Launched over SHOT Show, the new Beretta M9A4 Centurion brings the popular Centurion slide and barrel length to the optics ready M9A4 series.
Full Size Vs Centurion
Historically, Beretta applied the “Centurion” designation to 90-Series pistols featuring a full length grip but a shorter slide/barrel. For instance, the 96D Centurion has approximately a 4.5 inch barrel, and the 92D full size has a 5 inch barrel. While Beretta did depart that naming convention with the APX series, it’s remained true for the popular 90-Series guns. That includes the just launched Beretta M9A4 Centurion.
Modern Updates to Best U.S. Service Pistol
The M9A4 is the direct offspring of the M9A3. Beretta developed the M9A3 as an alternative for the Army’s Modular Handgun System. The M9A3 would have cost the taxpayers less per unit than the eventually selected Sig M17/M18. It also would have taken advantage of existing parts stores and decades of military armorer knowledge on the M9 platform. Regardless, when the Army rejected the M9A3, Beretta offered it for commercial sale. In 2021, they launched the M9A4, an optics ready platform that allows end users to add the micro red-dot sight of their choice to the pistol’s slide. Like its parent pistol, the Beretta M9A4 Centurion is optics ready, and includes a significant set of feature upgrades over standard 90-Series pistols.
Those upgrades include:
- Dovetailed tritium night sights
- Beveled magazine well
- Beretta Vertec frame w/textured 92X grips
- Optional Wrap-Around Grips that mimic a traditional 92-size frame
Furthermore, the Beretta M9A4 Centurion uses the upgraded 92X enhanced short reset Xtreme Trigger System. This is mated to Beretta’s G-style decocker. On Beretta G models, the slide mounted safety lever only safely lowers the hammer to the decocked position. As a result, the G models eliminate the possibility of accidentally placing the pistol on safe. Lastly, the Centurion’s 4.8 inch barrel features 1/2-28 tpi threading. It’s ready to mount your favorite 9mm suppressor!
The Beretta M9A4 Centurion has an MSRP of $1,099. When users register their new pistol with Beretta, they’ll receive a free optics plate of their choice.
