The release of the Px4 Storm by Beretta in 2004 marked a unique period of Beretta’s storied history. Since around the 1995 time period, Beretta has faced the idea that they weren’t embracing new technology quick enough and were losing ground in the law enforcement market. While the ever popular Beretta 92 is still the primary sidearm of the US military, the 92 was becoming somewhat obsolete in the law enforcement market for a number of reasons including it’s weight, overall size, design, and caliber selection.
In an effort to reclaim some of that market, Beretta released the Cougar series in 1992. While it was adopted by some law enforcement agencies, it barely dented the hold that Glock and Sig have in that marketplace. While Beretta stopped producing the Cougar in 2005, they did receive some very positive feedback from law enforcement about some of features that were liked.
In 2002, Beretta turned it’s attention back to the LEO market and started working on designs and prototypes that might fit into that market. Taking positive features from the Cougar series and the 92 series, Beretta released the Px4 Storm series in 2004. The Storm was constructed of lightweight polymer with steel reinforced inserts and featured an integrated light rail (also called a Picatinny rail). The ergonomic design was a significant change in direction for Beretta as the Px4 also featured a modular trigger group, and changeable backstrap options for the grip.
Chambered for the 9mm, .40 cal., and .45 ACP; this handgun will meet most of the caliber needs of any police department. Depending on the caliber, the Px4 has a mag capacity of either 10, 14, 17, or 20 rounds. One big selling point for the Px4 was it’s ease of disassembly or field stripping. The design was made is such a way that the parts cannot be misplaced or incorrectly located when the pistol is reassembled. This means that the pistol is always reassembled correctly no matter what the conditions.
Another design feature that is completely different for Beretta is the parts interchangeability and upgrades. Parts that are interchangeable and customizable include the backstrap, the magazine release button, the slide catch and the hammer unit mechanism. The backstrap is available in three sizes: slim, standard and oversized. The magazine release button can be mounted on either side of the weapon and replaced by one of three types: standard, large or combat (extended). The standard slide catch can be replaced with a slimmer version to avoid snagging when the weapon is drawn quickly from a holster.
Like most every Beretta pistol, the Px4 was designed with operational variants that have different alphabetical denominations and different functionality based on needs. Those different models include:
Type F – This version operated either single and double-action. It had a de-cocker and a manual safety.
Type C – This model operates in single action only (which Beretta calls “Constant Action”). The hammer is hammer, and this version has no de-cocker or safety.
Type D – The D is double-action-only. Like the C model, it features a spurless hammer without a de-cocker or safety.
Type G – Similar to the F version, the G model works in both single and double-action. It features a de-cocker like the F model, but doesn’t have a manual safety.
The Beretta PX4 Storm is available in the following variations:
- Beretta PX4 Storm Fullsize
- Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
- Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact
As this Beretta pistol model has been out since 2004, finding a Beretta PX4 holster shouldn’t be all that hard. Note that you’ll most likely want to shop for a PX4 holster made specifically for the PX4 version that you have. While the fullsize PX4 is a little bit larger for my tastes as a concealed carry holster, I think the Compact and Sub-Compact models work well for in that capacity.
Beretta PX4 Storm fullsize holsters
The Full-size configuration is the largest of the PX4 Storm family and is available in 9mm, .40 caliber, and one 45 ACP version. The Full-size variant is also available in a California complaint version as well.
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Holsters
The Compact model is the next size down from the Px4 Storm Full-size model and offers a barrel length that is 3.27 inches versus the 4″ model found on the full-size. The grip is slightly shorter than the Full-size model as well, which means a slightly smaller magazine capacity.
A holster made for a full-size Px4 Storm will also fit the Compact model, but you’ll have about 3/4″ of extra holster at the muzzle.
Beretta Px4 Storm Reviews
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions that I see regarding Beretta Px4 Storm holster options:
Will a Beretta Px4 Storm in 45 ACP fit in a holster made for a 9mm or .40 caliber model? Or, does it have to have a holster made specifically for the 45 version?
The Beretta Px4 Storm .45 ACP is built on the same frame as the 9mm/40 caliber version so it fits in a holster made for the 9mm and .40 caliber models. That’s one of the reasons that you don’t typically see a holster advertised to specifically fit the .45 model.
Where can I find a holster to fit the Beretta Px4 Compact Carry pistol?
The Compact Carry model is part of a joint pistol collaboration with Beretta and Ernest Langdon. It’s basically a Px4 Compact built to specifications laid out by Langdon. From a holster perspective, the Compact Carry fits into the same holster as the Compact model.
What’s a good Beretta Px4 Storm concealed carry holster?
The most popular holster style for concealed carry is inside the waistband or IWB. i would suggest looking at the various IWB holster options on the market for the Beretta Px4 series.
