Beretta PX4 Storm JXF9F24 9mm Pistol

Glocks and other...

Glocks and other striker-fired pistols are fine, but DA/SA pistols using external hammers are still quite useful. The Beretta PX4 Storm is a superb example of this. It comes down to this: If I wish to don my Alien Gear holster, and dress properly, and go through some conniptions, I'll carry my G17. But if I wish to Mexican carry, or appendix carry, or carry in a holster shirt, the hammer-fired Beretta is much safer in those carry modes. The trigger in double action is a trifle heavy (as you might imagine), but very smooth, with little stacking. Beretta says the trigger is 12 lbs but it feels quite a bit lighter. There is zero grit. Release is crisp. In single action, the trigger breaks cleanly at about 4 - 4.5 lbs. One of the coolest features of this pistol is the rotating barrel. This distributes quite a bit of the recoil radially, which makes a noticeable difference in felt recoil and muzzle flip. Fit and finish are excellent. My understanding is the the metal components are phosphated, with a final "Bruniton" finish. I read that Bruniton is a proprietary enamel coating that is very, very tough. This should contribute to rust resistance. Certainly, it looks good. And it seems to require only a smidgeon of lubrication. This pistol is authoritative enough for duty carry and yet, at the same time, compact and smooth enough for concealed carry. All relevant surfaces are appropriately angled, beveled and rounded; and the skeletonized hammer seems to be as snag-free as possible. The backstrap of the grip is interchangeable and, subjectively, this piece feels great in the hand. Accuracy? Holes through holes. Very comfortable to carry concealed. For hours and hours. A bit heavier than my G17, but not nearly as blocky. In short, Beretta hit this one out of the park. And so did Bud's, in providing this at a highly competitive price.