Beretta PX4 Storm Sub Compact VS Glock Model 27 (Both in 40 SW)

[Snowman1979]

Hi,

I'm torn between these 2 pistols for a carry piece. I know what I like about each but haven't held or shot either.
Does anyone have either of these guns and if so what do you like about them?
In particular how is the grip, sights, recoil, shot group?

 

[byrd_hntr]

I have a G29 and I like it very much. Allthough it's relatively new to me <200 rounds down the tube. It shoots well and is surprisingly low recoil for such a small package. Some guys like glocks some don't. The just seem to fit my hand well. I have no experience with the beretta. My 2cents worth.

 

[hunt_ak]

No first hand experience with the Beretta either, just reviews from podcasts/forums, etc...

I've got a G27. Really easy to break down and maintain and pretty much everything for that gun is READILY available. Mags, sights, spare parts, conversion barrels, holsters, etc. I know the PX4 storm is relatively new and the Glock has got to trump the availability of said items.

Camming barrel? What purpose do they say it serves? Prices look fairly similar. Any chance you know someone who has a PX4? You could do a comparison in real life and decide for yourself...

 

[duckslayer56]

I was looking at the beretta when I was in the market for a 40. It felt ok in my hand, but the trigger pull was terrible. It may have just been the one I was holding, but I decided to go with the springfield xdm.

 

[Snowman1979]

Thanks all so far, great input. I know the PX4 is new. I have also seen the youtube vids of them. Yeah trigger pull is an important feature and thanks Hunt AK for the input on parts availability. Good point.
Keep those comments comin in.

 

[F-Trooper05]

Camming barrel? What purpose do they say it serves? Prices look fairly similar. Any chance you know someone who has a PX4? You could do a comparison in real life and decide for yourself...

Read this... http://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=522885&postcount=22

Anyway, I don't think the PX4 Subcompact uses a rotating barrel like the fullsize, but the PX4 in general is not very popular in the law enforcement community. I believe the Maryland State Police are the only major agency to be using it, and last I heard, most of their troopers weren't thrilled with it. Personally, I don't think you can do much better than a Glock 27, M&P Subcompact, or an HK P2000SK. XD's are the ultimate "bubba gun" IMHO.

 

[nittanytbone]

I looked at all the polymer guns relatively recently and we ended up becoming a "M&P" household. I did look very closely at the PX4 as it is similar to the Beretta 92FS which I am pretty familiar with.

Pros of the PX4: Similar controls to the Beretta 92FS (nice if you are used to the M9). Shares mags and parts between a subcompact, full size, and pistol caliber carbine. Rotating barrel is supposed to soak up recoil.
Cons: Wide profile. Once you add in the width for the external slide safety this is a fairly bulky gun. The trigger is a DA/SA, which means two different pulls to get used to.

The M&P line is great for us because the backstraps easily change to fit different sized paws. That's nice if you and someone with different sized hands (like a wife or significant other) want to share firearms. The ergonomics are great. They're ambidextrous (we have a lefty in the house). The biggest downside we've found is magazine price (they're expensive).

I was really tempted by the PX4 but it ultimately didn't fit our needs.

As for Glocks -- there are some good deals on used models of the older generations. That's great. The new generation ones boast improved ergonomics. There are a ton of aftermarket parts and pieces if you like to tinker.

The nice thing is that guns aren't forever. You can always shoot one for awhile and if you don't like it, sell it or trade it. You probably won't get back 100% of what you paid but you can basically pay $100 to shoot the gun for a year or two and see how you really like it.

 

[hunt_ak]

Thanks all so far, great input. I know the PX4 is new. I have also seen the youtube vids of them. Yeah trigger pull is an important feature and thanks Hunt AK for the input on parts availability. Good point.
Keep those comments comin in.

No prob. Holster availability would be a big one for me (since I'm assuming you're going to carry it). I guess if you couldn't find a PX4 holster you like, you could get some kydex off of eBay and make your own crossbreed style holster or something...

