[ICBM]]) officer crews, and military flight crew members across all the services when serving in combat zones, or when engaged in nuclear weapons duties.

The [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] then decided to synchronize the weapons of all five branches of the U.S. armed forces. The service members from the ground combat branches found this arrangement highly contentious. However, they recognized that the decision was made for the purpose of eliminating the need to buy replacements for worn-out M1911 frames, and to establish a common [[NATO]] pistol round to simplify logistics (in the circumstance of war against the [[Soviet Union]] in Europe). In 1979, the [[Joint Service Small Arms Program]] began searching for a replacement for the venerable M1911, and the [[9×19mm Parabellum]] round was selected for compliance with a NATO [[Standardization agreement]] (STANAG). In 1980, the Beretta 92S-1 design was chosen over entries from [[Colt's Manufacturing Company|Colt]], [[Smith & Wesson]], [[Walther arms|Walther]], the Star M28, and various [[FN Herstal|Fabrique Nationale]] and [[Heckler & Koch]] models.

The result, however, was challenged by the US Army, and new tests were done by the Army. In 1984, the trials started again with updated entries from Smith & Wesson, [[Beretta]], [[SIG Sauer]], Heckler & Koch, Walther, [[Steyr Arms|Steyr]], and Fabrique Nationale. Beretta won this competition, but there was a new trial, the XM10 competition, in 1988. This resulted in two different trials that were more limited, but resulted in the Beretta being chosen—albeit with an updated design.

Starting in 1979 while the pistol selection processes were concurrently underway, the [[Bianchi International]] [[holster]] company began its development of a multi-functional military holster to be ready for the issuance of a new pistol. The resulting holster was designed by John Bianchi and Richard Nicholas, and designated as the M12. The M12 has served the U.S. Armed Forces well for decades, and was adopted simultaneously with the adoption of the Beretta 92FS in 1985.<ref>((cite book |last=Adler |first=Dennis |title=John Bianchi, An American Legend |year=2010 |publisher=Blue Book Publications Inc.|location=Minneapolis, WI |isbn=978-1-886768-88-8 |pages=64–79))</ref><ref>((cite book |last=Ayoob |first=Massad |title=Gun Digest Book of Beretta Pistols |year=2005 |publisher=Gun Digest))</ref>

The Beretta 92FS performed successfully in a number of survivability trials, which included: exposure to temperature ranges between ((convert|-40|and|140|F|C|abbr=on)); [[Seawater|salt water]] corrosion tests; repeated drops onto concrete; and being buried in sand, mud, and snow. Additionally, the 92FS proved an MRBF (mean rounds before failure) of 35,000 rounds—the number often touted as the equivalent to five or six times the pistol's service life. While this is normally((vague |date=November 2019)) true in European militaries,((example needed |date=November 2019)) armed forces of the United States normally((vague |date=November 2019)) subject sidearms to much more extensive use.((citation needed |date=November 2020)) The [[Iraq War]], which featured frequent urban and room-to-room combat, has required American soldiers to rely more heavily on their pistols.<ref>((cite magazine |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |last=Zidock |first=Alex |title=Armed Force – Subjected to Rigorous Testing and Combat in Desert Storm, the Beretta 92FS Passes Muster as the Official U.S. Military Sidearm |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4eMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40 |date=December 1993 |publisher=Hearst Magazines |page=40))</ref>

==Versions==
=== M9 ===
[[File:M9 DA-SN-91-11017.jpg|thumb|right|M9 pistol partially field stripped.]]

