In a few of my videos I've mentioned my "M9 pistol" which always causes a stir in the comments section. Posters will question the pedigree of the pistol I'm talking about and in some cases inform me that what I have is a Model 92 and not a real M9.
In the late 1990's Beretta released a special edition M9 pistol. It came packaged in a camouflaged box with a web bet, holster, pistol, spare magazine pouch, a patch and a certificate of authenticity. Only a couple thousand of these peoples were produced. These pistols were unique in that the markings were identical to military contract M9's of the period. The only difference between these pistols and the military M9 was the prefix on the serial number.
Beretta only made one run of these "real" M9 pistols. Rumor has it that the DoD doesn't want military marked M9's in circulation on the civilian market. Beretta has continued to make and sell Model 92 pistols that are marked M9, however they lack the proper military markings and are easily spotted as civilian pistols.
In the 1990's the M9 military contract pistols had very specific markings. They also made use of all steel components. Later M9 military contract pistols would use polymer in parts such as the guide rod, trigger and hammer drop safety lever.
To identify a M9 pistol with military correct markings you'll need to look in a couple of different places on the handgun.
On the left side of the slide you will find markings that read, "U.S. 9mm M9 - BERETTA U.S.A. - xxxxx" The xxxxx will be the last five digits of an assembly number found on the right side of the slide. On the left side of the hammer you will find the last 4 digits of the assembly number and right above it you will find a cage number. Just below the assembly number you will see a large C.
On the right side of the slide you will find the assembly number in this format: "ASSY xxxxxxx-xxxxx". Just after the assembly number, you will find a proof mark - "PM" stamped into the slide. This PM will be through the finish leaving bare metal visible. This PM is stamped into the pistol after it has been completely assembled and finished and is only placed on the pistol after it passes final testing. You will not find this PM mark on any other civilian M9 pistol except for this one special edition M9.
On the right side of the frame you will find, "U.S. 9mm M9 - BERETTA U.S.A - xxxxx" The xxxxx will be the last 5 digits of the assembly number.
The pistols will also feature the original dot front sight and half-moon rear sight.
The only difference between the special edition M9 and the military M9 of the period will be the serial number. The special edition M9 will have the "M9 - xxxx" prefix.
Contrary to popular belief, military M9 don't have "Property of the US Gov." markings on them.
In essence I have one of the few real M9 pistols in circulation. I used to own two of them but sold one several years ago. Of course I kick myself every day for selling it.
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| Left Side Markings |
Beretta only made one run of these "real" M9 pistols. Rumor has it that the DoD doesn't want military marked M9's in circulation on the civilian market. Beretta has continued to make and sell Model 92 pistols that are marked M9, however they lack the proper military markings and are easily spotted as civilian pistols.
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| Markings on Hammer |
To identify a M9 pistol with military correct markings you'll need to look in a couple of different places on the handgun.
On the left side of the slide you will find markings that read, "U.S. 9mm M9 - BERETTA U.S.A. - xxxxx" The xxxxx will be the last five digits of an assembly number found on the right side of the slide. On the left side of the hammer you will find the last 4 digits of the assembly number and right above it you will find a cage number. Just below the assembly number you will see a large C.
 |
| Proof Mark |
On the right side of the frame you will find, "U.S. 9mm M9 - BERETTA U.S.A - xxxxx" The xxxxx will be the last 5 digits of the assembly number.
The pistols will also feature the original dot front sight and half-moon rear sight.
The only difference between the special edition M9 and the military M9 of the period will be the serial number. The special edition M9 will have the "M9 - xxxx" prefix.
Contrary to popular belief, military M9 don't have "Property of the US Gov." markings on them.
In essence I have one of the few real M9 pistols in circulation. I used to own two of them but sold one several years ago. Of course I kick myself every day for selling it.
If you are looking to trade this Gun then you can do that via this Gun website.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to have an M9 marked exactly as you described, EXCEPT for the "PM" stamp?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible... The M9 475th anniversary which is the 2nd production and 5,000 runs is the same as this first run of 10,000. It also has a metal trigger and safety. The only difference is the PM mark on the slide, and the poly guide rod. But hey, the current contract M9s today are already using poly guide rods and even the slide they use has the stylized "PB" markings.
ReplyDeleteBut with the military markings on the barrel which has a PM and a "C", then the drawing number on the hammer which has a "C" as well still indicates it's a commercial/civilian version.
But I think the 475th anniversary M9 edition carries a much premium due to 5,000 units released.
Are you still around to help with identification of a possibly early U.S. M9? It could just be an M9 slide and hammer on an early 92F Frame. Would love to know. Serial number is B61XXX Z
ReplyDeleteAre you still around to help with identification of a possibly early U.S. M9? It could just be an M9 slide and hammer on an early 92F Frame. Would love to know. Serial number is B61XXX Z
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with 92FS frame serial numbers. But you maybe right that you have an M9 slide and hammer. From what I know, military M9 serial numbers are all digits and doesn't have letters on them.
ReplyDeleteI have an m9 that is exactly as described except for any markings on the hammer. I have the "PM" on the slide and the serial is "M9-49XX". The right side trigger gaurd has a "P" within a sheild. The barrel has the assembly number on it as well as the "C" with the "PM" under it. Lastly, there is a "5" marked on the locking block. I was excited to find an article about what I may have until I noticed I didnt have any markings on the hammer. Can anyone help me out?
ReplyDeleteI have an m9 that is exactly as described except for any markings on the hammer. I have the "PM" on the slide and the serial is "M9-49XX". The right side trigger gaurd has a "P" within a sheild. The barrel has the assembly number on it as well as the "C" with the "PM" under it. Lastly, there is a "5" marked on the locking block. I was excited to find an article about what I may have until I noticed I didnt have any markings on the hammer. Can anyone help me out?
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming you know this but I see you mentioned that this gun has all the correct marking as the DOD M9's but in the picture of the left hand side of the slide the (PB) logo is in the normal civilian/commercial bubble letters,and from what I have learned is that the DOD M9's are different. I'm not sure how to explain it except that the (PB) letters are done in regular single line letters. I just thought maybe it would be good to have that explained in your article.
ReplyDeleteGreetings all. Would the second run described have a serial number range above 10000 and below 10500? The box mine came is is the plain box with a camo sleeve recognizing the branches of our armed forces. The box logo recognizes "20 years" service.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.file4.net/f-Att Bretta 92fs Animation mp4 free download
ReplyDeletecid:37DD4FD3-64A1-457A-A0F7-8A38B6C7D76A
ReplyDeleteI have an eagle stamp on safety. Anyone know what it is?
Does anyone know what this eagle Mark is on safety?
ReplyDeletecid:37DD4FD3-64A1-457A-A0F7-8A38B6C7D76A
Does anyone know what this eagle Mark is on safety?
ReplyDeletecid:37DD4FD3-64A1-457A-A0F7-8A38B6C7D76A