Beretta Px4 Storm subcompact: 9mm or 40?

[Dan Stephenson]

I am seriously considering getting one of these. I found a place that
rented the .40 variant, and I liked it. I have a 92FS, and in
comparison and with the smaller size of the weapon it felt like a
biggeri impacting round.

I then went to a big outfitter megastore, intending to get a 9mm (for
common ammo reasons). Unfortunately they were so busy, I got
frustrated after waiting 20 minutes for a sales rep to become free, and
left.

Time has past and I got to thinking. There is a much closer gun range,
that I know has a 40 variant for $499, and maybe having another ammo
type is not that onerous? I realize I could get a 9mm ordered.

If you have been in a similar situation would you please advise me?
For example, is this small gun that much more handle-able with the 9mm
recoil? Also, although the 40 magazine holds 10 rounds instead of the
9mm's 13 rounds, gee, maybe 10 is plenty. This gun fits in my pockets
and I would use it for concealed carry.

Thanks!
--
Dan Stephenson
http://web.mac.com/stepheda
Travel pages for Europe and the U.S.A. (and New Zealand too)


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[john]

The FBI changed to 40 from the 9MM for good reasons. Do some net
surfing for the details. If your going to be carrying a medium size
handgun like the PX might as well take advantage of the larger size
and consider the larger calibers, either 40 or 45 for the extra
stopping power. If you're sold on the 9 you might be better off
selecting another pistol in the sub-compact size. On a hot summer day
the PX may be to cumbersome to carry concealed but a sub-compact 9
will slip into the pocket of a pair of baggy shorts. Don't buy the
hype of the 9MM being as effective as a 40. As long as you have access
to the net, obtaining 40 S&W ammo is not a problem.

I had the opportunity to shoot different PX models at an outdoor
exhibit. I don't care for the double action only model. I don't recall
the sub-model designation but the DA/SA model with the de-cocker was a
pleasant experience. I didn't find the 40 difficult to handle but it
was hard for me to judge. I was flinching terribly having previously
visited the S&W and Ruger booths. I shot the 50 at S&W and the 454
Casull at Ruger. After shooting the PX I went to the Glock booth. No
question in my mind, by far I prefer the feel and handling of PX over
the Glock.

[news]

Thanks for the reply, but since I was looking at the subcompact, I went
for the 9mm. It came down to number of rounds, 10+1 or 13+1. I think
I would prefer the additional rounds, figuring when I need them the
situation won't be all nice and calm like at the range.

The Px4 Subcompact in 40 was really nice too, though. I got to shoot
it before I made up my mind.

Dan