Well I have a different opinion. First off I have had many CMI M9 magazines in the past and used them for competition in my 92 series Bereta pistols. I found them to be great choices for my purpose and in some cases a better choice. The steel folded floorplate is superior when running and gunning in a match venue with concrete floors.
I did not like the rough phosphate finish on the original CMI mags I had. They still worked great but then I was not in the MidEast. The last pair I purchased were much nicer. I am quite happy with the new ones and would not hesitate to carry them on duty IF they had the magazine disconnect slot my Beretta requires. If I were in the sandbox with a M9 then I would be very hesitant to carry one unless it was the new specification models coming into service.
I have several Beretta marked military magazines with a rougher parkerized type finish. I have been advised by friends that have served in both the "stan" and Iraq that the original Beretta marked magazines with rough finishes also had sand problems. Not as many due to limited numbers in theater. Even so I think Checkmate has a fair defense. They made magazines to Govt specification and the spec was a bad idea in MidEast desert conditions. It might well have cost some lives. That has changed though and the new spec is quite a bit improved and serviciable.
Currently I only have a special magazine disconnect model Beretta 92 and the military Beretta and CMI magazines I have will not work. If another standard 92 or M9 crosses my path then I am sure the CMI magazines will provide good service.
In case any one wants to know the half moon notch located on the bottom right side of some Beretta magazines is NOT the notch I am referring to. The Magazine disconnet is located on the upper right side. I have a photo to show it: