Beretta M9A3
- Thread starter ATN082268
- Start date
4040peters
New member
I'm going to give any new Beretta a pass with the exception of the Beretta/Wilson 92G Brigadier Tactical. Those things are machines. The fit and finish on new Berettas isn't nearly as good as it used to be and I have serious reservations about all the polymer parts they're using now. I have changed out several sets of polymer parts with noticeable results. In the manufacturing process they now do more operations in each setup. That saves money but also more chances per any given setup for tool wear or failure problems.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
Here's a story on the gun
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/11/17/military-arms-channel-gets-is-paws-on-beretta-m9a3/
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/11/17/military-arms-channel-gets-is-paws-on-beretta-m9a3/
So, has anyone handled or shot one of these new guns? A neighbor saw one in the LGS and really liked it, but said it was close to $1000 OTD. They told him it was total redesign including lots of internals “things you can’t see” and of course night sites, new cool grips, new paint job, threaded barrel and three 17 round magazines.
So, no debate about the US Army and all that, but curious what you think of the gun itself?
So, no debate about the US Army and all that, but curious what you think of the gun itself?
rt11002003
New member
I vote for the Wilson Combat version. I bought myself one for my recent 78th birthday. I shot it on Tuesday, along with a STI Match Master Model 2011 9mm and a CZ75 SP-01 Shadow Target ll. All three are superior guns. Shooting from rest, my best group was with the Beretta. At 10 yards, all ten rounds were in a one inch hole. I wish I had taken a photo of that target; it showed the performance of all three guns.
I may try that same trio tomorrow and post the results, if they're good.
I may try that same trio tomorrow and post the results, if they're good.
Yep, got one the day after Christmas:
Love the gun!! This is my 26th Beretta 92 variant over the years... So, I know a little something about Berettas
So far, I've gon to the range 1x with it - I put 200 rounds of FMJ and 15 rounds of JHP thu the gun.
It worked 100%. I shot 2 handed at 7 and 15 yards. Also did a mag of just DA on every shot, did a mag of one handed shooting, and a mag of 1 handed double taps.
The gun worked 100%, and it is very accurate. I have mentioned before that I have slight tremors in my left hand due to a childhood injury, and it is getting a little worse as I get older. Anyway, this always keeps me from shooting as good as I would like to. Well, I did very well at 15 yards with this gun. It groups nicely, and the trigger is nice. I also really light the night sights.
The front dot is surrounded by a bright white circle around the tritium. The rear sight has silver circles around them. I thought I wouldn't like the silver circles when I found out about this before I got the gun (as, I hate those silver circles on the Springfield 1911s). But, this works well. The front sight stands out more, but you can still easily see the rear dots.
I also really like the Hogue grip that mimics the original style backstrap. The rubber on the back makes it feel kinda like a Sig with Hogue grips.
This is easily my favorite Beretta 92 variant. I am even considering making it my nightstand gun. It may not be quite as pretty as the Wilson Brigadier Tactical (with those nice green grips, the black color and the cool looking Brig slide), but I do like this gun more than the Wilson Brigadier Tac that I have. No contest.
I like the rear sight more on this M9A3 than I do the rear sight on the Wilson. And, as I've stated before - the squareness of the front sight area of the brigadier slides makes the front sight not as quick to pick up as it is on a standard 92FS slide with the curved area under the sight... (this is 1 thing I like about a 1911 - the top of the slide is curved, and it makes it so quick to pick up the front sight). On this M9A3, the Vertec style slide (dovetailed front sight) still has the curve of a regular 92FS. I like this much more.
I shoot the M9A3 just a tiny, tiny bit better than the Wilson. And, it's equal in accuracy to one of my 92FS models I have... That particular 92FS has been just a tad more accurate than any other one I have had over recent years. This M9A3 is its equal.
Now, FDE handguns have never really been my thing - but the gun does look better in person than any photograph I have seen of it. The colors don't come across well in a photo. It would be cool if they make it in black one day. But, this is easily my favorite gun, and my favorite Beretta.
