Beretta USA Government Issued M9 General Officer’s Pistol W/ ALL Paperwork
SOLD FOR: $4,105.00
WOA#: WY240618GD001
Make: Beretta
Model: U.S. Government Issue M9
Serial Number: GO-1193
Year of Manufacture: This pistol was originally issued to Brigadier General Thomas C. Collins in April of 1993.
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, exposed hammer, double action/ single action with de cocker/safety fed by Beretta 92 magazines.
Markings:
The right side of the slide: “ASSY 9346487-65490 PM”
The right side of the frame: “U.S. 9mm M9-BERETTA U.S.A.-65490”
The left side of the slide: “U.S. 9mm M9 – BERETTA U.S.A. – 65490 PB”. Note that the PB marking is not stylized at all just block letters.
The left side of the frame: “GO-1193”.
The visible markings on the left side of the hammer: “6463” over “5490”
The Barrel: “PM” and “9346426-65490”
The magazines: “ASSY9346413-65490” on the two Italian mags and “ASS’Y-9346413-65490” on the USA mag.
The holster is marked “BIANCHI INTERNATIONAL #G100 GENERAL OFFICERS MODEL U.S.A. & FOREIGN PATENTS PENDING”.
ALL the markings are correct for a Government Issue Beretta M9
Barrel Length: 4.9”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white dotted blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight with a white semi-circle under the notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two panel checkered polymer grips screw set to the frame with Beretta Trident Logos on each panel. The checkering is sharp. There is only minor visible wear from age present. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips rate in Very Fine to Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes Three x 15 round Beretta Magazines in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is only minimal handling wear scattered throughout the firearm with no notable damage. The screw heads are sharp and pins are clean. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes the Three magazines, Bianchi holster and mag pouch, soldier’s guide for the holster, change no.2 manual, change no. 3 manual, original Department of the Army manual, zip lock bag for the pouch, packing sheet, Anniston Army Depot disposition tag, cleaning rod, shipping and acquisition forms, purchase order and the letter advising of the General’s retirement and the option to purchase the pistol.
Our Assessment: The Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol that became the standard sidearm of the United States Armed Forces in 1985, replacing the venerable M1911A1. Designed and manufactured by the Italian company Beretta, the M9 is based on the Beretta 92 series, which was introduced in the 1970s. The M9 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is known for its double-action/single-action operation, 15-round magazine capacity, and a design that emphasizes reliability, ease of use, and maintenance. The history of the M9 began in the late 1970s and early 1980s when the U.S. military sought to standardize its sidearm across all branches and replace the aging M1911A1, which had been in service since World War I. The military wanted a more modern, higher-capacity pistol that used the NATO-standard 9mm cartridge. Beretta entered its 92 series design into the trials. In 1985, after extensive testing, the Beretta 92F was selected as the winner due to its performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It was adopted as the M9 pistol.
This Beretta M9 was the personal sidearm of Brigadier General Thomas C. Collins. Thomas C. Collins was awarded the Silver Star for his service in Vietnam. On 5 May 1968 while serving as a platoon leader Collins “was leading a sweep operation through a rubber tree plantation when he observed a number of enemy elements running through the dense rubber trees to avoid the advancing armored assault vehicles. Moments later the friendly forces began receiving an intense barrage of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire. Fully exposing himself to the heavy volley of hostile fire,(THEN) Lieutenant Collins stood on top of his assault vehicle and began firing grenades upon the fleeing North Vietnamese Army elements, killing two of them. Suddenly a violent explosion erupted from a nearby enemy spider hole knocking Lieutenant Collins to the deck of his vehicle and inflicting him with painful fragment wounds. Although wounded, he refused evacuation and began directing highly-accurate and deadly machine gun fire upon the enemy positions until the hostile positions were overrun.”-This quote is from his citation for the Silver Star medal he was awarded in 1969. Collins would go on to serve another 29 years. Upon his retirement in 1998 he purchased this pistol after it being “loaned” to him by the Anniston Armory in 1993. This pistol coming up for auction represents a unique opportunity to not only own an actually issued Government M9 but one issued to an American Hero and Patriot with the correct holster, pouch, and all accompanying paperwork. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!! – R.L.
