Beretta CX-4 Storm

[Dave Markowitz]

Lately I've taken a shine to 9mm as a carbine cartridge. It's relatively cheap, easy to find, reloadable, and effective for defense out to at least 50 yards. Plus, it's relatively quiet from a carbine length barrel and has minimal recoil.

A couple months ago I got a TNW Suomi which is a blast to shoot, but weighs 12 lbs. and has a trigger nearly as heavy. Both factors would prevent my wife from ever shooting it, so I went in search of a lighter, more modern alternative. I settled on a Beretta CX-4 Storm in 9mm setup for Beretta 92 (M-9) magazines, and bought one from Bud's Gun Shop last week. I picked it up fro my FFL last Friday and took it to the range today for the first time. I'm very happy with the purchase.



It is not obvious from the pic, but I set the rifle up for left side ejection, and left handed safety operation. I'm a southpaw, while my wife and one daughter who shoots are both RH but left eye dominant.

With me today I had the two Beretta 15 round mags, plus four Mec-Gar 20 rounders. All worked just fine but I like the longer Mec-Gars a bit better, because they are easier to fully seat, since the base isn't recessed as much in the bottom of the pistol grip.

The gun digested 255 rounds without a hitch: 100 Federal 115 grain FMJ bulk pack, 145 Brown Bear (lacquered steel case) 115 FMJ, and 10 American Eagle 147 grain FMJ-FP loads. I shot at 50 yards and from the bench, I'm able to keep my group inside the black of an SR-1 target. The short sight radius and heavy trigger pull are limiting, IMO. Also, last night I opened up the apertures on the rear sight so that they now provide a ghost ring sight picture. The original factory apertures might tighten my groups a little but they are too small for anything other than target shooting, again IMO.



(I pulled the IDPA target out of the trash to use as a cleaning mat. I didn't shoot it.)

In the second pic above, the long bar under the top half of the gun is the bolt. It uses a telescoping design similar to that of the Uzi. This, combined with the magazine well location in the pistol grip, result in a carbine with an OAL under 30". The short OAL and light weight (under 6 lbs. empty) make it a very handy little gun.

Aside from the trigger it's a real pleasure to shoot. There is well-known hammer mod to reduce the trigger pull but didn't want to tinker with the gun's innards before I tested it.

After I got home I ordered a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight to go on the Storm. I also have a light mount, rail mount sling loop, and tactical sling on order. Overall, I am very happy with the Storm and look forward to shooting it a lot more.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Very nice. I had a 9mm HiPoint carbine some years ago - I loved the 9mm for plinking - more powerful than 22 without centerfire rifle cost. As far as I can tell, the Beretta is everything good about the HiPoint, with much improved fit and finish. Hopefully one in my safe before too long.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I do have a Hi Point 995 with the ATI stock that makes it look more or less like a Beretta Storm. I picked it up a few years ago in a trade. It's a lot cruder than the Beretta, and as you know, takes proprietary, low cap magazines. It's also heavier than the Beretta.

The last time I shot the Hi Point the plastic trigger broke around its pivot pin. I'm fabricating a replacement from a piece of brass bar stock. It's almost done but I'm waiting on a 1/16" end mill to cut the slot in the rear of the trigger. I'll put up a post in the gunsmithing subforum detailing the process when I'm done.

 

[Schwing]

I do have a Hi Point 995 with the ATI stock that makes it look more or less like a Beretta Storm. I picked it up a few years ago in a trade. It's a lot cruder than the Beretta, and as you know, takes proprietary, low cap magazines. It's also heavier than the Beretta.

The last time I shot the Hi Point the plastic trigger broke around its pivot pin. I'm fabricating a replacement from a piece of brass bar stock. It's almost done but I'm waiting on a 1/16" end mill to cut the slot in the rear of the trigger. I'll put up a post in the gunsmithing subforum detailing the process when I'm done.

