Low prices on the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Bruniton Finish in 9mm start at Champion Firearms-

A Rising Storm. Beretta can trace its early history back to the year 1526 and has been owned by the same family for some 500- years. Scholars believe the company could be even older, but no one really knows for sure because the earliest surviving document only confirms a date off a sales receipt where Beretta had already been conducting business, not from a document specifying when the company was originally founded. It's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that Beretta was likely already up and rolling before Columbus set sail for the New World.

The Beretta PX4 Compact made its debut in 2004 to critical acclaim. Unlike its big brother the 92FS, with its in-line dropping block, or the Browning tilt systems which currently dominate the pistol market-- the Storm series took a radical approach to the concept of barrel lock-up.

At the heart of the design is a rotating barrel that dissipates recoil energy radially. It also reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise effectively. Similar to a rifle, the PX4 uses a 3- lug system that offers the advantage of being stronger and simpler, but still uses a straight in-line recoil system similar to the Beretta 92FS.

This works by combining both the rifling rotation and the camming action of the rotary barrel lugs to begin unlocking. In theory, this provides superior accuracy to barrels that tilt. However, there are trade-offs in the design, specifically when it comes to slide thickness.

Make no mistake, the Beretta PX4 Compact's slide is beefy to accommodate its massive rotating barrel. In fact, it's a few tenths wider than your average competing double stack handgun. This has been mitigated somewhat by the fact Beretta rounded and made angular cuts both on top of the slide and to its flats. While thick, the pistol still works remarkably well. No sharp edges are present, though the lines are crisp for easy slide and fire control manipulation.

The Beretta PX4 Compact features a deeply recessed combat muzzle crown which protects the rifling and accuracy. A 3.27" barrel has been chrome lined to provide extreme corrosion resistance, as well as ease of cleaning. The barrel also features a slightly oversized muzzle to permit a tighter lockup and improve accuracy.

For Beretta, the rotating barrel concept is nothing new and is simply a continuation of the now discontinued Cougar series of pistols. The major difference between the two lines is the simple substitution of a polymer frame. The PX4 Compact is lightweight, yet durable and employs modern thermoplastic technology that uses reinforced fiberglass for maximum strength and integrity. Molded in steel slide rails greatly extend the life of the handgun.

Interchangeable backstraps allow the shooter to better fit the pistol to their individual dimensions. Their are three included: small, medium and large. A mini integral Picatinny rail provides a solid attachment point for tactical accessories such as lights or lasers. The textured surface of the front and rear backstrap maintains a positive grip traction, even when wet or cold. It also gives a shooter improved control and handling.

Bruniton is Beretta's trade name to denote that it has a Mil-Spec finish. This is a proprietary Teflon over Parkerizing that provides superior lubricity, corrosion and wear resistance versus blued finishes. The Beretta PX4 Storm has a slide mounted safety, which also doubles as its decocking lever.

The traditional double action trigger is actually pleasant. Factory listed at 12lbs off the bottom, the initial double action pull feels much lighter. After the pistol resets to single action, the 4.5lb pull is crisp and consistent. An ambidextrous rotating safety lever also does double duty as a decocker. The steel magazine release is reversible and has positive engagement while holding the magazine firmly in place.

The Beretta PX4 Compact's large and powerful extractor is home to a highly functional loaded chamber indicator. When a round has been chambered, the extractor bulges out to reveal a red witness mark signifying the gun is gassed-up and ready to go. The pistol wears a set a visible 3- dot sights that get on target well.

To help prevent slide bite, the frame is equipped with an upswept beavertail that also helps provide greater control when firing. Front and rear vertical serrations provide a solid surface to charge the slide, or safely perform a press-check to confirm the pistol's ready status. Two fifteen round magazines are provided with the package.

For repair, the pistol is backed by a "1+2" year policy-- which means that if you just complete and submit the service agreement card as requested, there will be a 3- year warranty. Overall, the Beretta PX4 Compact chambered in 9mm is a soft- recoiling, lightweight, extremely accurate, reliable and versatile self- defense handgun engineered to provide years of reliable service.

Established in 1993, Champion Firearms is a retail gun store and indoor range located in College Station, Texas.

As a brick & mortar store, we pride ourselves on customer service, quality products and our competitive pricing.

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