Beretta APX: Beretta’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

How well did steel- and hammer-focused Beretta adapt to the polymer striker market?

Beretta is a legend in firearms manufacturing, from shotguns to handguns, but the all-new Beretta APX is their first striker-fired pistol. They are known for their high-quality side-by-side, over-and-under, and semi-automatic shotguns, the military contract-winning M9, and numerous double-action pistols. But as the handgun market shifted to polymer strikers, they pivoted to meet the demand. How does this new pistol stack up in such a heavy market dominated by the likes of Glock, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson?

The Details

The Beretta APX was originally designed with law enforcement and the military in mind, as are the majority of Beretta’s pistol lineup. The APX quickly turned into a choice for concealed carriers looking for the option of 9mm or .40 S&W. One of the unique aspects of this gun is the barrel is built with polygonal rifling. This type of rifling increases accuracy by providing a better gas seal.

The Beretta APX has a simple disassembly, making it a solid choice for any concealed carrier to be able to maintain the gun. Many disassemblies require you to pull the trigger, and unfortunately, some of these have been the cause of negligent discharges. Beretta built a “striker deactivation button” as an option on the back of the pistol which allows you to avoid pulling the trigger to take the gun apart.

The trigger on the Beretta APX is on the heavier side, coming in at a 6-pound trigger pull. The intention was that military and law enforcement could wear gloves and not accidentally discharge the gun with a lighter trigger.

The MSRP on this gun is just $399, making this on the much more affordable side for people wanting to carry a firearm.

Media Thoughts

Handguns Magazine did a review of the Beretta APX and mentioned that while looks weren’t all that pleasing, the shooting part was. They mention that this functional, tactical tool is definitely a gun worth carrying.

The National Interest Organization starts out their review with, “There is a reason this weapon is used by militaries and law enforcement.” Need we share more? The full write-up about why the APX makes a great self-defense firearm can be found on their website.

Shooting Illustrated explained more about the depth and details Beretta went to create a removable fire-control group and allow owners to swap out frames. They took the pistol to the range and put it under testing with different ammunition and projectiles. The gun just ran. Check out the full details online.

Specifications

Chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W

4.25 in Barrel

Magazine capacity 17 (9mm) and 15 (.40)

28 ounces unloaded

6lb trigger

Available Holsters

The Beretta APX has quickly made its way into the defensive firearms market as a pistol people can trust. So of course, we have made holster options for you to carry comfortably.

Conclusion

Beretta is synonymous with defense as their guns have been used for years by military personnel. The Beretta APX makes a fun gun to enjoy at the range, but definitely a gun that could one day save your life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kenzie Fitzpatrick is a professional competitive shooter and an active blogger for many firearm websites. As an NRA-certified instructor and National Range Officer Institute Chief Range Officer, Kenzie trains new shooters on basic firearm safety, brings new shooters to competitive shooting, and works major matches across the country. She has a passion for teaching people how to concealed carry and is a positive ambassador for the Second Amendment.

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