The Firearm Blog

I thought the pistol was out in January, but they issued this press release yesterday. Either way, it is now available.

UPDATE: Tim, in the comments below, let us know that the pistol is due to be released in may-june 08.

From the press release:

Beretta USA is pleased to announce the introduction of the most advanced Sub-Compact sidearm of its kind – the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact pistol. Built around Beretta’s latest Px4 Storm modular technology, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact delivers concealed carry handling with large frame firepower.

Available in two calibers, 9mm with 13 round magazine capacity and .40 S&W with 10 round magazine capacity, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact will be available in all the traditional configurations (F, G, C, D actions) that have made its Px4 Storm full size counterpart a preferred choice of Law Enforcement agencies and civilians across the United States. This new pistol uses a very reliable locked breech, providing a more compact and lighter weight system. Additionally, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact utilizes a stainless steel barrel which requires less maintenance and is corrosion resistant, making it perfectly suited for concealment close to active perspiring bodies.

“With the launch of our new Sub-Compact model, the Storm family of polymer pistols and carbines is now the ideal suite of firearm platforms available on the market” said Gabriele DePlano, Vice President of Product Development at Beretta USA. “Whether it is used for concealed or open carry, on or off duty, as a patrol rifle or for home protection, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact family is poised to offer our operators the ultimate in Beretta’s reliability, durability and accuracy in its smallest package yet.”

Hailed by some as the most accurate Sub-Compact pistol on the market, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact offers absolute reliability and consistent accuracy in a small package. Featuring a Picatinny rail to fit light and laser accessories, the Px4 Storm Sub-Compact also adapts to different hand sizes easily with interchangeable backstraps that are included with each firearm. The magazineÂ’s patented “Snap-Grip” allows for maximum concealability when the firearm is holstered, while providing a comfortable and secure grip when the pistol is being fired. An ambidextrous manual safety, ideally positioned on both sides of the slide for easy access by all shooters, and a low-profile slide catch complete this small yet powerful package. Additionally, a reversible magazine release button, in small or large size, can be mounted on either side for the convenience of the operator. The Px4 Storm Sub-Compact was designed by Beretta USA and will be manufactured in the United States at Beretta USAÂ’s Accokeek, MD facility.

PX4 Storm Sub-Compact

More info here.

Beretta have launched an interesting new shotgun, a break barrel semi automatic. Build for competition it only holds, unless I am mistaken, two rounds in a 1+1 configuration: one in the chamber, one in the side cartridge carrier.

Both rounds can both be seen when the barrel is broken.

This gives it many advantages over traditional double barrel shotguns:

• decreased recoil of the semi auto action
• a low set barrel which helps decrease muzzle jump
• the same point of impact for both rounds as each is fired out of the same barrel.

It also maintains the safety aspect of a double barreled shotgun. When it is broken it cannot be fired and both the magazine (side cartridge carrier) and chamber can be inspected.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Cartridge Chamber: 2 ¾ in. (70 mm)
Operation: semiautomatic, with break-open barrel, short recoil
Locking System: elevated locking block
Receiver: light alloy
Barrel: three-alloy steel, fully chromed inside, Optima-Bore® profile
Rib: ventilated, removable
Safety: button-operated, on trigger guard; reversible for left-handed shooter
Weight*: 8.1-9.0 lbs (3.5-4.1 Kg)

It is currently available as a 30″ trap model. A sporting model in various lengths will be available in the future.

More info at here.

Beretta has launched the new SV10 PERENNIA over-and-under shotgun.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 26”, 28”, 30”
Accessories: Case, 5 chokes with spanner, sling swivels, plastic pad
Weight: 7.3 lbs

It also features the new Kick-Off hydraulic recoil system:

The new patented Kick-Off® mechanism (on select models only) was conceived to significantly reduce the felt recoil to the shooter’s shoulder.

Thanks to Kick-Off®, the recoil energy is gradually dissipated through two oil hydraulic dampeners integrated into the design, with obvious better comfort to the shooter.

More here.

Following the recent purchase of 10,000 M9 pistols by the US Army and Navy, Beretta has announced a new multi-year contact to supply the Army with another 25,403 M9 pistols.

From the press release

Beretta has just announced that it has been awarded a multi-year contract by the U.S. Army to deliver M9 pistols to servicemen and women as part of the U.S. Government commitment to ensure the operational safety and readiness of U.S. Armed Services worldwide.

The contract is for 25,403 M9 pistols with deliveries starting in June 2008 and continuing until February 2010. The U.S. Army also reserves the right to purchase additional M9 pistols as needed to meet their needs. All of these M9 pistols will continue to be manufactured at the Beretta U.S.A. facility located in Accokeek, Maryland.

According the Guns Magazine the US Army and Navy have purchased 10,576 M9 pistols (I do wonder how they come up with these exact numbers).

Beretta USA received purchase orders from the US Army and US Navy for a total of 10,576 M9 pistols (5,969 for the Army, 4,607 for the Navy). The purchase orders were issued against a multi-year contract between Beretta and the US Army, which serves as executive purchasing agent of the M9 pistol for all branches of the US Armed Forces.

So the M9 is not going anywhere in the near future.

“The Beretta M9 pistol remains the most reliable and well-tested handgun in the US military inventory, with tests resulting in an average of only one malfunction every 20,500 rounds fired.”

Apart from the special forces it is the only pistol, isn’t it?

According to wikipedia the last big order was in 2006 for 70,000 pistols.

This animation demonstrates how the Beretta 92FS works.

(Below is just an image, click the link to watch the animation)

Watch it here.

Hat Tip: Sear and Hammer