Read this... http://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=522885&postcount=22

Anyway, I don't think the PX4 Subcompact uses a rotating barrel like the fullsize, but the PX4 in general is not very popular in the law enforcement community. I believe the Maryland State Police are the only major agency to be using it, and last I heard, most of their troopers weren't thrilled with it. Personally, I don't think you can do much better than a Glock 27, M&P Subcompact, or an HK P2000SK. XD's are the ultimate "bubba gun" IMHO.

Thanks for the link, gonna have to check it out. Speaking of XD's, the XDm is now available in a compact version for 9/40...just another option.

I looked at all the polymer guns relatively recently and we ended up becoming a "M&P" household. I did look very closely at the PX4 as it is similar to the Beretta 92FS which I am pretty familiar with.

Pros of the PX4: Similar controls to the Beretta 92FS (nice if you are used to the M9). Shares mags and parts between a subcompact, full size, and pistol caliber carbine. Rotating barrel is supposed to soak up recoil.
Cons: Wide profile. Once you add in the width for the external slide safety this is a fairly bulky gun. The trigger is a DA/SA, which means two different pulls to get used to.

The M&P line is great for us because the backstraps easily change to fit different sized paws. That's nice if you and someone with different sized hands (like a wife or significant other) want to share firearms. The ergonomics are great. They're ambidextrous (we have a lefty in the house). The biggest downside we've found is magazine price (they're expensive).

I was really tempted by the PX4 but it ultimately didn't fit our needs.

As for Glocks -- there are some good deals on used models of the older generations. That's great. The new generation ones boast improved ergonomics. There are a ton of aftermarket parts and pieces if you like to tinker.

The nice thing is that guns aren't forever. You can always shoot one for awhile and if you don't like it, sell it or trade it. You probably won't get back 100% of what you paid but you can basically pay $100 to shoot the gun for a year or two and see how you really like it.

I also like the M&Ps. I dont have a ton of experience with them but I think the trigger reset is inferior to the Glock. I realize many are doing a quick parts change to enhance the trigger, but I haven't felt an upgraded M&P trigger.

You make good points on the used guns. A while back I picked up a pair of used LE G22s w/ night sights for $380ea shipped. LE guns are generally not shot very much I would guess and they are constantly maintained by a Glock Armorer.

Another option is the GSSF program. Join for $25 and you get one Glock per year at LE pricing. You also get 3 mags instead of two, which offsets the cost of an extra mag...

I'll quit yammering...

 

[Snowman1979]

Thanks all this is great info. I carried a 9mm Beretta for awhile so I'm familiar with that layout and have shoot Glocks also.
I'm going to look into the S&W compact as I have access to them at a local gun shop.
Keep the info coming in as I still havent made up my mind. Thanks again

 

[tyrex13]

Another big +1 for the Glock is that you can find mags and holsters everywhere. You might have a hard time finding the holster you want for the PX4.

 

[nittanytbone]

If you really like the familiar Beretta 92FS platform but want something a bit more concealable you could get a Beretta Centurion. It is basically the same as a 92FS (same size frame, same mags, etc) but has a shorter barrel. They were only made back in the 90s for a few years so they can be harder to find but it seems like there's always a few on GunBroker. They seem to run around $400-500, sometimes coming with extras like mags, gunleather, night sights, etc.

The S&W M&P compacts feed reliably from a full size magazine. I like that because the compacts will use the same mags as their full size siblings, if you end up getting a full size M&P later on. Also note that there are two flavors of magazines for the compacts, one with a pinky rest and one without. I don't really have anything bad to say about the M&P line. Then again my only other live fire semi auto experience is with the Beretta 92FS and the Sig 226; I don't care for Glock ergonomics.

I wouldn't worry quite as much about availability of gear for the "rarer" pistols being a huge big lim fac. These days with the internet you can special order harder to find stuff pretty easily. As long as your preferred holster manufacturer makes gear then you're good. I see the availability of gear for the Glock as a plus for those who like to tinker, but for those who shoot "stock" guns it won't really matter. Especially as most of the modular guns are coming with standardized rails and such so if you feel the need to attach a light or laser or whatever it should probably work.

