Beretta PX4 Storm
Editor’s Rating
Users’ Rating (Click a star to rate this gun.)
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Summary: Dave Spaulding’s review and rating of Beretta’s PX4 Storm pistols, Beretta’s MSRP and photos, user ratings and user comments. Plus info and photos for the new Inox model. (Click here to see all Spaulding’s pistol reviews.)
Editor’s Review
Like the Beretta 90-Two, the Beretta PX4 Storm has three different trigger modes (double-action/single-action with safety-decock lever, double-action/single-action with decock-only lever, and double-action only) and an adjustable grip that uses three interchangeable backstraps that make the grip large or small. I tested the double-action-only model, which was very sleek with no sharp edges or corners to snag during the draw or on clothing when carried concealed.
One of the more unique features of the Px4 is the rotating barrel that keeps the bore in alignment with the target at all times. Instead of dropping out of the way like many barrel designs, the Px4 Storm barrel rotates as the slide moves to the rear, which unlocks the action. This design reduces friction between the barrel and slide, increasing the smoothness of the firing operation. This also helps keep the bore axis low over the shooting hand, which gives the Px4 better pointing capability as well as helps get the gun back on target more quickly for faster follow-up shots.
The polymer frame helps keep the Storm’s weight to 27 oz. The front and back straps offer the same fish-scale checkering as the 90-Two. The grip is considerably trimmer than the 90-Two, and when you install the small back strap, a shooter with the smallest of hands can use the gun. The magazine release button is totally reversible, making this gun totally ambidextrous, with the exception of the slide-stop lever.
The dust cover of the polymer frame has a rail built in so that you can easily mount white lights and laser sights on the gun. The rounded trigger guard, forward-cocking serrations and tapered sights give the pistol a very sleek appearance. The sights are of the standard three-dot variety, but are coated with Luminova photo-sensitive material that gives the dots a glowing capability five times as bright as tritium for about 30 minutes after exposure to any light source. The dots remain usable in low light for hours, and only need another brief exposure to regenerate.
The slide is treated with Beretta’s Bruniton non-reflective black coating.
Update: Beretta has released an Inox model, which features a slide bead-blasted into a smooth, satin stainless finish. The Inox is available in 9mm and .40 SW.
On The Range
The Inox model.
The double-action-only trigger of the Px4 Storm is very smooth with an easy-to-use first-trigger weight of 8 lbs. Subsequent trigger pulls require a full release of the trigger to reset, which I found to be a bit disconcerting when trying to shoot fast. On several occasions, I short-stroked the trigger, failing to reset the sear, which does not deactivate the gun but does require another release of the trigger to pick up the hammer-sear engagement. This would slow your rate of fire, and could be a problem in a close-quarter confrontation where fast, accurate shots are needed to end the fight. This is not an indictment of the gun, but merely an observation, and it’s a concern you can solve with proper training.
The Px4 Storm proved both accurate and reliable. Like the 90-Two, the Px4 went through 300 rounds of .40 SW hollow points without a hiccup. It was also capable of holding all rounds inside a 3″-circle at 15 yards when fired from an unsupported, hand-held stance.
If the Px4 possessed a shorter trigger reset, I would carry it as my personal sidearm—I liked it that much.
Dave Spaulding is a 28-year law-enforcement veteran, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. He’s worked in all facets of law enforcement—corrections, communications, patrol, evidence collection, investigations, undercover operations, training and SWAT. He currently operates Handgun Combatives, a handgun-combat training program, and he’s authored more than 800 articles for various firearm and law enforcement periodicals. In 2010 Spaulding received the Law Officer Trainer of the Year award, and he’s also the author of the best-selling books Defensive Living and Handgun Combatives.
The Specs
| Caliber | Capacity | OAL | BBL | Height | Width | Weight |
| .9mm | 17+1, 10+1 | 7.6″ | 4″ | 5.5″ | 1.4″ | 27.7 oz., unloaded |
| .40 SW | 14+1, 10+1 | 7.6″ | 4″ | 5.5″ | 1.4″ | 27.7 oz., unloaded |
| .45 ACP | 9+1, 10+1 | 7.6″ | 4″ | 5.5″ | 1.4″ | 28.2 oz., unloaded |
MSRP: $550 (9mm, black)
MSRP: $640 (9mm, Inox)
MSRP: $550 (.40 SW, black)
MSRP: $640 (.40 SW, Inox)
MSRP: $650 (.45 ACP)
Related Articles
To read Spaulding’s review of the PX4 Storm Compact, click here.
To read Mike Boyle’s review of the PX4 Storm Sub-Compact, click here.
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Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size 10-round Mag (Gander Mountain) |
 $599.99 
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Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size 14-round Mag (Gander Mountain) |
$599.99
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| + 1 others available from Gander Mountain ↓ | ||
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Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size, 45 Acp, Black (Impact Guns) |
 $588.99
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Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size, 40sw, Black (Impact Guns) |
$490.99
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| + 1 others available from Impact Guns ↓ | ||
5 Responses to “Beretta PX4 Storm”
Comment from Richard
Time February 19, 2012 at 1:27 am
Comment from JAMES
Time March 9, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Comment from David
Time March 17, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Comment from Allen LaDuca
Time May 21, 2013 at 1:21 am
I love this gun, and all my freindsz that have fired it have raved aout how accurate is was, as well as the ease of reaquiring target after your shot is fired making for better groupings. I like it so well I want a compact model !
Duke II in Texas
Comment from Norm
Time June 25, 2011 at 11:29 pm