One of the constants of gun culture is bringing older firearms into the present—sometimes with cursed results. On The VSO Gun Channel, the host draws a hard line against chopping M1s or turning K98s into sporters, then turns to a more practical upgrade: adding a modern accessory rail to a rail-less M9-pattern pistol. The test gun is a Derya Malik, described as a close replica of the Beretta M9, fitted with Recover Tactical’s replacement grip shell—one of the company’s earliest products, previously covered on the channel.
The upgrade
The Recover Tactical unit replaces the original grip panels with a shell that wraps the trigger guard and extends forward to add a rail. It is offered in several colors, including the green example on camera, plus tan, black, and silver, with similar kits for 1911-pattern pistols. The host argues the accessory gives new life to original M9s and M92FS pistols that otherwise sit unused now that Beretta’s A1, M9A1, and later A4 models ship with rails as standard.
Pros, cons, and specs from the range
- Fit: Measurements showed no added thickness versus stock grips; overall size and handling stay the same.
- Texture: Slightly more aggressive side checkering than the Malik’s wood panels (the military M9 uses polymer grips).
- Ergonomics: The only functional difference noted versus a standard M9 is a slight outward thumb position, with a recessed index point near the safety/decocker lever for a more stable trigger pull.
- Compatibility: Confirmed on the Derya Malik replica and previously on a matching M92FS.
- Drawbacks: The replica pistol ships with only one magazine. Range filming was cut short by high wind. Hydro-dip customization of a two-tone (black/silver) shell is planned but not yet done.
The host said the kit “breathes new life into a pistol that was about to go extinct,” and that “there is no difference in the measurements between the original grips and this addition.” He closed by asking viewers which old-gun conversions belong in the comments—and which belong in cursed-gun photos.
