Beretta’s Px4 Storm took an interesting “twist” on gun design, but it never truly caught on. In this Beretta Px4 Storm review, we’ll explore this gun, which is more intriguing than practical.

Let’s dive into why we think this in the review below.

[Update] I reviewed this gun a couple of years ago, but I recently got my hands on it again. After putting a lot of rounds through it and spending more time with it, my opinions on this gun have definitely shifted. So, I decided it was time to update my review to reflect how I really feel about it now. Read on to see what’s changed in this updated Beretta Px4 Storm review.

Beretta Px4 Storm Background

Italian gunmaker Beretta was not an early adopter of polymer pistol designs. Their flagship 92-series guns were, and still are, metal-frame guns, as were many other notable models like the 80-series and 70-series.

Eventually though, it was time for a polymer frame model. The Px4 kept the same double action/single action trigger and decocker/safety arrangement of most Beretta models. When it was introduced, it was one of a small group of polymer pistols that were not striker-fired. That group has grown in recent years to include some models in the CZ and H&K lines but is still small when compared with the number of striker-fired options.

Another key difference from the rest of the lineup is the rotating barrels. Many other brands use a tilting barrel that points upward during the recoil cycle. Other Berettas generally used a fixed barrel with a locking block assembly.

The Px4 has a related cousin in the Cx4 carbine. It does not use a rotating bolt but is a straight blowback design. Some Cx4 models accept Px4 magazines while some use the 92-series magazine. The grip, trigger, trigger guard, and overall styling of the Cx4 is reminiscent of the Px4.

As a lifelong gun nerd, I find it fascinating to see how Beretta has approached this design compared to their more traditional models. The Px4 represents a significant step in their evolution, blending modern materials with their storied heritage.

Beretta Px4 Storm Features

1 Unique rotating barrel design

2 Double Action/Single Action operation

3 Slide mounted safety/decocker

Beretta Px4 Models

The standard 9mm Px4 Storm has a 17-round magazine, but versions are available with 10-round magazines for sale in states with legal restrictions. Alternate chamberings in .40 S&W and .45 ACP are also produced.

Compact, carry, and subcompact models are available as well. A special suppressor-ready model with an FDE frame and threaded barrel is called the SD F. Rounding out the Px4 family are cosmetic variants such as the Inox (stainless slide) and FDE and gray models.

Beretta Px4 Storm Review – Our Take

The Px4’s rotating barrel system is a marked departure from their other models, and from the Browning-style tilting barrel found on most handguns. It feels different to shoot the Px4, but it’s not bad. The recoil is fairly soft. Some of that is no doubt due to the size and weight of the gun, but the rotating barrel system probably plays a role as well.

One of the key advantages of this design is how it manages recoil energy. Instead of the usual sharp snap you’d expect from a tilting barrel, the Px4’s rotating action helps dissipate that recoil energy more evenly, resulting in a smoother shooting experience.

This particular gun is a rental at an indoor shooting range and has endured about nine years of use, abuse, and neglect from thousands of customers. Despite the lack of cleanings and routine maintenance, it continues to perform. The fact that it’s still in service speaks volumes about how much of a reliable pistol it is.

The ergonomics of the Px4 are passable. One potential area of concern is the grip size, which may be too large for some hands. The grip shape is more blended and rounded than some squarish competitors which is an advantage. Serrations are cut into the front and rear of the slide for easy manipulation.

Both the magazine release and the slide catch are easy to reach and manipulate. While both of those controls are thankfully mundane, the absolute biggest issue with the Px4 is the decocker/safety lever. The biggest issue is the shape and sharpness of the lever. The front edge is a large, flat surface, which is sharp despite being rounded. 

This is not so much an issue when purposefully interacting with the lever, but it is a huge pain when working the slide. The lever is in the way when cocking the slide while grasping the rear serrations. If you accidentally hit that lever while operating the slide, the gun will be decocked when the slide goes forward. If the lever stays in the down position, the gun will be on safe. Imagine clearing a malfunction, then pulling a dead trigger. A second round of malfunction checks may be necessary to figure out what has gone wrong.

