The Size of an M9

The M-9 pistol (referred to as the Beretta 92 in its civilian variant) is a popular pistol chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge, and is currently the standard-issue sidearm for the United States Army. The size of the M-9 pistol makes it good for military and law enforcement applications, but less than ideal for legal civilian concealment. The M-9 pistol is considered to be a reliable and accurate pistol.

  1. Length

    • The M-9 is 8.5 inches in length, measured from the rear of the pistol to the tip of the barrel. The barrel itself (measured from the breech face to the tip of the barrel) is a full 5 inches in length. The considerable length of the barrel contributes to the accuracy of the pistol, primarily because it results in a longer sight radius.

    Width

    • The M-9 pistol is 1.5 inches wide. While this is considered wide for some handguns, the width allows for a sturdy frame and a wide, high-capacity double-stack magazine. The M-9 pistol is capable of holding a 15-round magazine, which is generally considered more than sufficient for law enforcement or military applications. The width of the M-9 pistol makes it especially difficult to conceal under a cover garment, due to the bulge it causes.

    Weight

    • The M-9 pistol weighs 2.1 pounds unloaded, and 2.6 pounds at its fully loaded weight. This is not considered to be overly heavy for a military or service type pistol, though it is heavier than most pistols used for legal civilian carry. A heavier pistol is considered to be sturdier and easier to shoot than lighter pistols chambered in the same caliber, since the weight helps to absorb a considerable amount of recoil.

    Accuracy and Service

    • The M-9 pistol is considered to be an effective service pistol and is accurate out to 50 meters. The M-9 pistol experienced some reliability issues in the late 1980s because of slide cracks occurring at around 30,000 rounds fired. Since then, the pistol's slides have been produced in the United States (instead of Italy, the location of the original Beretta factories) and no more malfunctions related to slide cracks have occurred. There have been some additional reliability concerns raised, but in 2009 the US Army renewed their contract with Beretta.