How to Suppress a Beretta M9/92FS : Modernize the Iconic Classic

The Beretta M9, also known in its civilian form as the Beretta 92FS, isn’t just a legendary pistol—it's a pop-culture icon with a storied military history. Adopted by the U.S. military in 1985, the M9 was the official sidearm for American forces for over three decades! IT also played a critical role in popularizing the 9mm cartridge among civilian shooters nationwide. Whether it's John McClane's trusted sidearm in Die Hard or Martin Riggs’ weapon of choice in Lethal Weapon, the Beretta 92’s cinematic legacy is unmatched.

But here's something you might not realize: your Beretta M9 is a fantastic candidate for suppression. Thanks to its unique operating system, suppressing a Beretta 92 is straightforward and surprisingly efficient, often eliminating the need for a booster. If you own a Beretta but aren't sure how to make it whisper-quiet, this guide is designed just for you.

• Threaded Barrel Options: Factory vs. Aftermarket

• Suppressor Compatibility: Why the M9 Is Special

• Best Suppressors for the Beretta M9

• Sight and Optic Challenges

• Subsonic Ammo: Choosing the Best Quiet Rounds

• Installation & Setup: Simple Steps

• Performance and Fun Applications

• Wrap-Up & Quick Optimization Tips

f you want to run a silencer on your M9, the first step is installing a threaded barrel. While some modern Berettas (like the M9A3 or M9A4) ship with threaded barrels, most classic 92FS or standard M9 pistols will require an aftermarket upgrade.

Recommended: SilencerCo Threaded Barrel

Hands down, your best aftermarket threaded barrel is the SilencerCo Beretta 92FS/M9 Threaded Barrel. SilencerCo barrels offer drop-in installation, exceptional machining, and a corrosion-resistant nitride finish. They're available in the industry-standard 1/2x28 thread pitch, ensuring compatibility with nearly all 9mm suppressors.

Thread Pitch Considerations:

• 1/2x28: Standard American pitch, compatible with most suppressors.

• M13.5x1 LH: European metric thread, less common in the U.S.

Stick with the 1/2x28 barrels and you'll be good to go. If you do have a 13.5x1LH barrel, don't worry. There are plenty of suppressors that will work perfectly. 

What makes the Beretta 92 uniquely suited for suppression? Unlike many modern pistols (like the Glock or SIG P365), the M9 doesn’t use a tilting barrel design. Instead, it employs a short-recoil, locking-block system. The barrel moves straight backward, not upward, making suppressors easier to cycle. This design often allows the Beretta to run flawlessly with suppressors without needing a booster—a device typically required for reliability on other pistols.

Pros and Cons of the Beretta’s Open-Slide Design:

✅ Pros:

• Excellent reliability when suppressed

• Lower likelihood of baffle strikes due to stable barrel alignment

• Easier cycling, often without boosters

❌ Cons:

• Can run a bit dirty

Note on Boosters:
Even though the Beretta can often run boosterless, heavier silencers might benefit from a booster for maximum reliability.

For optimal sound suppression and minimal recoil, you want a quality full-sized 9mm suppressor. The following silencers pair exceptionally well with the Beretta:

• SilencerCo Spectre 9

  • Lightweight, durable stainless steel build

  • Outstanding suppression levels with subsonic ammo

  • Perfectly matched with the SilencerCo threaded barrel

• CAT SC (SC-S)

  • Engineered specifically for pistols like the M9

  • Delivers reliable performance

  • Insanely quiet, even in the short configuration

• Dead Air Mojave 9

  • Modular and versatile

  • Excellent tone and minimal blowback

  • Performs superbly with Beretta’s unique locking-block system

Note: Each of these suppressors can run without a booster on the Beretta M9 with some tuning. Keep the silencers in their shortest/lightest configuration. A direct thread mount is recommended to reduce weight compared to a piston and fixed barrel spacer. 

Classic Berettas were designed long before optics became commonplace. Their low-profile iron sights will usually sit too low behind a suppressor, creating visibility issues.

Solutions include:

• Suppressor-height iron sights: Taller iron sights available through aftermarket sources (gunsmith installation typically required).

• Red dot mounts and plates: Modernized Beretta models like the M9A4 feature optic-ready slides. Older models require milling or adapters, which can add complexity.

We highly suggest making your M9 red dot capable if its not already, red dots provide an outstanding aiming solution when shooting suppressed or unsuppressed. 

Because the Beretta M9 features a relatively long 4.9” barrel, it pairs beautifully with subsonic 147-grain ammunition. These heavier rounds remain below the speed of sound (about 1,100 feet per second), making them much quieter when suppressed.

Recommended ammo:

• 147gr standard-pressure FMJ: Subsonic rounds provide incredible sound suppression when paired with a silencer

• Specialty  subsonic loads: Heavier bullets, above 147 grain, can be used in the Beretta M9 to deliver more energy while remaining subsonic.

Avoid high-pressure (+P) rounds—they generate extra noise and reduce the benefits of suppression.

Suppressing your Beretta M9/92FS is easy—here's how to do it:

1. Unload and clear your pistol.

2. Field strip your slide (remove barrel and recoil spring).

3. Install the SilencerCo threaded barrel (it simply drops into place, no gunsmithing needed).

4. Reassemble the firearm with your new threaded barrel installed.

5. Attach your suppressor directly or via booster, tightening hand-tight only.

6. Cycle the slide manually to ensure smooth function and alignment.

7. Hit the range: Test fire your setup with various ammo types to verify reliable cycling and optimal quietness.

A suppressed Beretta M9 isn’t just superbly quiet—it’s incredibly fun. The reduced recoil and softened report make shooting sessions more enjoyable, increasing comfort and accuracy. Whether you're looking for nostalgic range time, a reliable everyday carry setup, or just more fun in your shooting hobby, a suppressed M9 is tough to beat.

Suppressing your Beretta M9 takes a timeless, iconic pistol and transforms it into a smoother, quieter shooting experience—no gunsmith required.

Quick Recap:

• Barrel: Choose the SilencerCo threaded barrel in 1/2x28 pitch.

• Suppressor: Consider the SilencerCo Spectre 9, CAT SC series, or Dead Air Mojave 9.

• Boosterless advantage: Leverage the M9’s unique locking-block design for suppressor reliability.

• Ammo: Use 147gr or heavier subsonic rounds for optimal performance.

• Sights: Upgrade to a red dot for improved accuracy and aquisition. 

Ready to quiet down your legendary Beretta? At Silencer Shop, we've got everything you need—easy, reliable, and ready to enjoy.