 

[Snowman1979]

Hi all, OK so for better or worse I've gone with the Glock 27. It should be here in a few days and after taking it to the range I'll let you know my thoughts.
Thanks for all the info. I was surprized at the number of compacts/sub-compacts out there that I wasn't aware of and I looked at a number of them.
I do like the direction Sig is taking in making a modular pistol alothough it is hard being semi remote to find a dealer that I could check to see which portions of each to select from that I would choose.
This also let me check into some other rounds I hadn't thought of before being the 357 Sig and 10mm (loved the whole FBI think about the 40 SW (short and week).
In my travels I'm still going to find a PX4 and see how it feels in the hand. Thanks all and I'll post any update here once the 27's in.

 

[hunt_ak]

What sights did you get? Truglo TFO's are amazing...bright in day, bright in night...check 'em out.

Pearce finger extension helps for sure. Gonna carry IWB?

 

[F-Trooper05]

Hi all, OK so for better or worse I've gone with the Glock 27. It should be here in a few days and after taking it to the range I'll let you know my thoughts.

Outstanding choice.

I do like the direction Sig is taking in making a modular pistol alothough it is hard being semi remote to find a dealer that I could check to see which portions of each to select from that I would choose.

The P250 is crap. Federal Air Marshals used it for about a week before they gave up on it and went back to the P229. It was also recently dropped from the ATF new handgun trials in the first round of testing.

 

[Snowman1979]

Hunt AK, thanks for the heads up on the Truglo. I will have to pick them up they look good.
I have 3 holsters on their way and Ill post the one that I like best for concealment.

 

[normK]

I put the extensions on both magazines for my G27 and instantly decided I really do like Glocks. With the original length magazine it was not very comfortable for me to shoot but now it is one of my favorite handguns.

I put a Lasermax internal laser on it too.... nice for home defense.

 

[Snowman1979]

OK, got the 27 and have taken it to the range. Love it so far, Had a semi stove pipe after about 30 rounds but just took a clear jam action to reload a round that didnt seat properly. No biggie.
I have the mag extensions order and the over sized slide release.
Im shooting way high with a proper sight alignment. Found I could hit dead center at 15 yards just looking at front sight and target. Any suggestions? Im thinking of looking for a high or adjustable height rear sight to compensate. Havent run into this problem before?

 

[F-Trooper05]

Have you shot it from a bench rest, or just standing? My guess is you just need to get use to the trigger. Having adjustable sights on a carry gun isn't recommended. For good iron sights, however, look into Heinie or Warren Tactical. You might also want to look into a Vickers mag release button, and a butt plug to cover up the mainspring housing. Dirt and lint can get in there and cause serious issues, and a plug is a cheap insurance policy.

 

[GD Yankee]

Great choice on the Glock.

I would buy a few more boxes of ammo and practice a bit more before I worried about the sights. You'll probably settle in and it will shoot right where you want it. I'm installing an XS Big Dot on my subcompact. 15 yards is awfully far to be shooting that little baby. If it shot to point of aim at 5 to 7 yards, you're good to go. Past 7 yards and you're into virtual sniper territory with a Glock 27!!!

 

[cco45acp]

OK, got the 27 and have taken it to the range. Love it so far, Had a semi stove pipe after about 30 rounds but just took a clear jam action to reload a round that didnt seat properly. No biggie.
I have the mag extensions order and the over sized slide release.
Im shooting way high with a proper sight alignment. Found I could hit dead center at 15 yards just looking at front sight and target. Any suggestions? Im thinking of looking for a high or adjustable height rear sight to compensate. Havent run into this problem before?[

If you haven't shot Glocks much before, sometimes the grip angle will cause you to hit high especially if your more used to the grip angle of a M1911, Beretta, XD etc. Once you get used to the Glock grip angle you should hit better.