Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

[Johnny Rotten]

Thinking of upgrading to a PX4 9mm compact for CC, anyone have one?

http://www.beretta.com/en-us/px4-storm-compact/#Main

[graycrait]

As long as it is not the subcompact, cause the subcompact does not have the same rotational action as the full size and compact.  I had a compact on long term loan to me a few months back.  That had to be the easiest shooting pistol for its size I have ever shot.  One retired LEO who was shooting it described it, "You forget you are shooting it is so easy." I really liked it and appreciated the loan of it.  I couldn't justify another handgun and was able to find a home for it for the friend who lent it to me.  If I inherit one I would keep and carry it.  It ate everything I put in it and shot to point of aim.  I wouldn't dump a Glock 19 for one though.

[tercel89]

I had it's bigger all metal brother the Cougar. It is very soft shooting and to me was the softest shooting 9mm pistol I ever shot. Smooth as glass operation. Just keep oil on the slide rails and use a grease on the rotating barrel lug.

[Jonnin]

I had the subcompact and it was simply way, way too wide for me to enjoy carrying it.   Its possibly the fattest handgun I have ever owned.   It was reliable and shot well etc, zero problems it just didn't fit physically to my needs.    Also a little on the heavy side for modern CC, I *liked* that as it tames recoil, but its no lightweight.  

[Lumber_Jack]

I had the subcompact and it was simply way, way too wide for me to enjoy carrying it. Its possibly the fattest handgun I have ever owned. It was reliable and shot well etc, zero problems it just didn't fit physically to my needs. Also a little on the heavy side for modern CC, I *liked* that as it tames recoil, but its no lightweight.

Yep, that gun is now a night stand gun at my dads house. Great gun, great shooter. If hate to try and conceal carry that thing. Too far, too heavy.

[zybysco]

I'll agree. Pretty wide and heavy for concealed carry. Nice truck guns though.

[TNWNGR]

Nice gun, big but real nice, feels good in hand with good balance, if you want one then go ahead it won't give you any troubles.

[Johnny Rotten]

As long as it is not the subcompact, cause the subcompact does not have the same rotational action as the full size and compact.  I had a compact on long term loan to me a few months back.  That had to be the easiest shooting pistol for its size I have ever shot.  One retired LEO who was shooting it described it, "You forget you are shooting it is so easy." I really liked it and appreciated the loan of it.  I couldn't justify another handgun and was able to find a home for it for the friend who lent it to me.  If I inherit one I would keep and carry it.  It ate everything I put in it and shot to point of aim.  I wouldn't dump a Glock 19 for one though.

I was looking at the subcompact, what makes the rotational action better?

 

I had the subcompact and it was simply way, way too wide for me to enjoy carrying it.   Its possibly the fattest handgun I have ever owned.   It was reliable and shot well etc, zero problems it just didn't fit physically to my needs.    Also a little on the heavy side for modern CC, I *liked* that as it tames recoil, but its no lightweight.  

I pulled up the spec's of a 92F (I have one), the PX has the same thickness, I guess I need to put one in my hands and feel it out..

[graycrait]

Just by talking about it I doubt one can appreciate how the rotational barrel action mitigates recoil in this design.  Best find someone who will lend you one or a shop where you can rent one.

[Jonnin]

I was looking at the subcompact, what makes the rotational action better?

 

I pulled up the spec's of a 92F (I have one), the PX has the same thickness, I guess I need to put one in my hands and feel it out..

 

It *felt* great to me.  It just didn't conceal as well as I might have liked.  The big ones with the rotating barrel are a joy to shoot ... comfy, mild.  Just a bit large for my personal prefs.

[kcevans]

I have one that I use as my CCW everyday, I have been using the PX4 platform for years and couldn't be happier.

All of my PX4's have been 100% reliable.

[zybysco]

I don't think the rotational barrel helps recoil at all. I just think it's width and weight help with the recoil. The subcompact uses traditional browning action I believe. Apparently the rotational action doesn't work to well in shorter slides.

[kieefer]

I own the sub-compact and agree with what everyone said before. I have mine at the bedside. Very nice shooter and fits my large hands. Small hands may have issue with it.

 

I carried it for a while but went back to my snub-nose revolvers.

 

I've also shot the full size right after I bought my SR9, kinda regretted the purchase but I kept the SR9. Shoot both it you can.

[Guest Just_Don]

I have a PX4 Compact (not the subcompact). It's a good pistol, and I found it shoots pretty well.  Having said that, I no longer use it for my daily carry gun for a couple of reasons.