The M9 is a [[Recoil operation#Short recoil operation|short recoil]], [[Semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]], [[Trigger (firearms)#Actions .28mechanisms.29|single-action / double-action]] pistol that uses a 15-round staggered [[box magazine]] with a reversible magazine release button that can be positioned for either right or left-handed shooters. The M9 is used with the Bianchi M12 Holster, though other holsters are often used.
The specific modifications made from the Beretta 92 includes:

* Design of all the parts to make them 100% interchangeable to simplify maintenance for large government organizations.
* Squared off the front of the trigger guard. The squared off trigger guard protects both the gun and the shooter during hand-to-hand combat.<ref>((cite web |author=Small Arms Solutions |title=Beretta 92A1 |date=9 November 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UCQqQnxKsE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/3UCQqQnxKsE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-04-08 |website=YouTube |ref=at 2:35))((cbignore))</ref> Some have suggested that the square guard enables the shooter to grip the front of the trigger guard with the supporting forefinger to enhance aiming; however, firearms trainer and Beretta collaborator Ernest Langdon says that using the forefinger to grip the front of the trigger guard is improper technique.<ref>((cite web |last1=Langdon |first1=Ernest |title=Proper Handgun Grip - Drills and Training |date=4 December 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeSl_w-Wkmk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IeSl_w-Wkmk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-04-08 |website=YouTube |ref=at 1:09 and 2:20))((cbignore))</ref>
* Grip with a recurved forward base to aid with aiming.
* Hard chromed barrel bores to protect from corrosion and to reduce wear.
* New surface coating on the slide called Bruniton, which allegedly provides better corrosion resistance than the previous plain [[Bluing (steel)|blued]] finish.
It also has an enlarged hammer pin that fits into a groove on the underside of the slide. The main purpose is to stop the slide from flying off the frame to the rear if it cracks. This was added after slide failures were observed in Beretta models with very high round counts during tests (failures later deemed to be caused by defective ammunition used in tests).

The M9 features multiple internal safeties, including a firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving without the trigger being pulled, and a firing pin striker that rotates when the safety lever is engaged, preventing the firing pin from being hit even if the hammer falls. The M9 also has an ambidextrous external safety lever, allowing both left and right-handed users to engage or disengage the safety mechanism.

=== M9A1 update ===
The M9 was updated to the '''M9A1''' in 2006.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.berettale.com/catalog_92FS.htm |title=92FS Pistol |access-date=2010-03-06 |website=Beretta |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106170632/http://www.berettale.com/catalog_92FS.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2010))</ref> It added—among other things—a one-slot [[Picatinny rail]] for mounting [[Tactical light|lights]], [[Laser aiming module|lasers]], and other accessories to the weapon. The M9A1 has more aggressive front, backstrap checkering, and a beveled magazine well for easier reloading of the weapon. M9A1 pistols are sold with [[physical vapor deposition|Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)]] coated magazines that were developed to better withstand the conditions of sandy environments in the [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] wars.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/M9A1/Beretta%20M9A1.htm |title=Beretta M9A1 |website=Beretta Web |access-date=2010-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312235112/http://www.berettaweb.com/armi/M9A1/Beretta%20M9A1.htm |archive-date=2010-03-12 |url-status=dead))</ref>

=== M9A3 update ===
[[File:Beretta-M9A3-9mm.jpg|thumb|Beretta M9A3 (earth-tone finish)]]

The M9 was further updated to '''M9A3''' (the M9A2 concept never went into production<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/beretta-m9-battle-legacy/#beretta-m9-swmp-jan-2015-lead |title=The Beretta M9 Continues Its Impressive Battle Legacy |first=Robert A. |last=Sadowski |date=2014-12-03 |work=Tactical Life |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222135915/http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/beretta-m9-battle-legacy/#beretta-m9-swmp-jan-2015-lead |archive-date=2015-12-22 |url-status=live))</ref>) in 2015. The main updates to M9A3 were:<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a3/ |title=M9A3 |work=Beretta.com |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218190615/http://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a3/ |archive-date=2015-12-18 |url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/12/17/berettas-answer/ |title=Beretta's Answer |work=The Firearm Blog |date=2014-12-18 |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227054933/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/12/17/berettas-answer/ |archive-date=2016-02-27 |url-status=live))</ref>
* 17-round magazine (a 10-round magazine is also available).
* 3-slot Picatinny rail.
* Multi-colored finish (flat dark earth, black and olive drab green).
* Thinner vertical grip for improved control and less conspicuous concealed carry.
* Removable wrap-around grip that can be swapped between the Vertec-style and 'old' M9 style.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/beretta-m9a3-first-look/ |title=Beretta M9A3 – A First Look At The M9 Done Right |first=Chris |last=Baker |date=January 20, 2015 |work=Lucky Gunner |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150215030326/http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/beretta-m9a3-first-look/ |archive-date=2015-02-15 |url-status=live))</ref>
* Removable sights so that users can select the sight's material and construction (e.g. luminescent dot sights for dark situations, or taller sights for use with a suppressor).
* Universal slide, which makes the gun convertible from decocker-safety to decocker-only mode.
* Sand-resistant magazine with bevelled shape for blind reloading.

