Beretta M9A3 Review

Beretta M9A3 left front photo

Beretta M9A3

Bottomline

The Beretta M9A3 delivers reliable performance with a fresh, shooter-friendly upgrade.

When it comes to iconic handguns, the Beretta M9 is a true legend. For decades, it’s been the go-to sidearm for the U.S. military, proving itself as both reliable and versatile. Just when you’d think this classic couldn’t get any cooler, Beretta raised the bar with the M9A3—a slick, modern upgrade built to keep up with today’s shooters. So, what makes the M9A3 stand out? Let’s take a closer look at what it gets right, where it could improve, and why it’s worth talking about.

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Bottomline

The Beretta M9A3 delivers reliable performance with a fresh, shooter-friendly upgrade.

Pros

  • Vertek-style verticle grip with front- and back-strap checkering
  • Oversized magazine release button
  • Affordable
  • Beveled magazine well
  • Reversible magazine release
  • Ambidextrous safety
  • Light SA trigger (approx. 7 lbs)

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Heavy DA trigger

Beretta M9A3 Specs

CaliberCapacityBBLOALHeightWidthWeight
9mm10+1, 17+15.2″8.5″5.4″1.5″35.2 oz.

Key Features of the Beretta M9A3

Beretta M9A3 left front photo
The M9A3 from the left.
  • Threaded Barrel: The M9A3 comes with a threaded barrel, making it suppressor-ready right out of the box. That’s great news for those who value stealth or simply want to protect their hearing.
  • Improved Grip: With a slimmer Vertec-style grip, it feels more comfortable and accommodating for smaller hands compared to the bulkier grip of the original M9.
  • Dovetail Sights: The three-dot night sights are an upgrade, offering better visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Modular Design: The M9A3 features an interchangeable backstrap system, allowing you to customize the grip for a perfect fit.
  • Cerakote Finish: This durable finish enhances the pistol’s resistance to wear and corrosion, making it as rugged as it is good-looking.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts: Is the M9A3 Worth It?

Beretta M9A3 wraparound grip photo
The M9A3 with the wraparound grip installed.
Beretta M9A3 right side flat grips photo
The M9A3 from the right.

The Beretta M9A3 feels like a tribute to the past with its roots firmly planted in the present. It retains the soul of the original M9 while incorporating modern features that make it relevant for today’s shooters. From its sleek design to its reliable performance, the M9A3 is a pistol that you can trust, whether you’re hitting targets at the range or relying on it for self-defense.

That said, it’s not perfect. Its size and price might be barriers for some, but if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality firearm that offers durability, versatility, and a touch of history, the M9A3 is a fantastic choice.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you can handle its size and price, the M9A3 is an outstanding firearm that won’t let you down. It’s a modern classic that bridges the gap between old-school reliability and modern-day innovation.

What are your thoughts on the Beretta M9A3? Drop your opinions below, and let’s chat about this awesome pistol!

Beretta M9A3 (SA) Score Card

ErgonomicsImpressive checkering.1.24
TriggerLight trigger pull.4.5
AccuracyOutstanding accuracy.4.5
QualityWe like the checkering design.4.5
ValuePricey!1
OverallThe Beretta M9A3 delivers reliable performance with a fresh, shooter-friendly upgrade.3.15
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