Some people have commented that they thread protector has shot loose on the range - mine is still as tight as ever. I meant to check it while shooting, and I forgot. Now that I am home and cleaned the gun - I see that it's still on there tight. So, no issues with that...
I almost want a 2nd one - buy I have a history of always getting rid of one gun eventually, whenever I buy duplicates... So, don't wanna jinx it
Love the gun!! This is my 26th Beretta 92 variant over the years... So, I know a little something about Berettas
So far, I've gon to the range 1x with it - I put 200 rounds of FMJ and 15 rounds of JHP thu the gun.
It worked 100%. I shot 2 handed at 7 and 15 yards. Also did a mag of just DA on every shot, did a mag of one handed shooting, and a mag of 1 handed double taps.
The gun worked 100%, and it is very accurate. I have mentioned before that I have slight tremors in my left hand due to a childhood injury, and it is getting a little worse as I get older. Anyway, this always keeps me from shooting as good as I would like to. Well, I did very well at 15 yards with this gun. It groups nicely, and the trigger is nice. I also really light the night sights.
The front dot is surrounded by a bright white circle around the tritium. The rear sight has silver circles around them. I thought I wouldn't like the silver circles when I found out about this before I got the gun (as, I hate those silver circles on the Springfield 1911s). But, this works well. The front sight stands out more, but you can still easily see the rear dots.
I also really like the Hogue grip that mimics the original style backstrap. The rubber on the back makes it feel kinda like a Sig with Hogue grips.
This is easily my favorite Beretta 92 variant. I am even considering making it my nightstand gun. It may not be quite as pretty as the Wilson Brigadier Tactical (with those nice green grips, the black color and the cool looking Brig slide), but I do like this gun more than the Wilson Brigadier Tac that I have. No contest.
I like the rear sight more on this M9A3 than I do the rear sight on the Wilson. And, as I've stated before - the squareness of the front sight area of the brigadier slides makes the front sight not as quick to pick up as it is on a standard 92FS slide with the curved area under the sight... (this is 1 thing I like about a 1911 - the top of the slide is curved, and it makes it so quick to pick up the front sight). On this M9A3, the Vertec style slide (dovetailed front sight) still has the curve of a regular 92FS. I like this much more.
I shoot the M9A3 just a tiny, tiny bit better than the Wilson. And, it's equal in accuracy to one of my 92FS models I have... That particular 92FS has been just a tad more accurate than any other one I have had over recent years. This M9A3 is its equal.
Now, FDE handguns have never really been my thing - but the gun does look better in person than any photograph I have seen of it. The colors don't come across well in a photo. It would be cool if they make it in black one day. But, this is easily my favorite gun, and my favorite Beretta.
Some people have commented that they thread protector has shot loose on the range - mine is still as tight as ever. I meant to check it while shooting, and I forgot. Now that I am home and cleaned the gun - I see that it's still on there tight. So, no issues with that...
I almost want a 2nd one - buy I have a history of always getting rid of one gun eventually, whenever I buy duplicates... So, don't wanna jinx it
Last edited:
Someone on another forum asked me why I liked the M9A3 over the Wilson Brig Tactical. It took a small book to write it all out - but I thought I would post it here too - in case someone was on the fence as to which to get:
1. As I stated earlier in the thread - I like the sight picture of a standard type 92 slide the most, which the M9A3 also has. The squareness of the front sight area on the Brigadier slides makes the front sight not as quick to pick up. The base where the front sight sits at is squared off on the Brig slide. Also, the front sight seems to be a little bit shorter on the Brig slide.
It is much easier to see the front sight on a standard 92FS slide, with the curved area under the front sight... (this is 1 thing I like about a 1911 - the top of the slide is curved, and it makes it so quick to pick up the front sight). On this M9A3, the Vertec style slide (dovetailed front sight) still has the curve of a regular 92FS. I like this much more.
2. Also, the front sight (facing the shooter) on the M9A3 has about a 45 degree cut to it. The Wilson front sight has a 90 degree cut. The white circle around the tritium on the M9A3 pops out more - because of the 45 degree angle facing the shooter. It picks up more light.
