Skip to content 
Weapons used by the U.S. Armed Forces
M9 Pistol
Mission of the M9 Pistol
Deter, and if necessary, repel adversaries by enabling individuals
and small units to engage targets with accurate, lethal, direct fire.
Entered Army Service
M9 Pistol Description and Specifications
The M9 is a short recoil, semi-automatic, single-action / double-action pistol which uses a 15 round staggered
box magazine with a reversible magazine release button that can be positioned for either right- or left-handed
shooters. The M9 is used with the M12 Holster.
The M9 was modified to the M9A1 in 2006. It added among other things a Picatinny rail for the attachment of
lights, lasers, and other accessories to the weapon. The M9A1 has more aggressive front and back strap
checkering, a beveled magazine well for easier reloading of the weapon, and a reversible magazine release.
M9A1 pistols are sold with Physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated magazines developed to better withstand
the conditions in the sandy environments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The M9 features multiple internal safeties, including a firing pin block that prevents the firing pin from moving
without the trigger being pulled, and a firing pin striker that rotates when the safety lever is engaged preventing
the firing pin from being hit even if the hammer falls. The M9 also has an ambidextrous external safety lever
allowing both left and right handed people to comfortably engage the safety mechanism.
Caliber:Length: 217 mm
Barrel Length: 125 mm
Weight: 2.1 lbs (unloaded); 2.6 lbs (fully loaded)
Range:Manufacturer
Beretta USA