I am 100 % sure that hi point will repair this free of charge if you are willing to ship it to them. they have about the best customer service out there.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Schwing, I have no doubt that you're correct. However, sending it out for repair misses the point of having a hobby metal shop in my backyard. I'd rather make a new trigger myself. E.g.,

 

[Shipwreck]

I ordered one from Bud's too, and it came in last week...

I also got another Mepro 21 optic for it. Great battery free optic that uses tritium and fiber optics. once again, i got the version that has the triangle reticle.

I finally got to take it out to the range to shoot it yesterday morning... But, it wasn't that much of a fun experience...

Took over an hour to clean everything up when I got back...

When I went to the range Sunday morning, there was a light mist coming down. I figure since the place ya sit on the rifle range is covered - I'd be good to go. So, I made the trip out there anyway....

I get out there, and as I dial in my optic, I am getting wetter and wetter.

The wind is blowing the mist in behind me. So, my spotting scope is getting wet. My optic is getting wet even on the covered inside portion of the glass. Everything on the table is slowly getting wet. The covering over where I am shooting isn't really doing much good.

I get it within 1 inch to the right at 25 yards. I figure, that's good enough for now. It's hard to see because of the mist on my glasses and the optic. And, since its such a dark, rainy type day - it's hard to clearly see the target while looking thru the optic... Using 1 eye. Just getting to be an eye strain after a while...

I go down to the 100 yard range. Starts to rain by this point. The roof is bigger, so I am not wet. But, there is this slanted roof to keep you from shooting upwards. So, there is just a little "port" to shoot your gun thru. It's so dark under the roof because of this. And, the lack of bright son really made it hard to see.

I gave up on the spotting scope and just walked up and down range a few times.

I was about 4 inches to the right. I figured given the rain - that's good enough for now. I'll dial it in all the way on another day.

Now, the PROBLEM is this. I get home, and I discover a wobble in my optic as I am cleaning the gun. The front screw of the rail is loose. I tightened it after putting some blue thread locker on it. However, even after that, I have some optic wobble (so, it wasn't the screw). At first, I thought the rail itself was out of spec.

I noticed that if the optic is all the way to the front of the rail - it's fine. Anywhere else on the rail - it wobbles. I resigned myself that I would have to contact Beretta today, after I tried the optic on other rifles, and it had no wobble. I figured the rail must be out of spec... In the evening, though, I played with it again. I tightened the mount bolts just a tiny bit on the Mepro - problem solved. NO more wobble of the optic on the rail.

So, I loosened the mount bolts - put thread locker on them, and then tightened them as tight as I could and still have the optic be removable.

This is the 3rd Mepro I have owned - never had this issue with one before. But, it's fixed now.

On the plus side - gun worked 100%. And, I was satisfied with my group sizes. I just now have to finish zeroing the optic. The optic was removed from the gun a few times, but I put it back on the exact same slot on the rail. So, it should be close to where I left it (the zero). And, I checked the laser boresighter - and it seems very close to where it was when I zeroed the gun using the laser prior to my shooting trip. So, for 25-50 yards, the gun shouldn't be off by much.

Because of the rain, I also had to wipe EVERYTHING down. All my mags had to get a coat of CLP on them. All the mag carriers and targets and other stuff is currently sitting in the garage for a couple of days to dry. Had to clean the optics on my Mepro and the spotting scope too. A bit of a pain, and all for nothing it seems, since I still have to fine tune the zero.

It took me a long time when I got home to wipe everything down and put everything out to dry. Plus, my shoes were full of mud, so I had to clean the inside of the car too... Not gonna go out on a misty day again

It is strange that the loose mount would lock up on some parts of the rail and not others, however.... But, the mount screws must have vibrated loose - they were not loose before I went shooting. Now, with the blue thread locker, the problem should be resolved.

 

[chris in va]

I got mine two weeks ago, the 15rd 92 version Buds has on sale. I physically went to the store and paid cash so got the 'real' discount.

