If you’re like me—living in a place where precision, reliability, and ease of use are paramount—then the Beretta APX is a modern-day contender worthy of the spotlight.
Birthed by the illustrious Beretta, a name synonymous with quality firearms, the APX series endeavors to meld tradition with modernity. I’m aiming here to dissect the APX's attributes and shortcomings with a keen, professional eye.
Is this little beauty worth your time and hard-earned money? Let’s find out in Craft Holsters' latest endeavor: our Beretta APX review.
BERETTA APX: BACKGROUND OF BERETTA
The story of Beretta is a chronicle steeped in tradition, innovation, and quality. Established in 1526, Beretta holds the distinction of being the oldest active firearm manufacturer worldwide. Over the centuries, Beretta has become synonymous with reliability and precision, offering a wide range of firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.
EMERGENCE OF THE APX SERIES
The APX series marks Beretta's thoughtful venture into the modern striker-fired pistol market. Launched to meet the demanding needs of military and law enforcement personnel, the APX embodies a culmination of superior engineering and ergonomic design. It's Beretta's answer to the modern call for a dependable, easy-to-maintain, and versatile handgun.
BERETTA APX: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At first grasp, I found the APX exuded a nice sense of rugged durability. The textured grip felt reassuring in my hand, promising a good level of control even in adverse conditions. Its aesthetics are modern, with clean lines and an intuitive control layout, making it a practical yet stylish choice for today’s discerning shooter.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER MODELS (Beretta M9, Glock 19)
Beretta APX & Glock 19 Size comparison - Source: handgunhero.com
When placed side by side with the likes of the Beretta M9 and the Glock 19, I believe the APX holds its own.
It offers a more modern take on design and ergonomics compared to the M9. and compared to the Glock 19, the APX’s modular design stands out, offering a level of customization that allows for a more personalized shooting experience.
Initially, the trigger action of the APX had a smooth, crisp break, which, in my opinion, edges out the Glock’s. However, the proven track record of the M9 and Glock 19 in the field is something the APX is still in the process of achieving.
BERETTA APX: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Before we move onto the particular features of Beretta APX, let's take a look at the main specs of the pistol:
- Model Name: Beretta APX
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger)
- Action: Recoil-operated, striker single-action
- Weight (uloaded): 28.24 oz
- Capacity: 17+1
- Overall Width: 1.3"
- Overall Length: 7.56"
- Overall Height: 5.6''
- Barrel Length: 4.25"
- Frame Material: Black polymer
- Safety: Glock-style trigger safety
- Sights: 3-dot low profile
- MSRP: $399.00
SAFETY FEATURES
The Beretta APX espouses a robust set of safety features adhering to the modern standards of firearm safety. Its integral trigger safety is designed to prevent accidental discharges, requiring a deliberate pull to engage the firing mechanism.
Additionally, the APX boasts a striker deactivation button, allowing the user to safely disassemble the firearm without pulling the trigger. The presence of an automatic striker block ensures the gun will not fire unless you've got that trigger fully depressed, adding an extra layer of security.
TRIGGER SYSTEM
The trigger system of the APX is engineered with a focus on enhancing both safety and shooting experience. The trigger has a clear, tactile, and audible reset—beneficial for both trained and novice shooters.
It provides a smooth pull with a crisp break at around 6 pounds, making it relatively easy to manage. The short reset contributes to faster follow-up shots, a feature that can prove crucial in high-stress situations. The APX’s trigger system embodies a blend of safety and user-friendliness, reflecting Beretta's commitment to delivering a reliable, high-performance handgun to the market.
BERETTA APX: PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT - RANGE TESTING
ACCURACY
The Beretta APX shines in terms of accuracy. From a standard distance of 25 yards, I found the APX showcased a consistent ability to hold tight groupings. In my opinion, the inherent accuracy of this firearm is further enhanced by its low bore axis and intuitive sights, allowing for quick target acquisition and steady follow-up shots. With minimal practice, I believe achieving precise shots with the APX becomes an attainable feat, an attribute that stands as a testament to its well-engineered design.
RECOIL MANAGEMENT
Recoil management is an area where the APX definitely impressed me. Thanks to its balanced design and adequate weight distribution, the recoil was controllable and predictable. The ergonomics of the grip also played a vital role in mitigating muzzle flip, allowing for rapid re-acquisition of my target. Even with rapid-fire, the APX maintained a level of stability that I think would easily inspire confidence in any shooter.
HANDLING AND ERGONOMICS
Handling the APX is a pleasant experience. Its textured grip, balanced weight, and overall ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and shoot. The controls are easily accessible, and the firearm feels natural in hand, reducing the learning curve for those transitioning from other handgun models. The modular design of the APX further allows for customization to fit individual hand sizes and preferences, promoting a personalized shooting experience.
RELIABILITY - FEED AND EXTRACTION
During extensive testing, the APX exhibited stellar reliability with various types of ammunition. Feed and extraction were smooth, with no noticeable hiccups, even under rapid firing conditions. The reliability of the APX in cycling ammunition efficiently is a clear indicator of its potential as a trustworthy companion in both tactical and self-defense scenarios.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING EASE
Maintenance is straightforward with the APX. Its design facilitates easy disassembly without the need for special tools. I found cleaning and reassembly were equally hassle-free, making routine maintenance less of a chore. This ease of maintenance for any firearm will contribute to the long-term reliability of the weapon, ensuring it functions optimally even with regular use.
DURABILITY - MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION QUALITY
I may be slightly biased on this, but I think the construction quality of the APX is top-notch. Employing a blend of high-quality polymers and steel, the APX is built to endure the rigors of daily use and adverse conditions. The finish on the metal parts resists corrosion effectively, while the polymer frame absorbs recoil efficiently, contributing to the longevity of the firearm.
LONG-TERM USE INSIGHTS
I consulted with other shooters I admire who have been using the APX for a while. What I took from those conversations was even with prolonged use, the APX is very likely to retain its performance metrics impressively. The wear and tear are minimal, they reported, and it holds up well under varying environmental conditions.I wasn’t surprised. The durability of the APX is a further testament to Beretta's commitment to delivering a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning firearm enthusiasts.
BERETTA APX: KEY TAKEAWAYS
In the final analysis, I believe the Beretta APX stands as a robust, reliable, and user-friendly firearm that encapsulates modern-day handgun requisites.
Its commendable accuracy, manageable recoil, and ergonomic design make it a solid choice for both professional and personal use. The APX’s modular design and easy maintenance further accentuate its appeal, reflecting Beretta’s heritage of blending functionality with user-centric innovation.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE BERETTA APX
Individuals in law enforcement, military personnel, or civilians looking for a dependable self-defense firearm might find the Beretta APX to be a worthy contender. Its attributes cater to the demands of rigorous professional use while still being accessible and comfortable for personal defense or recreational shooting.
MATCHING THE RIGHT HOLSTER TO YOUR BERETTA APX
Selecting an appropriate holster is paramount for ensuring safe and efficient carry of your Beretta APX. A suitable holster for Beretta APX should provide a snug fit, secure retention, and easy access for quick draw and re-holstering. Holsters from reputable manufacturers like Craft Holsters offer a range of options tailored to the Beretta APX.
Whether you prefer an inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, or shoulder holster, matching the right holster to your APX will enhance your carrying experience, ensuring your firearm is always ready at your disposal while maintaining a comfortable and concealed carry.