The Px4 would be a dramatically better gun if the decocker/safety was mounted on the frame rather than the slide. It would be much harder to inadvertently decock the gun or place it on safe when operating the slide. A frame-mounted lever would also presumably be less of a snag point than the big pointy control which is located on both sides of the slide.

This specific Px4 has the “Type F” safety/decocker components, which appear to be the most common. Alternate types are available, including the Type C single action only, Type D double action only, and Type G which has a decocker but no safety. The Type C and D do not have a safety or decocker lever at all, and the Type G retains the lever but it does not act as a safety. Those variants would, to varying degrees, eliminate the issues with the decocker.safety lever of the Type F.

Moving away from the decocker, the Px4 deserves praise for its single action accuracy. This is a very accurate gun, particularly for a polymer frame mass-market item. I was able to hold around a 2” five-shot group at 25 yards with regular bulk 9mm FMJ ammo. Groups were less impressive when the gun was decocked. The DA trigger pull is very long and very soggy. Learning to place a double action shot and the following single action shot together will require some concerted training.

The base model Px4 retails around the $600 price point, which is better than many double action/single action pistols. It is a decent value at that price point. For well-heeled aficionados of the Px4, famed pistol smith Ernest Langdon sells improved models as well as select improved parts. The basic Px4 is not a bad gun, but with a little work it just might be a great gun.

Beretta Px4 Storm Pros and Cons

Beretta Px4 Storm Review- FAQ

Is the Beretta Px4 a good concealed carry gun?

While the Beretta Px4 offers soft recoil and great accuracy in single-action mode, it’s relatively large for a concealed carry gun, especially the full-size model. If you’re considering it for concealed carry, the compact or subcompact versions may be a better fit, as they’re designed with easier concealment in mind.

How does the Px4’s double action mode feel?

The double action mode on the Px4 has a long and somewhat mushy trigger pull. While it can be difficult to master initially, with proper training, you can learn to smoothly transition from the first double action shot to the subsequent single action shots.

Does the Px4’s rotating barrel system reduce gun shot recoil?

Yes, the Px4’s rotating barrel system helps to dissipate recoil energy more evenly compared to traditional tilting barrel designs. This results in softer felt recoil, making follow-up shots more manageable.

How reliable is the hammer spring in the Beretta Px4?

The Px4’s hammer spring has proven reliable, even in range rental guns that experience heavy use. While some users may opt for aftermarket hammer spring upgrades for a lighter trigger pull, the stock spring holds up well under normal conditions.

Beretta Px4 Storm Ammo

Beretta Px4 Storm Starter Pack

So what’s next? Well, if you decide to get the Beretta Px4, you’re going to need to pick up some must-have basics. Here’s our recommendation for what you need to get started.

• Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
• Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
• Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full-length review.
• Storage: Check out our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
• Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.

Beretta Px4 Storm Upgrades & Accessories

1. Beretta PX4 Storm Magazine 9mm		17 Round Capacity For Beretta PX4 Full Size 9mm Flush fit polymer base pad	Check Price
2. Pink Rhino 9mm Laser Cartridge		Bright red Class 3A Works with MantisX, LaserLyte, iTarget, G-Sight, LaserHit Works with all visible laser targets and simulators	Check Amazon
3. Trijicon Beretta PX4 HD Night Sights		Green Tritium HD Illuminated Night Sight Front sight features a taller blade and an aiming point ringed in photoluminescent paint	Check Price
4. PINEWORLD K3 Biometric Handgun Safe		Reliable Biometric Scanner Sturdy and Well Built Extremely cheap	Check Amazon

Beretta Px4 Storm Maintenance

An important aspect of owning a firearm is knowing how to field trip it ready to be cleaned. While scouring the internet we have found a great short video on the disassembly and reassembly of your Beretta Px4 which I would highly recommend.

Beretta Px4 Storm Documents

• Beretta Px4 Family
• Beretta Px4 Owners Manual
• Product Registration