Hadn’t realized that Beretta was finishing out the contract. You’d think that last gun would have some historical significance:
“Last week marked an end of an era for Beretta USA,” the company posted on Sept. 7. “The Beretta USA team in Gallatin, TN, packed and shipped the last Beretta M9 pistol for the U.S. Armed Forces contract."
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/beretta-ships-last-m9-to-u-s-military/
Ironically the military finally got their Sig, but IMO it’s the wrong Sig.
From Beretta’s Facebook page:
I remember turning in our 1911’s in at Lejuene in /about '85 or so for the last time.
Days later, those of us who rated pistols, were taken to the Base Gym…were cart loads of NIB Beretta’s & accoutrements were issued.
It was my first encounter with the pistol…and Ive loved them ever since. AT THAT TIME, I was and had been for many years, a 1911 fan/lover also.
But man, were those old slabsides worn out.
Just a memory.
As the former owner of 320s, and current owner of both the m9 and p226s, I can’t agree more.
Soli Deo Gloria
I went through the PMI course in June of 88 before going to Okinawa. The two weeks of pistol was one on the 1911 and one on the Beretta. I remember having to aim at the 2x4 holding up the target to hit the bullseye with the 1911. Then I qualified with the Beretta and was extactic that it hit exactly where I aimed. I remember everyone loved the new 9mm when we got them in 2/8 Weapons Co. Everyone hated the worn out 1911’s. David
I have quite a few rounds through the M9 and it’s equivalents. It took me all the way to a Distinguished Pistol Badge and more. It’s not wonderful, but I’m used to it and it works with proper maintenance. Not sure if I’ll miss it or not after getting the M17. It definitely shot well if you took care of it.
Glad that NONE of my Berettas came from the TN plant.
Judging from this thread over on the Beretta forum, Gallatin still has a few issues to work out:
https://berettaforum.net/vb/showthread.php?t=150159
Oddly enough (and maybe, sadly), the Turkish “Regard” clones seem to be getting positive reviews for their fit, finish, and overall quality.
I’ve had two.
A Tomcat .32 that cracked the frame before the front crossmember of the slide broke off.
And the replacement Beretta sent me that had a couple dings w/finish damage that I sold without firing.
I have several beautifully made Beretta’s made in Italy between 1955 and 2015.
My Regard is very well machined/finished. I still want a Beretta tho.
Andy
If you like 92-style lines, don’t like slide mounted safety/decockers and want a smaller, lighter gun you might actually want to carry I highly recommend a M81BB or FS or 84BB or FS.
I should have said I still want a Beretta 92FS/M9.
Andy
I had an 84 I sold off during a panic and it’s one of the few guns I genuinely miss. Light weight, felt good in the hand, good shooter, and Italian quality.
That 8 shot .380 was my first pistol purchased, kick myself for selling it to buy a 1911. That was another lesson that I let a friend talk me into f’ing with that until it didn’t work. In my opinion this eBeretta’s were the best .380’s made.