 

I spent a couple of weeks (four days at a time) last year training in use of a handgun. Over the course of (each of) those four day sessions, I fired about 600 rounds of ammunition and probably at least three times as many dry presses. During that time, I learned a couple of things about my interaction with that pistol.  First, I found that the little metal "ears" (feel free to mock me for not knowing the proper term...  :rofl:) on the rear sides of the slide really tore up my hands when operating the slide, so it was a really uncomfortable gun with which to practice. (And since I have personally decided that if I'm not going to put in the time to practice, I shouldn't carry, that was a problem.)  Second, I really had a hard time getting used to the double/single action. With a very different trigger pull on the first pull than on subsequent pulls, I tended to have my first shot suffer in accuracy. 

 

For my next couple of times out doing training I acquired and switched to a striker fired handgun (the Springfield XDM). I really like the XDM, and that has now become my everyday carry gun.

 

Those are not necessarily reasons that anybody else should not like the PX4. It seems to be a well made gun, and I seldom had any malfunctions or anything of the sort - in spite of my rigorous cleaning schedule of "if I happen to think about it and there is literally nothing else going on." If you like the double/single action handgun, and the sharp metal ears on the sides don't bother you, it's a good gun. (Also, if you like the double/single action, I found I could solve the problem with the ears during training by wearing a fingerless glove during training on the hand with which I work the slide. For anything other than extensive training, the problem is minor.)

 

Sort of lengthy for a first post to the forum. Thanks for bearing with the newbie.  :wave:

[94user]

Welcome.  We PX4 owners call the de-cocking levers "batwings".  I grab them when I rack the slide. Lower profile ones can be had but at a ridiculous price, $50 or more . I have a full size in .40 cal  and yes, it's too fat to conceal under a t shirt.  Never had a problem with it and it doesn't recoil any worse than my 1911.  As far as the SA/DA thing, that's what I want in a carry gun. The first long pull is the best safety that works for me,

Edited June 30, 2015 by 94user

[TNWNGR]

I'm thinking that size wise the XDM is larger then the PX4 Compact with the later being slightly wider IIRC. W/O doubt the SA pistol would have a better feeling trigger and the more front heavy feel be more comfortable under recoil. The transition from DA first shot to SA follow up shots is disconcerting for a newer shooter which would also make the XDM feel better. But FWIW the DA/SA is very doable with a bit of training and determined practice. It's even better in a well broken in pistol which is when the 92FS really comes into its on. The ergonomics are better on the PX4 but it's action is a near carry over. Just_Don made an excellent first post with his observations.

[zybysco]

Welcome. We PX4 owners call the de-cocking levers "batwings". I grab them when I rack the slide. Lower profile ones can be had but at a ridiculous price, $50 or more . I have a full size in .40 cal and yes, it's too fat to conceal under a t shirt. Never had a problem with it and it doesn't recoil any worse than my 1911. As far as the SA/DA thing, that's what I want in a carry gun. The first long pull is the best safety that works for me,

The best safety for me is between my ears. I like the px4, but I detest DA/SA. I know it can be overcome with training, but you will never shoot it as accurately as a pistol with a consistent trigger pull that you trained on just as much. That being said, I do own one DA/SA.

The Smith & Wesson 5906 and 39 have fantastic resets, but the double action pulls are lacking. I've never met a good double action trigger pull on a DA/SA. Edited July 1, 2015 by zybysco

[Johnny Rotten]

I bought that little fat bi+ch, I shot 40-50rds out of her Sunday, she shot left and low, I just changed the back strap and ready to try again..

 

[TNWNGR]

Hmm. Almost an overweight Pug there isn't it? LOL. Still, not a bad looking gun for a fire snorting compact pistol. Should do just fine once you break it in. Congrats.

[kcevans]

I have been concealing mine during the summer months under a t-shirt in a Galco Summer Classic without and problems.

It's all in how you approach your choice in a carry firearm and concealing it.

[TNWNGR]

I have been concealing mine during the summer months under a t-shirt in a Galco Summer Classic without and problems.
It's all in how you approach your choice in a carry firearm and concealing it.

100% True. I frequently concealed and carried on numerous occasions a 4" barrel K frame S&W, then later a Colt 1911GM. The Glock 17/22 was simply a wider but lighter Commander with the 19/23 absolutely the most comfortable. But I found the shorter 26/27 weren't as comfortable in an IWB carry. It's all about body build, wardrobe, belt and holster.

[willis68]

My brother in law bought one of these. I went to the range with him and together we shot 250 rounds of UMC Ball ammo. No malfunctions of any k=ind, quite an accurate pistol as well he conceal carries it with no problems,I was surprised at just how much I liked the pistol