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 x 19 mm or .40 S&W cartridges and can be fitted with either 10 or 12 round magazines depending on the caliber. Adapters that allow the use of high capacity Beretta 92 series magazines are available but rare. Some magazines are equipped with an adjustable finger rest that can be either lowered for those with large hands or raised for those with small hands. The weapon has fully adjustable sights that can be replaced with night sights if desired. The Beretta 9000 is most popular for its use by the character, John Anderton (portrayed by Tom Cruise) in the 2002 film Minority Report.

There are 4 variants of the 9000S two calibres and each caliber in one of two configuration types, e.g. the 9000S Type D in 9 x 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 x 19 mm and .40 S&W calibers in either F or D configurations.

As with other Beretta pistols, the F configuration includes double and single action operation and firing pin block safety, and external frame-mounted manual safety/decocking latches.

This configuration is double action, which obviates the need for a decocking lever.