New production materials also make M9A3 production more cost efficient.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.gunnuts.net/2014/12/19/5-reasons-the-beretta-m9a3-will-be-the-next-service-pistol/ |title=5 reasons the Beretta M9A3 will be the next service pistol |work=Gun Nuts Media |date=19 December 2014 |access-date=2015-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142001/http://www.gunnuts.net/2014/12/19/5-reasons-the-beretta-m9a3-will-be-the-next-service-pistol/ |archive-date=2015-12-22 |url-status=live))</ref>

=== M9A4 update ===
In 2021<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.beretta.com/en-us/90-series/ |title=Beretta 90 Series Pistols |website=Beretta.com))</ref> Beretta introduced the '''M9A4'''. Its main features are:<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a4-full-size/ |title=M9A4 Full Size |website=Beretta.com))</ref>

* 18-round magazine (a 10-round and 15-round magazine is also available)
* [[Red dot sight|red-dot optic]] compatible slide
* dovetailed tritium night sights
* enhanced short reset Xtreme Trigger System
* texturized Vertec-style thin grips
* decocker only, no manual safety

===M9 22 ===
The '''M9 22LR''' is a variant of the M9 in .22 Long Rifle, and features the same operation, controls, and takedown as the M9. The M9 22 is available with 10 and 15-round magazines, removable sights, and interchangeable grip panels which fit the Beretta M9.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9-22lr/ |title=M9 .22LR |website=Beretta.com |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405042625/http://www.beretta.com/en-us/m9-22lr/ |archive-date=5 April 2018 |url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=https://www.cabelas.com/product/BERETTA-M-RIMFIRE-PISTOLS/2222176.uts |title=Beretta M9 Rimfire Pistols |website=Cabelas.com |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304231805/https://www.cabelas.com/product/BERETTA-M-RIMFIRE-PISTOLS/2222176.uts |archive-date=4 March 2018 |url-status=dead))</ref>

==US military ==
===Adoption===
[[File:US Navy 050326-N-7526R-009 Marines assigned to 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Company, 3rd Platoon, fire their 9mm pistols at targets during a live fire small-arms familiarization exercise.jpg|thumb|U.S. Marines train with the M9 on board ((USS|Blue Ridge|LCC 19)) in March 2005.]]
[[File:US Navy 080713-N-0998G-044 Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) conduct small arms qualification.jpg|thumb|U.S. Navy sailors conduct small arms qualification.]]
The M9 was the standard sidearm of the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Army]], and the [[United States Air Force]] from 1985 to 2017,<ref>[https://kitup.military.com/2017/05/modular-handgun-system-3.html MHS Update: Services Embrace Army's New Sidearm] - Kitup.Military.com, 3 May 2017</ref> replacing the Colt M1911A1 in the Army and Navy, and the [[Smith & Wesson .38/44|Smith & Wesson .38 Special]] in the Air Force. The M9A1 is also seeing limited issue to the [[United States Marine Corps]].<ref>((cite magazine |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_9_51/ai_n27003069/ |title=Beretta provides pistol system to Marines |date=September 2006 |magazine=Shooting Industry |via=Findarticles.com |access-date=April 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323022426/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_9_51/ai_n27003069/ |archive-date=2010-03-23))</ref> A large number of M9s and M9A1s were ordered in 2006. During the 2009 [[SHOT Show]], Beretta announced it had received a [[United States dollar|US$]]220 million contract for the delivery of 450,000 M9s and M9A1s to the U.S. military, within five years.<ref>((cite web |url=http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-29-2009/0004962662&EDATE= |title=Beretta U.S.A. Corp. Wins Largest U.S. Military Handgun Contract Since World War II |date=January 2009 |author=Beretta U.S.A. |website=PR Newswire |access-date=January 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711175503/http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-29-2009/0004962662&EDATE= |archive-date=2012-07-11))</ref>

