How to field strip an M9 Pistol

The Beginnings of the M9 started in the 1980's. At this time the Army had 25 different service weapons when it came to handguns. The most popular was the M1911 that had been in service for 70 years, and the .38 revolver. The difference in the two was clear: the larger .45 caliber M1911 was a men's sidearm, and the smaller .38 sidearm, for women. Someone finally relied that having two separate firearms, and rounds (bullets) was counterproductive. The move to the M9 9mm Beretta was born. Today's M9's have been in service for all most 30 years. In this article I will explain how to fieldstrip an M9.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• M9 pistol (9mm Beretta, 92F Model)
• Something to lay weapon parts on
• Weapon cleaning supplies (why not clean it when its apart?)

1. CLEAR THE WEAPON! When handling any weapon, the first thing you want to make sure is that there are no rounds (bullets) in them. Make sure the weapon is pointed in a safe direction, away from people. First drop the magazine. There is a small round button near the handle, either on the left or right. Next, pull back the slide, the top part of the weapon until it stops. If there is a round in the weapon, it should automatically eject from the weapon. Finally use the slide catch (on the left side of the weapon just below the slide) and push up on it as you slowly let the slide go forward. This should leave the weapon open to see into the barrel. Visually check for rounds in the barrel( This should be very easy to see as the rounds are gold in color, and not the dark blue of the weapon).

2. 
    
   The M9 field stripped, notice the ovel button just below where the slide would be

   Next, with the slide to the rear, press the oval button, it is on the opposite of the slide catch. As you press that in, there is a lever on the opposite side, right in front of the slide catch. Press this down until it has turned 1/4 turn. At this time the slide is ready to be taken off the Lower Receiver.

3. Push the slide back, and as you do the slide catch should fall back to the horizontal position. At this point push the slide forward as far as it will go. Grab the end of the slide and lift from the Lower Receiver.

4. Turn the slide upside down. You should see the Recoil Spring and Recoil Guide. Very carefully push them in slightly and pull up on them both. Once they are removed lift out the barrel by pushing it forward about 1/2 an inch and lift it out of the slide.

5. At this point you have completed the entire field strip process. Your weapon should look like the image in step 2. To put it back together, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure to clear any weapon before handling it.
• Treat all weapons as if they are loaded.
• Make sure there is no rounds present after weapon has been cleared.
• Use FM 3-23.35 if you have any questions on the M9, it also has a complete section on the weapons stats.
• When removing the Recoil Guide and Recoil Spring, remember that they are under pressure and to be as careful as possible when taking out / putting in these items.

Resources

• ArmyStudyGuide.com