While the full-size Px4 Storm model was considered a successful and popular handgun when it was introduced in 2004, it didn’t take long for Beretta fans to start asking for a smaller sized Px4 version for concealed carry.
It took Beretta more than a few years to turn those requests into a reality. In 2011, Beretta introduced the Px4 Storm Compact model chambered in 9mm. The success of the 9mm model, led Beretta to introduce a .40 caliber version of the Px4 Storm Compact in 2012.
From a size and dimensions standpoint, the Compact model is slightly different from the Full-size model in the following ways:
- Barrel Length – The barrel on the Full-size model is 4 inches long, while the Compact features a shorter barrel length of 3.27 inches.
- Height – The Full-size model is 5.51 inches tall, while the Compact is a slightly shorter 5 inches tall.
- Capacity – Comparing the factory magazine capacity of the 9mm Full-size model against the 9mm Compact model, the Compact model holds 2 rounds less than the Full-size series. This means that the grip length on the Compact model is slightly shorter than the Full-size model.
Operationally, the Px4 Compact model functions and operates almost exactly like its full-size older brother, except for the following differences:
Operational Variants – The Px4 Storm Full-size model is available in a 4 operational “Types”, which are Type C, Type D, Type F, and Type G. Each of those Type models features a few changes in how the pistol operates or the operational controls.
The Beretta PX4 Compact is currently only available in 4 main configurations (not including specialized models) that includes two calibers:
- Px4 Compact 9mm Type F
- Px4 Compact 9mm Type G
- Px4 Compact .40 caliber Type F
- Px4 Compact .40 caliber Type G
The Type F configuration is equipped with a manual safety and decocker. This version can be operated in either single or double action.
The Type G configuration is basically a Type F model without a safety. This variant features a decocker but no safety. It also operates in both single action and double action.
Caliber options – The Px4 Full-size series features a 9mm, .40 caliber, and .45 ACP version. The Px4 Compact series is only available in a 9mm or .40 caliber option.
Other than those few differences, the Px4 Compact model has all the features and operational controls of the Full-size Px4 Storm.
It also offers the same features of the Full-Size model, including:
- Adjustable backstraps with 3 different sizes
- Ambidextrous slide-lock and safety
- Ambidextrous magazine release option
- Retractable lanyard loop – If you’re into that kind of thing.
- Integrated Picatinny rail (accessory rail for lights or lasers)
Beretta Px4 Storm Holster Options
Between all the models within the Px4 Storm family, the Compact series may be the most popular seller for the concealed carry and home defense market. It’s small enough to be used as CCW option, but still offers enough round capacity to make it a viable home defense pistol.
Given the popularity of the Px4 Compact model, there are a number of excellent gun holster options for it on the market. Those options include outside the waistband holsters, IWB holsters, paddle holsters, shoulder holsters, and AIWB holsters.
While there are holster brands who also offer pocket holster models and ankle holster models, I personally think the Compact is a little too big for either of those carrying styles. If you are in love with the PX4 series and want something to carry on your ankle or possibly in a pocket, then the PX4 Subcompact is probably a better option for you.
A holster made for a full-size Px4 Storm will also fit the Compact model, but it’s not a great fit in my option for two reasons:
(1) The slide profile on the Compact model is slightly thinner than the slide profile on the Px4 Full-size models, so, depending on the holster maker, there might be a little shifting in the holster.
(2) The Compact has an overall shorter length, so you end up with about 1/2 inch of extra space in the muzzle end of the holster.
Given the number of holster options on the market, I think it makes more sense to purchase a holster made specifically for the Px4 Compact pistol.
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions that I see regarding Beretta Px4 Storm Compact holster options:
What’s a good Beretta px4 Storm Compact appendix holster?
The appendix inside the waistband holster option (more commonly called AIWB) has become an extremely popular option for concealed carry. It’s one of the few holster positions that allows the wearer to cleanly draw from nearly any position: standing, seated, on your back, etc.
With AIWB, the pistol is worn inside the waistband near where the appendix is located on the body. Or, if you prefer the clock analogy, the pistol would be worn at the 1 o’clock or 2 o’clock position in the front of the waist.
While very popular, this holster style also comes with some drawbacks, and the biggest one is where the muzzle points while being carried. If having a loaded weapon pointed at your nether regions is not an issue for you, then AIWB might be worth considering.
Here are a few of my favorite Beretta Px4 Storm appendix holster options:
What’s the best Beretta Px4 Compact holster?
These types of questions or nearly impossible to answer as best is merely an opinion. In addition, there are some many important factors that are left out of that question.
Those factor include pertinent holster related information such as:
- Body type
- Desired holster position or style
- Shooting hand
- Holster features, such as tension screw, body shield, retention strap, etc.
Without having at least some of that data, my suggestions are strictly based on what I view as the best.
As such, what’s “best” for me, is strictly based on my opinion and experience, and may not work for you at all.
Because of that I’m very hesitant to even try to answer that question.
Can you help me find a left handed holster for a Beretta px4 storm compact?
Although I’m right handed, one of my best friends is left-handed and I have seen firsthand his struggles to find a left handed holster that works for him, and is available for all the different handgun models he owns. As such, I absolutely feel your pain of being a left handed shooter.
Here are a few left handed holster models that I located for a Beretta Px4 Storm Compact:
Where can I find a holster for Beretta Px4 Storm Compact with laser?
Ah, now that is a very good question. At one time, I had a Px4 Storm Compact with a laser so I understand how challenging it can be to find a holster to fit your set-up.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the laser you are running is a mainstream model, and not some no-name brand. I have nothing against no name brands but running a no name laser brand on your Px4 Storm will limit your available holster options even more.
But, if you are running a brand name laser, like a Crimson Trace, Armalaser, Laserltye, etc., then the chances of finding a holster that will work goes up considerably.
The best place I’ve seen for finding a holster to fit a Beretta Px4 Storm Compact with a laser is these folks, and they can support most all the mainstream laser brands.
What is the best concealed carry holster for Beretta Px4 Storm Compact?
Despite that fact that I really dislike trying to answer these “what is the best” type of questions, I’ll do my best trying to answer this one.
For me, either and AIWB holster or an IWB holster is the best concealed carry holster for a Compact. I found those styles are easiest to conceal, and “conceal” is key component in the concealed carry equation.
Here are a few of the more popular concealed carry holsters for the Beretta Px4 Storm Compact Handgun:
Will a holster made for the Px4 Compact 9mm model also fit my Px4 Storm Compact in S&W .40 caliber?
The answer is yes. The Px4 Compact in 9mm and .40 caliber fit in the same holster as they have the same dimensions (or, at least are close enough for a nice fit).
Do you know where I can find a Beretta Px4 Storm Compact holster by Blackhawk?
I assume you are asking about the very popular line of Blackhawk Serpa holsters with the push button retention release? If so, here are links to that specific holster model in a version to fit the Beretta Px4 Storm Full-Size and Compact pistols:
I’ll update this page with more FAQS as I come across them.