The Beretta M9 General Officer's Model is a special model issued to general officers in the Army and Air Force <ref>((cite web |url=http://www.militarymemorialmuseum.com/museum/Generals/General_Officers_Pistol_Belts_and_Holsters |title=General Officer's Pistol Belts And Holsters |website=The Military Memorial Museum |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602225016/http://www.militarymemorialmuseum.com/museum/Generals/General_Officers_Pistol_Belts_and_Holsters |archive-date=2 June 2015 |url-status=dead))</ref> that replaced the special issue [[M15 pistol|RIA M15 General Officer's Pistol]] and Colt M1911A1 beginning in 1986. It is identical to the standard M9 sidearm, with standard Bruniton-polymer finish and black composite grips, except it has a "GO"-prefix added to its serial number range, starting with GO-001. It comes with a metal belt buckle that is available in gold metal for Army generals, and silver metal for Air Force generals.

The ''[[Marine Corps Times]]'' reported plans in July 2007 for all [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]]s below the rank of [[Colonel (United States)|colonel]] and all [[Non-commissioned officers|SNCO]]s to be issued the [[M4 carbine]] instead of the M9.<ref>((cite web |url=http://archive.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20070625/NEWS/706250319/Officers-staff-NCOs-issued-M4s |title=Officers, staff NCOs to be issued M4s |date=June 25, 2007 |website=Marine Corps Times |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113033111/http://archive.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20070625/NEWS/706250319/Officers-staff-NCOs-issued-M4s |archive-date=13 January 2016 |url-status=dead))</ref> The new assignment policy will still assign M9s to Marine [[colonel]]s and above, and Navy [[petty officer first class]] and above.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www2.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/2007/Messagesfinal4.aspx |title=New Assignment Rationale For Individual Weapons |date=June 22, 2007 |website=U.S. Marine Corps |access-date=25 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417065553/http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/2007/Messagesfinal4.aspx |archive-date=2009-04-17))</ref>

The [[United States Coast Guard]] has replaced most of its M9 pistols with the [[SIG P226#DAK Version|SIG P229 DAK]], though some M9s remain in service with certain units.

The M9 is issued to crewmembers on [[Military Sealift Command]] vessels.<ref>((cite magazine |url=http://www.professionalmariner.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=C669DF9695CB4B1CBBBBF5466264BAC1 |title=Mariners need to be able to defend themselves against pirates |first=Kelly |last=Sweeney |magazine=Professional Mariner |date=October–November 2008 |access-date=2011-10-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401070055/http://www.professionalmariner.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=C669DF9695CB4B1CBBBBF5466264BAC1 |archive-date=2012-04-01))</ref>

On September 30, 2011, Beretta USA announced that the U.S. Army's Foreign Military Sales program has purchased an additional 15,778 Model 92FS pistols for the Afghan military and other U.S. allies.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.berettausa.com/usarmypurchasesadditionalberetta9mmpistols/ |title=U.S. Army Purchases Additional Beretta 9mm Pistols |date=September 30, 2011 |website=Beretta U.S.A. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219111057/http://www.berettausa.com/usarmypurchasesadditionalberetta9mmpistols/ |archive-date=December 19, 2011))</ref> The Model 92FS is the non-U.S. military designation for the M9 pistol.

