Beretta CX4/Px4 “Couple” (9mm Para)
Kim du Toit
December 23, 2005
9:25 AM CDT
I’ve spoken often about the desirability of owning a pistol/carbine duo, sharing at least caliber, and optimally magazines as well.
If you like them compact, black, “tactical” and reliable, there are few better choices available than the Beretta CX4 “Storm” carbine coupled with the little PX4 pistol, both of course chambered for the 9mm Europellet:
But Kim, you ask, why are you recommending guns which shoot the Europellet?
It’s really simple. My major gripe with the 9mm Para is with the FMJ rounds, as used by the military. As stoppers, they are marginal, and I have firsthand experience of this (don’t ask). When an attacker is hit in the midsection by seven rounds of 9mm ball and still keeps coming, it’s time to either change the caliber or else change the bullet type to a more feral hollowpoint like a Federal Hydra-Shok, Winchester Ranger (the old Black Talon) or Speer Gold Dot, to name but three.
So here’s the deal: the pairing pictured above would make for an excellent answer to an urban-style SHTF situation. I’ve fired both the PX4 and the CX4, and let me tell you, I would not feel inadequately-armed.
Of special note is that the little CX4 carbine is hellishly accurate. The last time I fired one, I was getting saucer-sized groups at 25 yards, rapid fire (fifteen rounds in ten seconds). The PX4 is, for so light and small a gun, also just fine: at the same firing rate, I managed saucer-sized groups at 10 yards.
And the 17-round shared magazines are a Good Thing, too.
My only problem is that the configuration of the carbine is not for everyone; my neck is a tad thicker than most, and I had a little trouble getting a comfortable cheek “weld” on the stock. It’s one of the few times I would have liked to see a “Monte Carlo"-style stock available. But that’s a minor quibble.
New, the carbine as pictured sells for about $750 (the tactical rail is not common); the pistol for about $600.
Here, to my mind, is the best application for this combo: as a lady’s shooting portfolio. Light, comfortable to shoot, little recoil, not difficult to manage, shared magazines: gawd, I hope The Mrs. doesn’t see this…
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