Posted: 3/25/2007 8:27:58 AM EDT
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I recently spied a Beretta M9 Limited Edition - complete with OD green box, holster, mag pouch and belt. Also included was a cert. of authenticity and M9 patch. These pistols are supposedly the "real deal" as far as the M9 goes. However, in the pics I examined, the frame exhibites the radiused backstrap and straight dustcover - something that started showing up in the newer 92's in the later 1990's I believe. At first, I thought it was a fake; however, the markings are correct, and the serial number on the frame matches that on the OD green box. Does anyone have an explanation for this? I've always thought that the M9's did not receive the radiused backstrap (although I personally prefer it). Is this correct for a Limited Edition M9? |
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Well, your post has me baffled. The M9 has a straight dust cover and what do you mean by a radiused backstrap? Do you mean a curved mainspring housing? No M9 that I've ever seen has a straight one. I think you might be confusing that with a Beretta 92 Vertec. Which was only made for a limited time and I don't think they make them anymore. What you've explained I think is the previous run of M9's for sale to civvies that came with those accessories. I can't say for sure but I'm pretty sure you're looking at the real deal. Hope this helps. |
| By radiused backstrap, I mean that the throat of the grip - where the web of the shooting hand fits - is slightly deeper. It was first introduced on the 92's around '97 or so, but I had never seen an M9 made this way. However, since my original post here, I've learned that they do exist and even saw a few pics of some Special Editions with the radiused backstrap. |
 I purchased this M9 around August of last year. Don't know if this will help you or not. JJrea seems to have you covered. Mine came in a cardboard box with an M9 sleeve. Mine came with a lock, two mags, and paper work. Want a limited edition M9 I say you actualy get your self one. Don't get one that says its limited edition because it comes with a cheap patch and cheap holster. |
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Your comments regarding the "cheap holster and cheap patch" clearly indicate that you don't know what you're talking about when referring to a Special or Limited Edition Beretta M9. I've owned an M9 Commercial like yours and sold it due to the plethora of plastic parts and the fact that the assembly numbers are not stamped into the frame, hammer, and additional small parts. The Special Editions and 1 of 5000 are all steel and have the assembly numbers stamped into small parts - like the real military M9's - and they fetch a higher price accordingly. To each his own. |
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"Real" M9's have the plastic parts as of present. The one you have is an older model, that's why it's still got the steel parts. There is much conversation on which is better but from what I understand, the military requested the plastic, guide rod, trigger and lanyard loop. Lighter and not any weaker. And something about better functioning with the plastic guide rod. There's no reason to get all huffy about what he said. I don't know if the holster is good or not. But your original remarks would lead one to believe you're not sure about what you're talking about. Either way, you got a good pistol. Enjoy it. |
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I'm aware of the fact that current M9's are equipped with several plastic parts, and I'm aware of the fact that they're proven to work and make no REAL difference. However, a lot of folks buy the steel replacements because they don't care for them. I, for one, do not, but that doesn't mean the pistol isn't a good one. My specific question was regarding the scalloped portion of the rear grip frame which is not indicative of an M9. I checked around at Beretta Forum and got my answers. |
Good, they won't steer you wrong over there. FWIW, from what I can see, that holster is the bianchi USGI issue one. I wouldn't consider it cheap. It's not as tacticool as some of the newer holsters like the Safariland or the Sherpa CQC, or whatever they're called. But I wouldn't have a problem with it. If you buy them you pay like $ 60 for them. So, like I was saying, any way you slice it, you got a nice set up there and I'm envious. Us guys that bought the most recent run of M9 got nothing but a cardboard box and an extra mag. At least they gave us 2 mags. Once you fire that pistol, you will wonder why so many people dog it. It's accurate, very contrallable, and for some reason feels like perfection in my hands. Thanks for posting your pics. |
The first Beretta M9 special edition had the Bianchi USGI holster, Bianchi mag pouch, patch, etc. The big deal about it was the fact that the pistols were produced concurrently with the actual GI M9's being made at that time. They are EXACT duplicates of the USGI M9, every GI marking and proof mark is there. The only difference is the serial number runs in a special range to distinguish it from a military issued pistol. Even the USGI General Officer's issue pistols have their own serial number format. I think in another 20 to 30 years, these M9's will be regarded by collectors in the same way NRA marked M1911's are today, though not quite as expensive.  .
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Exactly - that's why they're sought after. The holster, belt and ammo pouch are just an added plus. The assembly numbers, proof marking, etc. are the same as GI issued M9's. Thanks for your input. |