The world of firearms is vast and occasionally daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect handgun for personal use or professional applications. One brand that stands out from the crowd is Beretta, an Italian firearm manufacturer known for its reliable, durable, and high-quality guns. Among the wide range of Beretta products, the M9 series has been a staple for military and law enforcement personnel. In this post, we will delve deep into the features, specifications, and differences between the Beretta M9A3 and M9A4 – two of the most popular models in the M9 series.
A Brief History of the Beretta M9 Series
Before we dive into the comparison between the M9A3 and M9A4, let’s take a moment to understand the history behind the M9 series. Beretta has been in the firearm business for over 500 years, solidifying its reputation for excellence in each passing century. The M9 series traces its roots back to the 1980s when the United States military was searching for a new service pistol to replace the aging M1911. Beretta’s proposal, the Model 92, was eventually adopted as the M9, becoming the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. military.
Throughout the years, Beretta has continually improved and upgraded the M9 series, resulting in various models such as the M9A1, M9A2, M9A3, and the M9A4. Each new iteration incorporated features and modifications to better suit the needs of military and law enforcement personnel.
Beretta M9A3: Features and Specifications
The Beretta M9A3 marked a significant evolution in the M9 series, focusing on improvements in ergonomics, modularity, and overall performance. Some of its key features include:
Improved Ergonomics
The M9A3 features a slimmer Vertec-style grip, offering a more comfortable hold for users with smaller hands. This grip design, combined with an extended beavertail and a reduced finger bump on the grip, makes the M9A3 a more comfortable fit for a wider range of shooters.
Accessory Rail
In response to the growing demand for accessory compatibility, the M9A3 features a three-slot Picatinny rail on the dust cover, allowing users to attach lights, lasers, or other tactical accessories with ease.
Suppressor-Ready Barrel
The M9A3 comes with a factory-threaded barrel, compatible with most 9mm suppressors. This makes it an ideal choice for military personnel, law enforcement officers, or civilian shooters who require a more discreet shooting experience.
Capacity and Caliber
The M9A3 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and boasts a generous 17+1 round capacity, ensuring users have ample ammunition in critical situations.
Sights and Finish
The M9A3 is equipped with high-visibility tritium night sights, providing exceptional target acquisition in low-light conditions. Its finish is a grey Cerakote, offering additional protection against wear and corrosion.
Beretta M9A4: Features and Specifications
Building upon the success of the M9A3, Beretta introduced the M9A4 with further refinements aimed at enhancing performance and usability. Some of the key features and updates include:
Red Dot Sight Compatibility
The M9A4 comes with a slide cut and mounting plates, making it compatible with a wide range of red dot sights. This addition caters to the growing interest in optic-equipped handguns and the trend toward red dot sights for improved target acquisition and aiming capabilities.
Ambidextrous Controls
To make the M9A4 accessible to a wider range of users, Beretta designed this model with fully ambidextrous controls, including the slide release lever and safety/decocker lever. This ensures that both right-handed and left-handed shooters can operate the handgun with ease.
New Finish Options
The M9A4 is available in two finish options: a black Bruniton finish and a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Cerakote finish. Both options have their appeal, with the Bruniton finish offering a more traditional look, while the FDE Cerakote provides increased durability and a more modern appearance.
Comparing the Beretta M9A3 and M9A4
Now that we’ve outlined the features and specifications of both the M9A3 and M9A4, let’s take a closer look at the key differences and similarities between these two firearms. This comparison will help you understand which model is better suited to your specific needs and preferences.
Red Dot Sight Compatibility
One of the most significant differences between the M9A3 and M9A4 is the addition of red dot sight compatibility on the M9A4. For those who plan to use a red dot sight or are looking to transition to an optic-equipped handgun, the M9A4 would be the superior choice.
Finish Options
The M9A4 offers two distinct finish options, whereas the M9A3 is only available in a grey Cerakote finish. If finish aesthetics are important to you, the M9A4 provides more choices and versatility.
Ambidextrous Controls
The M9A4 takes accessibility a step further by incorporating ambidextrous controls. Although the M9A3 does feature an ambidextrous safety/decocker, the M9A4 provides a fully ambidextrous experience, making it more user-friendly for left-handed shooters.
Similarities
Despite the differences mentioned above, the M9A3 and M9A4 share many similarities, including caliber, capacity, size, accessory rail, suppressor-ready barrel, and the Vertec-style grip. These shared features ensure that both models maintain the high level of performance associated with Beretta’s M9 series.
