Beretta Model 9000, first plastic frame from Beretta

When Beretta decided to develop a micro 9mm I was at Beretta Italy the Product Manager for all the line of firearms and my friend GDP had the same title at Beretta USA. Tough ether we spent more than 9 month developing the specs for a new pistol.

The objects of this project was: 1) comfortable to carry 2) ease to use 3) Beretta identity.

1) The dimension were defined comparing all the most successful mini pistols already on the market and we chose a compromise that incorporated a good ammunition capacity and a robust structure.

2) Having commands like safety lever, the exposed hammer and open slide were the most important features that we did not renounce.

3) Beretta identity for us is: perfection with no compromises!

So way the 9000 had a so poor success and a short life on the market? Because we as Product Managers accepted some deviations of our specs:

A) imposition from GM to use "plastic over moulded" frame, the result was a quik degradaction of the grips B) Aesthetics designed from a car designer C) technical decisions made for respecting the Time on Market (horrible trigger and safety lever) istead to reserving more time to develop the perfect solutions!

The Beretta 9000 is a series of modern compact size semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. It is used primarily for civilian self-defense.

Beretta style, open slide

Double injection on the pistol handle and surface texture

The Beretta 9000 pistol is a polymer-framed design that retains traditional open-top slide styling with modern materials. It is chambered for either the 9×19 mm or .40 S&W cartridges and can be fitted with either 10- or 12-round magazines, depending on the caliber. Adapters are available that allow the use of standard-capacity Beretta 92 series magazines. An adjustable finger rest can be either lowered for those with large hands or raised for those with small hands. The weapon has fixed sights.

Innovative locking system, patented, solid and durable

There are four variants of the 9000S—two calibers and each caliber in one of two configuration types, e.g. the 9000S Type D in 9×19 mm is sometimes referred to as 9000S D9, whereas the .40 S&W in Type F configuration would be 9000 F40. The 9000 series is available in 9×19mm and .40 S&W calibers in either D or F configurations denoting traditional double-action and decocker models respectively.
		New holster concept was availabe