3. I REALLY like the different angle of the safety levers on the m9A3. By raising it, it does cause less issues when tying to clear a jam (if need be). I've messed around with this, and the levers do what is intended by that slight change
4. The grip of the M9A3 feels better to me. Generally, I prefer standard serrations over the checkering Beretta uses. But, with the rear strap being covered by that Hogue grip on the M9A3 - I don't mind the front strap checkering.
When I hold both guns (either with a loaded mag in each or no mag in each), I prefer the feel of the M9A3 in my hand more than I do the Wilson. And, I have just put Hogue grip panels on the Wilson this evening - to make the feel of the two more comparable. But, the M9A3 feels much better to me in the hand.
5. The rear sight of the M9A3 is just perfect. I didn't think I'd like the lack of white circles on the rear tritium. But the silver rings work great. The eyes still gets drawn to the white around the front dot - but you still have 2 rear dots.
I'd never use the Wilson as a home defense gun - as you have absolutely no way to see the rear sight in low/no light.
I like straight 8 style sights the most. I have them on my Dan Wesson 1911, and I had similar style sights on a Glock 17 I just sold. So, I appreciate that a black rear sight brings your eye to the front sight dot easier. But, I just don't care for that rear Wilson sight that much. I really wish it had a small single dot in the middle, like straight 8 sights have.
Also, I wish the rear Wilson sight had a square cut instead of a curved cut (in the sight channel). I plan to send my Wilson slide off to Trijicon next month and get a standard rear sight put on (for a Brig slide). I have given the rear sight a chance after several months - I just don't like it.
6. I shoot the M9A3 a little better than I do the Wilson - especially at 15 yards. I think this may because of that rear sight - with the curve in the sight picture. Once I get the new rear sight, we'll see how it shoots then.
Now, do I like the Wilson - yes. But if I was offered a choice of just 1 of them... Between the 2.... I'd choose the M9A3, hands down... No real hard decision for me...
Now, if only they make one in black eventually
I will admit that the Wilson does look sweet with those green Wilson grips and the Brig slide... But still....
Those are fair points. May I ask two questions?
1. For those of us with smaller hands, I was under the impression the Wilson with the slimmer grips and I though they would put the Wilson thinner trigger in there as well. Are they the same trigger reach between the two?
2. Is the M9A3 decocker only, or do you have to convert it after the fact?
1. For those of us with smaller hands, I was under the impression the Wilson with the slimmer grips and I though they would put the Wilson thinner trigger in there as well. Are they the same trigger reach between the two?
2. Is the M9A3 decocker only, or do you have to convert it after the fact?
I actually have small hands too. The normal M9 and older 92 frames do not have the rear strap indentation. Without that - the gun IS too big for my hands. But, normal Hogue grips work fine for me - just not the wrap around kind.
The Wilson grips are thinner than Hogue grip panels. I do not know if they are thinner than factory grips, because I never keep the factory grips on. I just like the extra grippyness of the rubber grip panels. Despite having small hands - the 92 grip is just perfect to me (provided it is a frame with that rear backstrap cut up at the top).
The trigger? The Wilson Brig doesn't come with the short reach trigger installed - it's just a regular steel trigger. I have not tried the short reach trigger except on a Vertec I had back when the Vertecs very first came out (2003-2005 - I cannot remember). I prefer the normal trigger, personally....
My M9A3 is not a decocker only - those have actually not yet hit store shelves. All the ones out now are FS models. However, out of the 26 Beretta 92 variants I have owned - the WIlson is the only G model I have ever owned. It's fine - but I am so used to the FS model that the way the safety works doesn't bother me. Plus, the M9A3 has the levers sitting up at a slightly higher angle - so, it's really a non issue on the FS version of the M9A3.
But, Beretta is supposed to come out with some parts later that allow someone to convert the slide to G if they want to.
rt11002003
New member
I really appreciated Jagrbomb's comments; learned a lot. Also, I can agree with his comments about the Wilson Brigadier's sights. But, not having shot a M9A3, can't comment on it's sights. I opened my big mouth yesterday about a good group I shot on Tuesday with my Brigadier. Attempted to duplicate today, not so good. I'm going to attach a photo, or two, if possible.