Finding the Right Beretta M9 Model for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Beretta M9A3 and M9A4 depends on your personal preferences and shooting requirements. For those who require a red dot sight, prefer ambidextrous controls, or desire a specific finish, the M9A4 would be the better option. However, if these aspects are not crucial to your needs, the M9A3 remains an excellent choice, with its superior ergonomics, accessory rail, and suppressor-ready capabilities.
Whichever model you choose, you’ll be investing in a reliable, accurate, and high-quality firearm from a reputable manufacturer, ensuring that your Beretta M9 pistol will stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the M9A3 and the M9A4?
The main differences between the Beretta M9A3 and the M9A4 are the design updates and improvements in the M9A4 version. The M9A4 features a slide mounted optic with an integrated plate system, more aggressive front and back strap checkering, and improved frame and slide finish, while the M9A3 does not have these enhancements. Both models have the same basic functions and use the same caliber, 9mm Luger.
Is the Beretta M9A4 worth it?
Whether the Beretta M9A4 is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences as a shooter. If you require an optic-ready pistol with an enhanced grip and improved corrosion resistance, then the M9A4 might be worth the investment. However, if you don’t need these features and prefer a more affordable option, the M9A3 might be a better choice. Both models are known for their durability, reliability, and accuracy, making either option a good choice in terms of performance.
Why was the M9A3 rejected?
The M9A3 was submitted by Beretta as an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) for the US military to update its current M9 pistols. However, the M9A3 was ultimately rejected because the military decided to run a new Modular Handgun System competition to replace their sidearm, rather than update the existing M9. The MHS competition was won by Sig Sauer with their P320, which now serves as the new official sidearm of the US military.
Is the M9A4 a 92 series?
Yes, the Beretta M9A4 is part of the 92 series of semi-automatic pistols, also known as the Beretta 92 or 96, depending on the caliber. The M9A4 is an updated and more advanced version of the base 92 series design, featuring optic compatibility and improved ergonomics. The 92 series has a storied history with military, law enforcement, and civilian usage worldwide, thanks largely to its reliability and accuracy.
How do the triggers of the M9A3 and M9A4 compare?
Both the M9A3 and M9A4 feature Beretta’s signature double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system. Shooters can expect similar trigger pull weights and feel between the two models, as both pistols use the same operating mechanism. However, there may be subtle differences in trigger feel due to improvements in manufacturing and the use of updated components in the M9A4.
Is the M9A4 compatible with M9A3 magazines?
Yes, the Beretta M9A4 is compatible with M9A3 magazines. Both the M9A3 and M9A4 use the same double-stack 9mm Luger magazines with a capacity of either 10 or 17 rounds, depending on local laws and regulations. The M9A4 can also accept previous 92 series magazines and Beretta 96 (.40 S&W) magazines, though using 96 magazines will only work for range training and may cause malfunctions due to differing cartridge dimensions.
What is the barrel length of the M9A4 compared to the M9A3?
Both the Beretta M9A3 and M9A4 have a barrel length of 4.9 inches (125mm). The barrels on both models are designed to offer optimal accuracy, balance, and durability. The barrel length, combined with the locked-breech recoil system, provides effective cycling and reliable feeding of various 9mm Luger ammunition types.
Are both the M9A3 and M9A4 ambidextrous?
Yes, both the M9A3 and M9A4 feature ambidextrous controls, making them suitable for left-handed and right-handed shooters. The safeties and slide stop controls are accessible and functional on both sides of the pistol. Additionally, the magazine release on both models can be configured for a left-handed shooter by switching its position.
Can the M9A4 be fitted with a suppressor of the same thread pitch as the M9A3?
Yes, the Beretta M9A4 can accommodate a suppressor with the same threading as the M9A3. Both models have a 1/2×28 TPI (threads per inch) threaded barrel, which is a standard threading size for most 9mm suppressors. This allows for easy mounting of a suppressor on both models and provides users with the option for quieter shooting, especially when using subsonic ammunition.
Do both the M9A3 and M9A4 models have a Picatinny rail?
Yes, both the M9A3 and M9A4 pistols come equipped with an integrated Picatinny rail on the dust cover of the frame. This allows users to easily mount a variety of accessories, including tactical lights or laser aiming devices. The Picatinny rail is a highly versatile feature that adds modular capabilities to both pistol models, enabling adaptation to different shooting situations and user preferences.