Lynx Defense

Beretta M9 build project

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  • m5215

    Pistoleer
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    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
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    McKinney, TX
    I stumbled on this M9 slide for sale and upon closer inspection I purchased it right away.

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    The markings on the slide indicate that this slide was used as an actual US military M9 not the civilian M9 that can be commonly purchased. The PB logo is the plain government issue one that is on all pistols for government use only. In addition the fact that it has stamped into it "P. BERETTA" and not "BERETTA USA" means that this slide was part of one of the first few batches in the mid 80's of M9's that were built at Beretta's factory in Italy before the US based factory took over production of the M9.

    I will be undergoing a restoration project to build a complete pistol again around this slide. Although it will not be a totally accurate reproduction of the military issued M9 I can get it to look almost completely like one with the exception of a few small details.

    I decided to share this project of mine here on the forum so I hope some of you enjoy watching it's progress as I work though the process of bringing this vintage M9 slide back into a complete pistol again. It should make a nice addition to my Beretta collection when it is done.

    At the moment I am making arrangements to have the slide refinished back to its standard matte black condition.
    Guns International
     
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    Gummi Bear

    Active Member
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    Mar 24, 2015
    277
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    Arlington
    Cool!

    Where’d you find the slide? I want to replace the slide on my 92-S, which has a very short front sight and I struggle with it.



    I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

    Henry David Thoreau
     

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    0   0   0
    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
    96
    McKinney, TX
    Cool!

    Where’d you find the slide? I want to replace the slide on my 92-S, which has a very short front sight and I struggle with it.



    I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

    Henry David Thoreau

    I got the slide at a reasonable price from a seller on gunbroker.

    From what I understand the slides for the newer Beretta pistols will not work on a older one like the 92S. I have seen custom jobs were a dovetail was cut into a slide that did not have one but I would assume that is not a cheap task to have done. I would recommend looking into painting the tip if the front sight with a little white paint. It will make using the existing sights much better.
     

    Gummi Bear

    Active Member
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    Mar 24, 2015
    277
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    Arlington
    I got the slide at a reasonable price from a seller on gunbroker.

    From what I understand the slides for the newer Beretta pistols will not work on a older one like the 92S. I have seen custom jobs were a dovetail was cut into a slide that did not have one but I would assume that is not a cheap task to have done. I would recommend looking into painting the tip if the front sight with a little white paint. It will make using the existing sights much better.

    I have painted the front sight. I still struggle.

    It’s really short. Think less than half the height of the FS or M9. I have no idea why the S is like that. I can shoot my brothers M9 much better than my S.

    I guess I’m just not cut out for super low profile sights.

    Thanks for the tip about the compatibility between new and older models, I’ll keep an eye on that.



    I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

    Henry David Thoreau
     

    DD130

    Active Member
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    Aug 21, 2017
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    Devil's Backbone
    I have painted the front sight. I still struggle.

    It’s really short. Think less than half the height of the FS or M9. I have no idea why the S is like that. I can shoot my brothers M9 much better than my S.

    I guess I’m just not cut out for super low profile sights.

    Thanks for the tip about the compatibility between new and older models, I’ll keep an eye on that.
    I agree, have the same issue with my S. I've been wondering if a gunsmith can solder/weld on a higher sight and then push in a new rear. Sounds expensive... maybe cheaper to just buy another FS or M9. I'm waiting for some sight paint from Brownells to paint mine, but I'm not holding my breath for a bit improvement. Still enjoy shooting the old girl. :)
     

    Gummi Bear

    Active Member
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    Mar 24, 2015
    277
    26
    Arlington
    I’m gonna reach out to Novak tomorrow, and see about having them dovetail the front, to add one of their front sights.

    I’m also reaching out to a local smith.

    I’ll let ya know what I find.



    I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

    Henry David Thoreau
     

    DD130

    Active Member
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    Aug 21, 2017
    522
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    Devil's Backbone
    I’m gonna reach out to Novak tomorrow, and see about having them dovetail the front, to add one of their front sights.
    Geez.. sometimes I shock myself with my own stupidity.. that would make MUCH more sense than having something sweated/soldered/welded on! :/

    I'm super interested on what you find out!!
     

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    Sep 3, 2018
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    McKinney, TX
    If anyone comes across a lower frame for a Beretta M92FS/M9 that is in new or excellent condition for sale please PM me to let me know. I might even look into buying a whole M92FS/M9 in excellent condition if it's a great deal. I have sources for all the parts for the upper slide but I need to find a lower frame for this project.
     

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
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    McKinney, TX
    The slide has been dropped off to be refinished. It might be done before Christmas otherwise I will be getting it sometime after. Once I have it back I will be posting pictures.
     

    SPCHardin

    Active Member
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    Jul 19, 2010
    498
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    San Antonio
    Very cool find. I really enjoy shooting the M9/92 platform. I know a lot of people dislike them, but they are a smooth shooting nail driver. I regret selling my 92 compact, which was also an Italian made model.
     

    ian

    Active Member
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    Nov 15, 2018
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    Liberty Hill
    I saw some barrels for sale with military drawing numbers on them a while back. Kick myself for not picking them up.
     

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    0   0   0
    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
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    McKinney, TX
    Very cool find. I really enjoy shooting the M9/92 platform. I know a lot of people dislike them, but they are a smooth shooting nail driver. I regret selling my 92 compact, which was also an Italian made model.

    Right now on gunbroker there are several vendors selling new 92 compacts built at the Beretta factory in Italy for as low as $450 which is a very good price. If anyone has ever wanted a new 92 compact now is the time to buy one.
     
    Last edited:

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
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    McKinney, TX
    Just picked up the refinished slide and it looks great!

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    I have all the parts to complete the slide so I will begin assembling it soon. I still do not have a lower frame yet so I am shopping around for one.
     

    m5215

    Pistoleer
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    0   0   0
    Sep 3, 2018
    1,430
    96
    McKinney, TX
    The final assembly has been completed! This vintage M9 slide is now back together with complete slide parts and a complete lower frame. Considering this M9 slide is one of the original that were first delivered to the US military it makes me wonder where this slide has been and who it served under. It technically joined the military a few years before I did, LOL!

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    Last edited:
    Every Day Man
    Tyrant

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