M9 Beretta
The Ghost's old reliable.
The M9 Beretta is a semi-automatic pistol featured in the Ghost Recon series, serving as the default sidearm for countless Ghosts—a workhorse backup that's often the last thing an enemy hears when your primary runs dry. Its role is that of a reliable secondary weapon, used for clearing tight corners or finishing off stragglers when your assault rifle's magazine clicks empty.
- First Appears
- Ghost Recon (2001) (as M9)
Lore & Background
The M9 Beretta has been a staple of the Ghost Recon franchise since its inception, mirroring its real-world adoption by the U.S. In the games, it's the issued sidearm for Ghost team members, holstered as a trusty backup to their assault rifles or submachine guns. Its inclusion reinforces the series' dedication to authenticity, as the M9 was the standard-issue service pistol for American forces throughout the early 2000s, from the dusty streets of the first game to the jungles of later titles. The M9A1 variant, featuring an accessory rail, would not appear until later titles, reflecting its real-world adoption in 2006.
In Their Own Story
The M9's design—a double-action/single-action trigger with an exposed hammer—is faithfully recreated across the series, though its performance shifts with each era. In the original Ghost Recon (2001), it's a reliable but anemic choice compared to heavier sidearms, demanding careful shot placement. By Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (2012), the M9 is tuned for accuracy and low recoil, letting you chain precise shots in tight firefights. Its durability and intuitive handling make it a frequent pick for players who value consistency over raw punch.
Reader's Guide
The M9 Beretta is a mid-tier pistol, often unlocked early in the campaign or available from the start. It shines in accuracy and stability, ideal for picking off enemies at medium range, though its stopping power lags behind magnum or high-caliber options. In Ghost Recon: Wildlands (2017) and Ghost Recon: Breakpoint (2019), you can outfit it with suppressors, laser sights, and optics, turning it into a stealthy finisher. Players lean on the M9 for clearing rooms or executing wounded foes without burning primary ammo. Its ubiquity means ammo is easy to find, but it struggles against armored targets. In multiplayer, it's a solid secondary for those who prioritize agility over firepower. For best results, slap on a suppressor for covert ops or a red dot sight for faster target acquisition. Its low recoil enables rapid follow-up shots, making it a forgiving choice for newcomers.
Did You Know?
- In Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, the standard sidearm is the M9A1, a variant of the M9 featuring an accessory rail and other improvements.
- The weapon's name 'M9A1' is a military designation, while 'Beretta' refers to the Italian manufacturer, Beretta S.p.A.
- In Ghost Recon: Wildlands, the M9A1 cannot be dual-wielded in any game mode, as dual-wielding is not a feature in that game.
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Elsewhere in the Ghost Recon universe
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