The M9 vs New M17, Did the US Govt Even Get a Pistol as Good as its Predecessor?

Published on March 30, 2024
Duration: 39:11

This guide details the field stripping process for the Beretta M9 pistol, a critical maintenance task. The video, presented by Chris Bartocci, also critically analyzes the US government's procurement of the M17/M18 system compared to the M9, highlighting historical context and technical specifications. Bartocci, with extensive firearms industry experience, offers a deep dive into the reliability and design choices of both platforms.

Quick Summary

Firearms expert Chris Bartocci critically compares the Beretta M9 and the SIG Sauer M17, questioning the US government's procurement of the M17. He highlights the M9's exceptional reliability in testing (17,500 rounds between failures) and criticizes the MHS program for potentially prioritizing cost over thoroughness, contrasting it with the M9's rigorous development.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & XM17 Program Critique
  2. 00:38Transition from 1911 to M9
  3. 02:57The XM9 Competition
  4. 05:48M9 Design and Reliability
  5. 09:169mm vs .45 ACP Ballistics
  6. 10:49M9 Service Issues: Magazines and Slides
  7. 13:00M9A1 and Enhanced Locking Blocks
  8. 15:02The MHS Program (M17/M18)
  9. 19:00M17/M18 Performance and Issues
  10. 21:33Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main competitors in the original XM9 pistol competition that led to the Beretta M9's adoption?

The XM9 competition in the early 1980s saw major manufacturers like Beretta, SIG Sauer, Colt, and Smith & Wesson competing. Ultimately, only the Beretta 92FS and SIG P226 successfully completed the rigorous testing, with Beretta winning the contract primarily due to lower costs for magazines and spare parts.

Why did the US military transition from the M1911A1 to the Beretta M9?

The transition from the M1911A1 to the Beretta M9 was driven by the military's need for a NATO-compliant 9mm pistol with higher magazine capacity (15 rounds vs. 7) and improved recoil control for average soldiers, addressing limitations of the older .45 ACP platform.

What are the key differences between the Beretta M9 and the SIG Sauer M17?

The M9 is a DA/SA hammer-fired pistol with a 15-round capacity, while the M17 is a striker-fired pistol offering higher capacities (17/21 rounds) and a lighter trigger pull. The M17 is also part of the Modular Handgun System program, designed for greater adaptability.

What issues affected the Beretta M9's reputation during its service life?

The M9's reputation was impacted by issues with third-party magazines causing malfunctions and, in some cases, slide failures attributed to over-pressured ammunition rather than design flaws. Beretta addressed some concerns with updates like slide retention devices and improved locking blocks.

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