No jams at all after about 700 reloads. Everyone wants to shoot this thing. I'm so glad I got the 9mm version as recoil is tolerable after that many rounds, and I wouldn't want more than it has. It feels about the same as my AR carbine. Everyone said its "cheating" with the red dot installed, absurdly easy to hit targets at 75 yards.

Ironically I can reload cast 9mm for less than 22lr is going for right now, if you can find it.

I love the way this thing disassembles. Everything comes apart in 20 seconds. And even after 500 rounds yesterday the bolt really wasn't that dirty. What a nice surprise.

If I ever take the Appleseed again, this will be the rifle I use with the spiffy flip sights. Wish I had it 6 years ago.

I'll have to get a 20-30rd mag at some point. 15 goes way too fast.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I too was surprised at how clean my Storm was when I cleaned it. Blowback guns are usually pretty dirty, in my experience.

Get the Mec-Gar 20s. Midway currently has them on clearance for $26 and change.

 

[Shipwreck]

I too go the 92 version. I have like 30 mags for the Beretta 92 already. So, best way to go.

And, yes, I too expected the gun to be dirtier inside. I shot about 230 rounds.

 

[chris in va]

Interesting thing, I noticed the bolt has a round cutout in the top part. It seems much of the crud collects in there, like a garbage can. It's really the only part that needs cleaning out.

 

[M1key]

The CX4 definitely needs a trigger/hammer upgrade from Mr. Rogers. Here is his website: http://sierrapapacx4.com/index/

good luck

M

 

[Panzerschwein]

Cool gun but IMHO, a long gun should fire a long gun cartridge, NOT a handgun round.

If I'm dealing with the size and weight of a carbine, I'm going to want more power than what can be had out of my Glock 19 that fits in my pocket.

Pistol-caliber carbines are fun range toys, but for real defense they are absolutely outclassed in every way by tac carbines like the AR-15 or AK series. I was actually almost set on getting a CX4 Storm, but I came to my senses and sobered up pretty quick when I saw one on the Wal-Mart gun rack for about $880 or so when their was a S&W M&P-15 sitting right next to it for... wait for it... $450 bucks.

I understand 9mm ammo is cheaper than 5.56/.223 to shoot, but Wolf and other steel-cased ammo in .223 can be had for only about 20% more than cheap 9mm. The gap really isn't that much considering the significant increases in range and power that the .223 option gives the shooter.

I can understand owning a 9mm carbine for use at the range or for teaching a young child how to shoot, but I would never attempt to put these in a defensive role. No thank you.

YMMV.

 

[M1key]

Federal 115 +P+ PBLE 9mm => 1630fps out of my PC9, more than a 300 fps increase in velocity over a Glock 19. That's approaching M1 Carbine energy...and you save your eardrums. Reason enough to choose a 9mm carbine.

M

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have 3 AR15s, 4 AKs, 3 M1 Carbines, an SKS, 4 Lee-Enfields, a half dozen Mosin-Nagants, and a Mini-14. I don't need any more rifle-caliber guns.

 

[briansmithwins]

For any kind of serious use I'm in complete agreement that a light rifle caliber like .223 Rem. or 5.45x39 beats the pants off any pistol caliber.

But, pistol caliber carbines can get you options to shoot where you can't shoot with a rifle, for various reasons. Many indoor ranges only allow pistol calibers, for example. My shooting club has 12 shooting bays for shooting pistol calibers, but only one bay where I can shoot rifles.

It's also somewhat handy to have a pistol and long gun that use the same caliber, too.

BSW

 

[chris in va]

If I'm dealing with the size and weight of a carbine, I'm going to want more power than what can be had out of my Glock 19 that fits in my pocket.

My lowly range plinker reloads come out 150fps faster in my CX4. Also, you can't cast bullets for an AR.

Also my M&P Sport weighs a fair bit more than the CX4 and is much less 'sleek' with lots of clunky snag points.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I'm hoping to get one.
I have tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and my wife is recoil shy and doesn't shoot handguns well. I think the CX4 is a solution for both of us.