In September 2012, Beretta USA announced that the U.S. Army had bought 100,000 M9 pistols, and that the M9 "would remain their sidearm for the next five years."<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/09/17/army-buys-100000-m9-pistols/ |title=Army buys 100,000 M9 Pistols |first=Steve |last=Johnson |date=September 17, 2012 |website=The Firearm Blog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919095420/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/09/17/army-buys-100000-m9-pistols/ |archive-date=2012-09-19))</ref>

===Reliability and confidence issues===
Prior to its widespread adoption by the U.S. military, questions were raised in a 1987 [[Government Accountability Office|General Accounting Office]] report after an incident where a [[pistol slide|slide]] failure on a Beretta 92SB injured a [[Naval Special Warfare]] member,<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/true_story_m9.htm |title=The True Story of the Beretta M9 Pistol |first=Tim |last=Chandler |date=28 July 2011 |website=Sight M1911 |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220131319/http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/true_story_m9.htm |archive-date=20 December 2014 |url-status=live))</ref> and two more failures were later observed in additional testing. These failures included both military and civilian Beretta models with very high round counts, and after investigation, Beretta deemed them the result of ammunition supplied by the U.S. Army, which exceeded the recommended pressures specified by NATO. Conversely, the U.S. Army concluded that the faults were the result of the low metal toughness present in the Italian-made slides. This event nonetheless provoked a modification in the M9 design to prevent slide failures from causing injuries to the user, after which no further slide fractures were reported.

In December 2006, the [[Center for Naval Analyses]] released a report on U.S. small arms in combat. The CNA conducted surveys on 2,608 troops returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 12 months. Only troops who fired their weapons at enemy targets were allowed to participate. 161 troops were armed with M9 pistols, making up 6% of the survey. 58% of M9 users (93 troops) reported they were satisfied with the weapon, which was the lowest satisfaction rate in the survey. 48% of users (77 troops) were dissatisfied with the M9's ammunition. 64% (103 troops) were satisfied with handling qualities, such as size and weight. M9 users had the lowest levels of satisfaction with weapon performance, including: 76% (122 troops) with accuracy, 66% (106 troops) with range, and 88% (142 troops) with rate of fire. 48% of M9 users (77 troops) were dissatisfied with its ability to attach accessories. 26% of M9 users (42 troops) reported a stoppage, and 62% of those that experienced a stoppage said it had a small effect on their ability to clear the stoppage and re-engage their target. Only 45% of M9 users (72 troops) reported their weapon's magazine did not fail to feed completely. 83% (134 troops) did not need their pistols repaired while in theater. 46% (74 troops) were not confident in the M9's reliability, defined as level of soldier confidence their weapon will fire without malfunction, mainly due to difficulty of maintenance. 63% (101 troops) were confident in its durability, defined as level of soldier confidence their weapon will not break or need repair. The M9 had the lowest levels of soldier confidence in reliability and durability. 74% of M9 users offered recommendations for improvements. 26% of requests were for increased caliber or stopping power, with some specifically requesting returning to [[.45 ACP]] rounds. 20% of requests were for a new pistol. Other recommendations were for more durable magazines and better grips.<ref>((Cite report |url=http://images.military.com/pix/defensetech/cna_m4_study_d0015259_a2.pdf |title=Soldier Perspectives on Small Arms in Combat |first=Sara M. |last=Russell |date=December 2006 |publisher=[[CNA (nonprofit)|CNA]] |via=Military.com |access-date=2013-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831150054/http://images.military.com/pix/defensetech/cna_m4_study_d0015259_a2.pdf |archive-date=2015-08-31 |url-status=dead))</ref>

