[Colt117]

My dad just got an m&p and I want to get a pistol that can at least be able to compete with it. We're both leaning towards a beretta px4. Can the px4 even compete with the m&p for IPSC in production? I don't neccesarily want to have two m&ps and I don't want a glock. Opinions on the px4?

[lunde]

While I have never shot a S&W M&P, I do own two Beretta Px4s, and it's a superb pistol. I feel that it can hold its own against any combat pistol, so there are two enthusiastic "thumbs up" here for the Px4. I suggest the "G" version with slim controls. You cannot buy a Px4 with slim controls already installed, and installing the slim controls necessarily converts it from an F or G version to a G version. Dav Olhasso sells the slim controls, and if you send to him your slide, he'll install the slim decocker for $15. See: http://www.olhasso.com/beretta/px4.htm

Here's a before/after of one of my Px4s. It was originally an "F" version, and it is now a "G" version with slim controls. I love it.

BEFORE:

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/px4-left-full.jpg

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/px4-right-flat.jpg

AFTER:

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/px4-g-slim-left-full.jpg

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/px4-g-slim-left-flat.jpg

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/photos/px4-g-slim-right-flat.jpg

[Navy87Guy]

As soon as I order my belt holster from Comp-Tac I'm going to start using my PX4 for USPSA Production. It's a great shooter for me. Even though the frame is polymer, the slide is substantial and provides a very nice balance. The interchangeable backstraps allow you to fit the grip to your hand (I'm currently using the small grip). As Dr. Lunde said, the slim controls make the PX4 a G-model (decocker only) which I prefer.

All in all, I'm very impressed with the PX4 - especially with it's price being in the $400-$450 range. Trijicon is supposed to be coming out with some night sights this winter and there's at least one guy on Beretta Forum making custom fiber optic sights for the PX4.

Jim