I was at my local dealer and saw a flyer for the Beretta M9A1 - apparently, DOD is buying these in bulk for all services going forward.
Has anyone seen these weapons in the field yet?
Attached is the press release and pic:
U.S. Marines Add to M9A1 Inventory
Beretta to complete pistol system deliveries in 2006
ACCOKEEK, MD—July 29, 2006—Beretta USA today announced that it has received another order from the United States Marine Corps for the M9A1 pistol system. The pistol system consists of the Beretta M9A1 pistol, a tactical holster from Blackhawk products Group, and Beretta’s specially designed sand-resistant PVD magazines.
“This brings the total number of M9A1’s ordered by the Marines to over 7,500 in the last 12 months,” stated E. Scott Blackwell, Vice President and Division Manager – Manufacturing & Product Development for Beretta USA.
The M9A1 9mm pistol evolved from the base design of the Beretta produced M9 pistol, currently being fielded by all service branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The M9A1 was developed with input from various U.S. Military and Law Enforcement personnel keeping the proven attributes and reliability of the battle-tested M9, with added enhancements. At their suggestion a Picatinny rail was added for the attachment of tactical lights and/or laser aiming devices, and radical cross-checkering was applied to the front and back straps to allow for enhanced grip-ability in adverse conditions.
Additionally, the M9A1 embodies an aggressive bevel to the magazine well of the frame, to enable fast tactical reloads in combat situations of the new sand-resistant PVD-coated magazines. Beretta designed these new magazines after testing in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Included as part of the M9A1 pistol system is a Blackhawk Products Group holster. The holster to be supplied is based off of Blackhawk's popular CQC™ SERPA system, and will be supplied in a Coyote Tan color.
“Between the U.S. Marines and other US Law Enforcement customers, we have sold well over 10,000 of the M9A1’s in 2006. This is a credit to the legacy of the M9 pistol, which for over 20 years has been at the side of our service men and women around the globe, as well as the input from numerous users looking to make the most battle proven and worthy 9mm pistol, even better,” stated Blackwell.
The M9A1, like the standard M9 pistol, is manufactured at Beretta USA’s Accokeek, Maryland facility. Beretta USA has been continuously manufacturing the M9 pistols since 1988. The average reliability of M9 pistols currently being built under US Military contracts and tested at Beretta U.S.A. is 17,500 rounds without a stoppage. During one test, twelve M9 pistols fired 168,000 rounds without a single malfunction. Since being awarded the original contract in 1985, Beretta has supplied over 500,000 pistols to the U.S. Military.
Beretta is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world, tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership back to 1526. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for over 475 years. Founded in 1977, Beretta U.S.A. Corp. manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta Total Solutions for Law Enforcement offers a full line of firearms and accessories, including Benelli Tactical, Sako, and Tikka products to thousands of law enforcement and military agencies worldwide.
Has anyone seen these weapons in the field yet?
Attached is the press release and pic:
U.S. Marines Add to M9A1 Inventory
Beretta to complete pistol system deliveries in 2006
ACCOKEEK, MD—July 29, 2006—Beretta USA today announced that it has received another order from the United States Marine Corps for the M9A1 pistol system. The pistol system consists of the Beretta M9A1 pistol, a tactical holster from Blackhawk products Group, and Beretta’s specially designed sand-resistant PVD magazines.
“This brings the total number of M9A1’s ordered by the Marines to over 7,500 in the last 12 months,” stated E. Scott Blackwell, Vice President and Division Manager – Manufacturing & Product Development for Beretta USA.
The M9A1 9mm pistol evolved from the base design of the Beretta produced M9 pistol, currently being fielded by all service branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The M9A1 was developed with input from various U.S. Military and Law Enforcement personnel keeping the proven attributes and reliability of the battle-tested M9, with added enhancements. At their suggestion a Picatinny rail was added for the attachment of tactical lights and/or laser aiming devices, and radical cross-checkering was applied to the front and back straps to allow for enhanced grip-ability in adverse conditions.
Additionally, the M9A1 embodies an aggressive bevel to the magazine well of the frame, to enable fast tactical reloads in combat situations of the new sand-resistant PVD-coated magazines. Beretta designed these new magazines after testing in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Included as part of the M9A1 pistol system is a Blackhawk Products Group holster. The holster to be supplied is based off of Blackhawk's popular CQC™ SERPA system, and will be supplied in a Coyote Tan color.
“Between the U.S. Marines and other US Law Enforcement customers, we have sold well over 10,000 of the M9A1’s in 2006. This is a credit to the legacy of the M9 pistol, which for over 20 years has been at the side of our service men and women around the globe, as well as the input from numerous users looking to make the most battle proven and worthy 9mm pistol, even better,” stated Blackwell.
The M9A1, like the standard M9 pistol, is manufactured at Beretta USA’s Accokeek, Maryland facility. Beretta USA has been continuously manufacturing the M9 pistols since 1988. The average reliability of M9 pistols currently being built under US Military contracts and tested at Beretta U.S.A. is 17,500 rounds without a stoppage. During one test, twelve M9 pistols fired 168,000 rounds without a single malfunction. Since being awarded the original contract in 1985, Beretta has supplied over 500,000 pistols to the U.S. Military.
Beretta is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world, tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership back to 1526. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for over 475 years. Founded in 1977, Beretta U.S.A. Corp. manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta Total Solutions for Law Enforcement offers a full line of firearms and accessories, including Benelli Tactical, Sako, and Tikka products to thousands of law enforcement and military agencies worldwide.
:thumbup_1