In 2007, soldiers in the field had many concerns with the M9, notably a lack of confidence in its [[stopping power]]<ref>((cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8RxJxY7wQn0C |last=Dockery |first=Kevin |author-link=Kevin Dockery (author) |date=2007 |title=Future Weapons |publisher=[[Berkley Books]] |page=175 |isbn=978-0-425-21750-4 |access-date=May 31, 2009 |via=Google Books |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215101909/https://books.google.com/books?id=8RxJxY7wQn0C&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=2017-02-15))</ref> resulting from the use of the 9mm ball round, a significant factor in military evaluations because the [[Hague Conventions (1899 and 1907)]] prohibit use of expanding bullets in warfare between contracting parties. The United States is not a signatory, but generally observes the agreement.

The U.S. military has been criticized for not purchasing magazines from Beretta. The military awarded a contract to Airtronic USA, because the previous manufacturer, Check-Mate Industries, was charging too much per magazine,<ref name="magazine contracts">((cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/airtronic-takes-over-contract-for-14-million-m9-pistol-magazines-offers-sand-solutions-01707/ |title=Airtronic Takes Over Contract 14 million M9 Pistol Magazines, Offers Sand Solutions |date=5 January 2006 |work=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315013734/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/airtronic-takes-over-contract-for-14-million-m9-pistol-magazines-offers-sand-solutions-01707/ |archive-date=15 March 2015 |url-status=live))</ref> though Check-Mate magazines are still sometimes issued. Prior to Check-Mate magazines being purchased, the military purchased magazines from the Italian firm Mec-Gar.<ref name="magazine contracts"/> Airtronic has stated that its M9 magazines will be made similarly to Mec-Gar's, because of reliability problems with Check-Mate magazines.<ref name="magazine contracts"/>

There were reported failures with the government-contracted 9mm magazines. After extensive testing and actual testimony given by the troops, it was concluded that the failures were caused by the heavy phosphate finish that were requested in the government contract, combined with the unique environmental conditions in [[Iraq]]. After corrections to the government-required specifications for the magazine finish, almost two million new magazines have been distributed without any further malfunctions.

===Replacement===
The U.S. Army and Air Force sought to replace their M9s through the [[Modular Handgun System]] program. The [[House Armed Services Committee]] attempted to terminate the program in favor of upgrading the M9. However, program officials said that buying a new pistol is the better option due to several factors, including: advances in handgun designs; the difficulty in addressing all of the M9's issues; other pistols being less expensive to produce and maintain; and the low confidence soldiers have in the M9. A three-year engineering, manufacturing, and development (EMD) phase began in early 2014. [[Commercial off-the-shelf]] pistols were tested for various capabilities, such as: accuracy, dispersion, compatibility, and corrosion resistance under extreme weather and extreme combat conditions. The pistol's service life was expected at 25,000 rounds. The M9 was required to fire 5,000 rounds, while data from Beretta shows the average reliability of the M9 pistol to be 17,500 rounds without a stoppage.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130723/NEWS04/307230008/Testing-M9-replacement-start-next-year |title=Testing of M9 replacement to start next year |date=23 July 2013 |website=Army Times))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.beretta.com/en-us/90-series/ |title=Beretta 90 series |website=Beretta USA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408000755/http://www.beretta.com/en-us/90-series/ |archive-date=April 8, 2014))</ref>

