Description
Some firearms carry stories in their steel, and this one wears its rank with pride.
This isn’t just a Beretta M9; it’s a U.S. Air Force General Officer’s model, issued initially to Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton. Delivered from Lackland Air Force Base to Montgomery, Alabama, this 1986 Beretta bridges the line between personal service and official legacy. The provenance is ironclad, backed by a DD Form 1149 dated February 21, 2018, providing a direct paper trail from the U.S. Air Force itself.
Look closer, and the markings tell the rest of the story. On the right side of the frame, you’ll find “U.S. 9mm M9 – BERETTA U.S.A. – 65490”, while the left side carries serial number 1285908. The slide bears the Beretta crest and assembly number ASSY 9346487C, small details that certify authenticity and heritage at a glance.
Functionally, it’s everything you’d expect from a service-issued M9: fixed white-dot combat sights, an ambidextrous safety, ring hammer, and lanyard loop for field reliability. But the details make this one stand apart. The walnut grips, inset with a deep-blue U.S. Air Force medallion, radiate quiet authority. Even the magazine’s baseplate bears the USAF engraving, a finishing touch that reinforces its official lineage.
The complete package is here: a Beretta blue case, Department of Defense belt and buckle, black leather holster, dual magazine pouch, spare baseplate, and the original operator’s manual. The paperwork includes a signed DD Form 1574 from Joseph J. Krueger of the USAF Gunsmith Shop, along with a memo from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center detailing the pistol’s Cerakote upgrade, the same finish visible on this very firearm.
With 99% of its Cerakote intact and the grip checkering still crisp, this M9 remains in exceptional condition. Whether you’re drawn to its military provenance or its rarity as a General Officer’s issue, this pistol stands as more than a firearm — it’s a tangible symbol of service, rank, and American craftsmanship.
