The Beretta M9A1 evolved from the base design of the battle-tested and proven M9 pistol, with input from military and law enforcement agencies around the world. It was developed to meet the demands of the U.S. Marine Corps, and it incorporates the established reliability and performance of the M9. The M9A1 features a white 3-dot sight system, a sure, firm grip, a Picatinny MIL-STD 1913 rail, and a magazine well bevel to facilitate fast tactical reloads in combat situations. The chrome-lined barrel provides extreme corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning, and it also features a deeply-recessed combat muzzle crown to protect the rifling. The special PVD coating reduces friction, and the magazine tube design reduces the possibility of sand accumulation within the round column, which greatly increases the reliability and functioning of the M9A1 in the desert or other extreme conditions.