In December 2014, Beretta unveiled its M9A3 pistol upgrade for a separate Army effort to identify Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) under its existing contract. The company presented the upgrade to improve the M9's performance as a more cost-effective solution, without needing to buy a different handgun. Improvements include: a thin grip with a removable, modular wrap-around grip; [[MIL-STD-1913]] accessory rail; removable front and rear [[tritium sights]]; extended and threaded barrel for suppressor use; 17-round sand-resistant magazine; and other small features, all in an earth-tone finish.<ref>((cite web |url=http://kitup.military.com/2014/12/beretta-releases-m9a3-armys-handgun.html |title=Beretta Releases M9A3 for Army's Handgun Upgrade Program |date=24 December 2014 |website=Military.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228184417/http://kitup.military.com/2014/12/beretta-releases-m9a3-armys-handgun.html |archive-date=2014-12-28))</ref> Later that month, the Army decided not to evaluate the M9A3 in favor of pursuing the MHS program, maintaining that the M9 design does not meet requirements, and a cost-benefit analysis determined the old fleet would cost more to replace and repair than buying a new service pistol. Beretta claims the M9A3's upgraded features address a majority of the complaints, and could be sold for less than the cost of previous M9 versions.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/01/09/army-rejects-m9a3-proposal-opts-for-new-pistol.html?comp=1198882887570&rank=2 |title=Army Rejects M9A3 Proposal, Opts for New Pistol |date=9 January 2015 |website=Military.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113044250/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/01/09/army-rejects-m9a3-proposal-opts-for-new-pistol.html?comp=1198882887570&rank=2 |archive-date=2015-01-13))</ref> The Army formally rejected the M9A3 ECP proposal at the end of January 2015.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/02/11/army-declines-m9a3-upgrade/23243689/ |title=Army rejects Beretta's pitch for upgraded M9 |website= Military Times |date=11 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212052327/http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/02/11/army-declines-m9a3-upgrade/23243689/ |archive-date=2015-02-12))</ref>

On January 19, 2017,<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/01/19/army-picks-sig-sauer-replace-m9-service-pistol.html |title=Army Picks Sig Sauer's P320 Handgun to Replace M9 Service Pistol |first1=Matthew |last1=Cox |first2=Hope |last2=Hodge Seck |name-list-style=amp |date=19 January 2017 |website=Military.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129053425/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/01/19/army-picks-sig-sauer-replace-m9-service-pistol.html |archive-date=2017-11-29))</ref> it was announced that a customized version of the [[SIG Sauer P320]] had won the United States Army's [[XM17 Modular Handgun System competition]]. The full-sized model will be known as the [[SIG Sauer M17|M17]], and the carry-sized model will be known as the M18. In an editorial, firearms writer Bob Owens noted that "only the Sig Sauer P320, with a serialized core frame and the ability to swap different grip lengths and slide-barrel combinations, seems to meet the requirements of the RFP among the named designs."<ref>((cite web |url=https://bearingarms.com/bob-o/2016/06/01/drop-pretense-declare-sig-p320-armys-next-handgun |title=Drop the Pretense and Declare the Sig P320 As The Army's Next Handgun |first=Bob |last=Owens |date=1 June 2016 |website=Bearing Arms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124162526/https://bearingarms.com/bob-o/2016/06/01/drop-pretense-declare-sig-p320-armys-next-handgun/ |archive-date=2017-01-24))</ref>

==Notes==
((Reflist))

==References==
((Refbegin)) 
* [http://archive.gao.gov/d15t6/137930.pdf GAO Report NSIAD-89-59]
* [http://archive.gao.gov/d16t6/136824.pdf GAO Report NSIAD-88-213]
* [http://www.gao.gov/decisions/bidpro/297313.pdf GAO Decision] ((Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203721/http://www.gao.gov/decisions/bidpro/297313.pdf |date=2016-03-04))
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070704001537/http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/Opinions/Bush/06/BUSH.PHTSupplyCorp.pdf Court of Federal Claims]
* ''Almanac of American Military History, Volume 1'', p.&nbsp;2099 (see Note #2)
((Refend))

==External links==
((Commons category|M9 pistol))
* [http://www.beretta.com/Defence-Pistols-Carbines/Defence/Full/92FS/index.aspx?m=82&f=2&id=795&foto=1 Official Beretta 92FS page] ((Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524043309/http://www.beretta.com/Defence-Pistols-Carbines/Defence/Full/92FS/index.aspx?m=82&f=2&id=795&foto=1 |date=2012-05-24))
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m9.htm FAS article on M9]

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