The first target is on the left, the bottom row is 10 yards, the middle row is 25 yards and top row is 7 yards. All the .22lr were shot at 35 yards. Note how scattered the Brigadier's 25 yard group is. It was the first time I shot it at that distance and realized I couldn't see the target very well with those sights. Vision was much better at 7 yards, but not great.
The second target was shot at 10 yards, except the .22lr at 35 yards. I got cold and tired.
Obviously, the STI's CMore red dot is great. The CZ Shadow Target's sights are superior to the Brigadier's sights. I'm considering having red dots mounted on the Brigadier and some of my other better shooting guns; just can't see iron sights and the target together as well as I used to. I also have a tremor in my strong hand, the left, so I've been shooting right handed for over a year; but it, too, has a slight tremor. Happens with age. I really liked the grip of the Brigadier, a good fit for my hand. But, the CZ's grip is even better for my small hands. The STI is a big pistol.
The first target is on the left, the bottom row is 10 yards, the middle row is 25 yards and top row is 7 yards. All the .22lr were shot at 35 yards. Note how scattered the Brigadier's 25 yard group is. It was the first time I shot it at that distance and realized I couldn't see the target very well with those sights. Vision was much better at 7 yards, but not great.
The second target was shot at 10 yards, except the .22lr at 35 yards. I got cold and tired.
Obviously, the STI's CMore red dot is great. The CZ Shadow Target's sights are superior to the Brigadier's sights. I'm considering having red dots mounted on the Brigadier and some of my other better shooting guns; just can't see iron sights and the target together as well as I used to. I also have a tremor in my strong hand, the left, so I've been shooting right handed for over a year; but it, too, has a slight tremor. Happens with age. I really liked the grip of the Brigadier, a good fit for my hand. But, the CZ's grip is even better for my small hands. The STI is a big pistol.
Attachments
Model12Win
Moderator
I love the new M9, but the new tan 1911 the marines are using would be a far better combat pistol. Much greater stopping power and accuracy than the 9.
That Colt is WAY over priced for what it is. And, shooting FMJ (like the military does)- I'd rather have 2x the rounds of 9mm, personally.
Plus, some of the groups I have seen by this Beretta and others in Magazine reviews show the guns are plenty accurate. Sub 2" groups at 25 yards... Not that you or I can do it, but a really good shooter can.
Plus, some of the groups I have seen by this Beretta and others in Magazine reviews show the guns are plenty accurate. Sub 2" groups at 25 yards... Not that you or I can do it, but a really good shooter can.
I don't understand the logic of introducing the A3 varient with a threaded barrel and in FDE only. While FDE and other colors are cool and threaded barrels are necessary for running a can, most shooters arent using a suppressor and black colored pistols outsell colored pistols by a wide margin. Beretta should have introduced the pistol first with a black finish with a standard non threaded barrel. And then later follow up with additional color finishs and barrel options. Beretta product development folks arent very bright IMO. Now if Beretta eventually offers this A3 varient in black, non threaded barrel, and in a G vareint decocker only, Ill buy one.
Well, I will never use a suppressor. But, I like the longer barrel. The way the thread cover fits, it blends in with the barrel. And, you can pull the barrel out thru the slide without removing the thread cover.
It was the gun they tried to get the military to buy, so I guess they just sold it in that configuration. I do hope they offer other variations of it in the future. But as the G models are not even out yet (only the FS ones are out), I think it will be some time before we see other variations.
It was the gun they tried to get the military to buy, so I guess they just sold it in that configuration. I do hope they offer other variations of it in the future. But as the G models are not even out yet (only the FS ones are out), I think it will be some time before we see other variations.
Your comments have me curious. You notice no difference in the quality of the trigger pull between the Wilson and the M9A3? Would have thought the Wilson was polished internally. I would think you'd at least notice a difference with the D spring.