Pondering a PX-4 storm in .40. What has been your experience with this weapon?

[Corner Pocket]

Another comment on this subject, if I may. My PX4 .45 is turning out to be the sweetest, most satisfying pistol that I've ever owned. I love the looks of it, the feel of it, and the way that it performs.

Yesterday, I managed to accomplish something with it that I've been trying to do for a while -- and that is to shoot a five-shot group that is an inch or less across, shooting at seven yards, freehand. I've come close several times, having shot numerous groups of 1 1/4", and last week I shot a 1 1/8" group.

Yesterday was the day for me, in that I managed to shoot a five-shot group that is exactly an inch across. (You younger guys with sharp vision may scoff at my one-inch efforts, but for my tired old eyes, that's pretty decent shooting.)

So now I'm setting my sights on a "sub-inch" group. Yes, I am sooo glad that I chose this PX4. It rocks!

Lest I forget, I noted a couple other contributors to this thread stating that the PX4 is not a good candidate for CCW, saying it is too large and thick. (I realize that what works for one enthusiast may not work for another.) I'm pleased to report that I'm enjoying carrying this gun concealed. I prefer to carry crossdraw at about 10 o'clock, and I carry mine in a Crossbreed "Qwikclip" IWB holster that was made for the PX4.

CP

 

[RX-178]

Into the 2nd page and nothing but people singing praises about the PX4.

Yeah, I'm completely blown away by this. I could have started this thread about an XD, Glock, USP, Sig, or probably even a 1911 and there would have been at least one person going 'don't get it because this part of it is so-and-so', and likely more than that.

Good news, bad news time.

Bad news:

Despite all the good reviews, I finally gave in to the inescapable conclusion that an S&W 610 is a more practical choice at the time, for two major reasons. The first one is that ever since I moved out of my father's house, I've allowed my DA revolver skills to seriously lapse (I used to practice loading drills with snap caps on his Taurus .38 spl). I'm much more of an auto person, but the fact that I'm letting valuable skills slip away keeps gnawing at the back of my mind. Second reason is that buying one single weapon that can handle both .40 and 10mm without changing any parts also adds to the practicality.

Good news:

There is no way in burning heck I can ignore an entire page of good experiences. After the 610, my next paychecks go directly towards a PX-4 in .40 S&W, and a CX-4 to go with it.

 

[MAKster]

Is it difficult to manipulate the safety/decocker? It looks too high and low profile. Can you operate it with your shooting hand?

 

[Lonestar49]

...

Actually, one can pull it down, one handed, with a one hand grip, or use the support grip thumb in a 2 hand grip. The hard, or awkward part, with an F model, safety-decocker in one, is pushing it back up to take it off the safety-0n mode.

That is where a G-model (decocker-only) is best. Takes no effort to pull the lever down to decock, and let go, it pops back up on its own, and makes for reacquiring ones 2 hand grip quick and easy.

F-models can be converted, very easily, and quickly, 5 mins, into a G-model without need of any parts. Just remove one spring and ball bearing, and its done..

Also, with an F model, one can drip a little Eezox or CLP down each lever via the vertical - gravity method, and like dry-firing, work the lever down and back up, and get them to loosen up to a very acceptable, easy, quick, action of down, or back up, with many flicks of the lever. But the conversion to, or getting a G-model, is easy, natural, from the very get-go..


Ls

 

[Pizzagunner]

I don't get the criticisms of the Beretta safety location or operation as regards the PX4.

The Beretta manual of arms on such pistols is this: Load the magazine, with the safety on, rack the slide. The pistol will automatically decock and the trigger will be disconnected. Drop the mag and top it off. Reinsert mag. FLIP THE SAFETY OFF.

Fire first round in DA. Fire all subsequent rounds in SA. Slide locks back. Drop empty mag. Insert charged mag. Release the slide with the slide release or sling shot the sucker. Recommence firing.

If you slingshot a Beretta or find yourself clearing one in the course of fire, grasp the rear of the slide, including the safety levers, with an overhand grip. Rip the slide back with simultaneous upwards pressure on the safety lever that is covered by the flesh of your fingers to ensure you don't engage it.

The Beretta slide mounted safety is more of an administrative safety than a combat one, though it can be used that way. No one needs to speed decock. The only people who realistically need to carry a Beretta with the safety lever down are open carriers like peace officers, where the trigger being disconnected might be a good thing to have in the event of a retention fight.

Finally, if one cannot manage the "F" safety as is, there are low profile paddles for it and a conversion to "G" mode is end user possible so that the safety levers then only decock the pistol.

Or, finally, finally, one can get a slick sided PX4 as either the DAO "D" version with full restrike capability or as a "C" the constant action "partially precocked double action" with no restrike capability.

 

[Corner Pocket]

MAKster asked:

Is it difficult to manipulate the safety/decocker? It looks too high and low profile. Can you operate it with your shooting hand?

I haven't thought of it as being problematic at all. For me, I have no difficulty in putting it on safe, or taking it off of safe. My thumb on my shooting hand just "does its thing" going either way.

CP

 

[fridayxiii]

I'm w/CornerPocket on the safety/decocker usability. I have average-sized hands but can easily flip the safety up or down by slightly adjusting my two-handed grip & working the lever w/strong hand thumb.

 

[wfields58]

I'm a little late to the party, but I just bought a Px4 last weekend. I've only been into shooting and CCW for about a year or so, but this gun has improved my accuracy from shooting over half the paper with my Sigma and Millennium Pro down to 90% of my shots hitting a 5 inch circle around the bullseye! I'm ecstatic! I have the full size model in 9mm and couldn't be happier with it. I compared it to another 4" barrel gun in it's class, and the Px4's trigger was glass-smooth in DA mode whereas the other gun was obviously gritty. I wish I'd known a year ago what I know now, but that's life and experience. I started out trying to spend as little as I could, but I'm so glad I stepped it up! My local dealer matched the national sporting store chain price of $519 too, so I was happy there as well. I congratulate the guys who have found these for $300 - $400!

 

[cog099]

Great Weapon

I absolutely love my PX4 .40, it is by far my favorite pistol. I have had it for about two years and it is my dedicated HD gun. Only thing I don't care for is the current price. I paid $410 for the LE package imcluding 3 magazines.

 

[c919]

Into the 2nd page and nothing but people singing praises about the PX4.

Yeah, I'm completely blown away by this. I could have started this thread about an XD, Glock, USP, Sig, or probably even a 1911 and there would have been at least one person going 'don't get it because this part of it is so-and-so', and likely more than that.

Uh... Yeah. You just don't see that everyday.

Beretta really hit a home run with this one. It's an amazing gun. Period.