Tism Tangent Ep.1: That Time Beretta Sued The U.S. Government.

Published on May 25, 2025
Duration: 28:34

This video details the US military's XM9 trials in 1984, where the Beretta 92SB-F (later M9) was selected over the SIG Sauer P226 and the M1911. It highlights the rigorous testing, cost analysis, and subsequent legal battle initiated by Beretta against the US government for defamation. The narrative also touches upon the issues that led to the M9A1 and the FS variant, primarily stemming from the misuse of '+P+' ammunition by Navy SEALs, which caused slide failures.

Quick Summary

Beretta won a defamation lawsuit against the US government after the M9 pistol gained a negative reputation due to slide failures caused by SEALs using high-pressure '+P+' ammunition. The lawsuit resulted in compensation for Beretta and the development of the 92FS variant with enhanced slide safety features.

Chapters

  1. 00:44Introduction: Carrying Firearms in Summer
  2. 02:40The M9 Service Pistol: A Controversial History
  3. 03:56The 1984 XM9 Trials: Setting the Stage
  4. 04:43Knockout Round Results: M9, P226, and M1911
  5. 06:02Army Mud Test Performance
  6. 06:45Saltwater Exposure Testing
  7. 07:31Down-Select Phase and Point-Based System
  8. 08:18Cost Analysis: The Deciding Factor
  9. 11:13M9 vs. M17 Trials Comparison
  10. 12:16Post-Trial Fallout and Lawsuits
  11. 13:02Seikko's Lawsuit and Collusion Claims
  12. 14:30Manufacturer Calls for Retrial
  13. 15:58The Navy SEALs and M9 Slide Failures
  14. 17:23Beretta's Investigation: The Ammunition Issue
  15. 18:13Reputational Damage and Financial Costs
  16. 19:41The M1911's Role in World Wars
  17. 21:45Beretta's Defamation Lawsuit Against the US Government
  18. 22:37Beretta Wins the Lawsuit: The Aftermath
  19. 23:57The Beretta 92FS and Slide Safety
  20. 25:11Lessons Learned? The M17's Trials
  21. 26:47Conclusion and Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Beretta M9 chosen over the SIG P226 in the XM9 trials?

The Beretta M9 was selected primarily due to cost savings. While both the Beretta 92SB-F and SIG P226 performed exceptionally well, the overall contract cost, including magazines and spare parts, made the Beretta the more economically viable option for the US government.

What caused the Beretta M9 slides to crack?

The Beretta M9 slides cracked due to the use of '+P+' 124-grain 9mm ammunition by some units, particularly Navy SEALs. This ammunition type is loaded to significantly higher pressures than standard military rounds and is not intended for high-volume firing, leading to stress failures.

Did Beretta sue the US government over the M9 issues?

Yes, Beretta sued the United States government for defamation. This lawsuit stemmed from the negative reputation the M9 acquired due to slide failures caused by improper ammunition use, which damaged Beretta's brand despite the company's findings. Beretta won this case.

What is the difference between the Beretta M9 and 92FS?

The Beretta 92FS is an evolution of the M9, incorporating a slide safety feature. This was a direct result of the lawsuit and the understanding that the slide could fail under extreme pressure, preventing the rear of the slide from striking the user's face.

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