Understanding the Impact of M9 Beretta Surplus on the Market
The recent discussions surrounding the adoption of the Sig P320 by the U.S. military have sparked interest in the potential influx of surplus M9 Berettas on the civilian market. However, the reality is quite different from what many might think.
The Fate of M9 Berettas
What will most likely happen is that the U.S. military will distribute some of these pistols to other service branches and either warehouse the remaining ones or use them for 'foreign aid' as a bargaining tool. It's important to note that the U.S. Army has never surplussed pistols to civilians before - they've only sold rifles. Moreover, it's been reported that the service destroyed all of its 1911s.
Why You Wouldn't Want the M9 Beretta Even if Available
Despite the potential availability of M9 Berettas, it is likely that you wouldn't want them. Beretta 92s are widely available at reasonable prices; for example, a new Beretta 92 can be obtained for around $500, while a Taurus knockoff of comparable quality can be purchased for over $100 less. The military pistols, having seen extensive use over the past 30 years, may show significant wear and tear, making a new or refurbished version a better choice. Additionally, the quality and condition of the military surplus pistols might not meet the standards you desire for personal use.
U.S. Military Weapon Repatriation and Sales
It's also important to consider whether the government would actually sell these surplus weapons. In the past, there have been instances where certain weapons have not been returned to the U.S. for sale, such as the M1 and M1 Carbine sitting in Korea that were banned from returning to the U.S. even under the Trump administration. The M14 is another example, as most of these rifles are set up for selective fire and would never be released for civilian sale due to this feature.
Current Surplus Weapon Sales
According to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), rifles can be sold directly as collectibles because of their age. Additionally, CMP has a requirements system, meaning that individuals must belong to a certified gun club or be a military veteran to purchase these rifles. However, pistols are a different story, as they are too new to be sold directly as surplus. These must be sold through a gun store, which is often difficult due to the current policies and regulations.
Conclusion: Alternatives to M9 Berettas
Given the challenges and limitations around accessing surplus M9 Berettas, it's advisable to consider purchasing a new or refurbished Beretta 92 or a Taurus knockoff. The market is saturated with high-quality options that are significantly less expensive and likely to be in much better condition than their military counterparts. Therefore, while the adoption of Sig P320 by the U.S. military might raise interest, it is unlikely to result in a meaningful influx of usable and affordable surplus M9 Berettas on the civilian market.