I only have one real rifle caliber, a single shot 30-30. The rest are revolver caliber carbines and they do everything I need them to do. For big game hunting we are limited to shotguns and handguns in my area.

Plus 9mm is a lot of fun to load for in the carbine. My old PC-9 was a brute of a gun that could handle any 9mm load you could dream up.

Can't wait to get another 9mm carbine. I have a lot of 9mm components looking for a home.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

The Storm carbine is the next gun I plan to buy! I hope to jump on one while Bud's still has the smokin' price on it. I currently have an HK USC in .45 ACP, and while I dearly love the gun I really want to pick up another PPC in 9mm to save some money on ammo. My plan is to do an UMP conversion but after dropping $1600 on gun, another $1500 for parts and labor is gonna be a long term project.

I'm in the same boat as another poster that mentions shooting it on an indoor range. The range I use only allows handguns and PPC, no rifles. So I'd have to drive at least half an hour to anyplace that allows rifles. A no-go in bad weather and really unhandy. The Storm is a gun I can practice with on the range where I'm a member.

And I really think the Storm would be a good home defense gun. The USC was purchased with that in mind but right now I'm limited to 10 round mags (not ideal IMOHO). The Storm is accurate, reliable and there are tons of 15, 20 & 30 round mags for it, and they're legal here (and 922r compliant due to the way the Storm is classed). I started a thread a few months back re the viability of a PPC for home defense; while I agree that an M4-gery would be better the reality is that if I had a 5.56 it might sit in my close for a year before I even found a place to shoot one round through it. And I have no place right now to practice and train with it.

A 9mm rifle might not be ideal but better the carbine I've run 5000 rounds through than an untried rifle!

 

[bldsmith]

I have 2, one in 45 and the 9mm. I use the 9mm for vermin on the property. Using a 223 would be way too much. 22 works but the 9 is just that much better. All shots are within 50 ft so no biggie there. Also it is much easier for the wife to grab in a stressful situation if needed. I have heard the neigh sayers telling me the PPC's have no business in a defensive situation.. Don't care, the CX4 is lighter and easier to function than my 556 and the wife is much more comfortable with it. Use what you have on hand, if that's a PPC then so be it.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

I'm sure one round of 5.56 is a more likely to end a fight than one round of 9mm, even from a carbine. The problem is delivering that one round with nowhere to train. At least I can verify the PPC works, something I can't even do with the rifle right now.

 

[zerobarrier]

I love mine. Shoots perfect, never had a problem. Glad I have a progressive press and use cheap plated bullets from RMR, 124gr
The CX4 is 9mm and PX4 in 40s&w
I like using the iron sights

 

[chicharrones]

Damn, those CX4s look like fun shooters!

 

[EdLaver]

A pistol carbine is good for civil unrest, natural disaster aftermath, and home defense. Not for full on SHTF, a rifle is preferable. The CX4 9mm definitely has a place in certain scenarios and is a excellent choice for home defense that both husband/wife can easily handle.

Overtime, my 9mm CX4's trigger has gotten much better just from shooting it. I do like that upgraded hammer/trigger, might have to order the set

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Pistol-caliber carbines are fun range toys, but for real defense they are absolutely outclassed in every way by tac carbines like the AR-15...

For a SHTF weapon, quality 9mm barrier blind ammo, such as 124gr +P Speer Gold Dot, can be purchased for a little over 50-cents per round whereas quality 5.56 barrier blind ammo costs well over $1 per round. A 9mm carbine will perform well out to 100 yards with +P ammo, so one can "take the fight down the block", if necessary.

Then there's the issue of ammo commonality if one also has a 9mm handgun.

 

[tommyS4]

Thanks for the write up on the CX-4; I've been interested in a light carbine. Had on order a Hi-Point 995TS for a month. Go well with my PX4 STORM subcompact 9.