[PilatusTurbo]

Initial impressions and first range rep.

After years of hearing about how awesome these pistols are, and always kinda looking for a good trade or price on one, it always eluded me.

I've always liked the Ruger P95, and this gun has similar big, clunky chunky aesthetics. It comes pretty highly recommended by many that have fired it; it's one of those "If you know, you know" kinda group things.

Well, I got one.

I brought it to the range, alongside my Beretta APX, being similar weight, but striker fired. I figured I'd see what all this hype was about, and how the recoil impulse is just "different" or better, or what not. On that front, I can't say it felt any lighter recoiling or better than the APX. It does not outshoot my P95, in my mind. In any way. I should have, and will bring these two together, next time.

It shot nicely, extremely accurately, and the DA trigger pull is on par with my 226, 92X with D-Spring, and P95. I'm not sure if this came with a D-Spring, but it has the polymer trigger. I did order a D-Spring for it, and a 3rd mag... I think the D-Spring is needed... More on that in a bit.

Again, it's a nice shooter, and the rotating barrel and cam system is super cool. However, I don't think it really changes recoil impulse, at all. I just didn't feel it being different. To be clear, I did not go into this wanting the gun to suck, or hating it. Just the opposite: I tend to buy into enthusiasm and hype for these more niche or smaller group or even cult following type guns. So, maybe the hype was too much, or I bought into it too hard. It recoils just about like any other 9mm fullsize. It didn't push more back into my hand, it still felt "flippy" like any gun does.

As far as reliability: I had 5 light strikes in 200 rounds. It did run 50 rounds of my JHP I'd carry it with, zero issues, so that's good. Nor did it suffer any FTF or FTE of any kind, except the FTFire kind. Could be ammunition related, as those light strikes only occurred with Blazer 115 gr FMJ. I know, many regard that ammo as garbage, which is fair based on their experiences. However, my experience with that stuff over the years has been a nearly 100% reliability rate with that ammo. If it were WWB I'd understand a bit more.

I googled PX4 Storm light strikes. To clarify, when I first got this new to me gun, I did detail clean it, but not fully stripping the slide down; This is something I would not have known to google prior to purchasing it, and yeah. It's an interesting design, and that's putting it nicely. Clear out the gunk behind the extractor, in the firing pin channel? Yes, that's what they mean. The firing pin was pretty carboned up, and the firing pin spring. Taking this thing apart.... Man, I know it's not Beretta's design, originally, but this thing is .. Interesting... Again, looking back on the Ruger P series and how their design is so much simpler and easier to work on once you have the hang of it. I love the Ruger P series design and how it all retains itself together without a single roll pin...

Anyway, I was able to get it all put back together. I realized after putting it back together, I could've just popped that ball detent out in the left safety ear/wing, and that would essentially convert it to a G decocker model. I'll take it back apart and do that.

Hopefully, clearing the gunk out of the firing pin channel helps it become as reliable as my 92X and every Beretta 92, or M9, or APX has ever been for me. I've never had a Beretta jam or FTF in my hands, so this was a new experience. As I did mention, I did order a new D-Spring and a 3rd mag, before I even got it out. I figured that spring makes Berettas better, and maybe this is just a heavily fired or worn down D-Spring, and replacing it may fix the issue, too.

I'll be keeping it, but what an odd gun and experience for a Beretta.

I'd love for PX4 folks to chime in on this one.

Thanks!

 

[NoJoy]

My PX4 in 40 S&W is softer felt recoil than my Gen 5 Glock 23. I believe the rotating barrel helps. Plus this gun for me is as accurate as my Glocks and Sigs.

My only constructive criticism is I wish the PX4 series was offered in a MOS style set up-

 

[bac1023]

I can’t classify any $500 polymer pistol as amazing, but I think the PX4 is one of the better ones.

 

[Foggy Mountain]

I’d say it might be your ability to feel the difference especially all on its own. It recoils but noticeably imo dif.
I can feel recurve bow limbs buzz, anything semi auto especially shotguns cycle. I find the px4 real easy to shoot.
I actually can’t see how you don’t notice that difference. But None of us know what we don’t know so I can’t speak for you.
No one I know though shoots PX4s and can’t feel it. I have the full size and compact models. Both the factory upgraded ones.
The bulkiness I can’t help you with. I’ve got P30 HK, Sig 229, etc they’re all “bulky” kinda but if you don’t like that feel no one could help you. I’d say compare it to another gun at same time n see.

 

[Old School]

I'm not sure what caliber the OP has but most of the reports of lesser recoil (that I've read anyway) have come from the .40 versions. There has to be a minimum recoil for the gun to function and the difference across 9mm guns might not be as perceptible.

A good bit of recoil perception and ease of shooting comes from the person. The geometry of the gun, how it fits your hand, transfer of recoil to your hand, wrist, etc. There are a lot of factors - that is not an exhaustive list. I have a full size px4 in 9mm and my daughters love it - if I interpret their report correctly, they feel less muzzle flip vs other poly frame 9s.

For some reason I intuitively shoot the HK USP full size .40 better than any other handgun. It feels "right" in a holster and in my hands, I don't notice recoil, controls & mag changes are easy and I'm very accurate with it. I can't explain why, but time after time the range trips have proven it to be true. Maybe the P95 is that kind of gun for the OP.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

My PX4 in 40 S&W is softer felt recoil than my Gen 5 Glock 23. I believe the rotating barrel helps. Plus this gun for me is as accurate as my Glocks and Sigs.

My only constructive criticism is I wish the PX4 series was offered in a MOS style set up-

That's fair. It was ridiculously accurate if I did my part. Ragged hole at 7 yards.

I can’t classify any $500 polymer pistol as amazing, but I think the PX4 is one of the better ones.

Not by your standards, but they're definitely not $500 new. Used, they go for $500-600 ish. New they want like $650-800 for these things, and again, I'm kinda like "why??" Like I said, my ugly, rudimentary but stupidly accurate and reliable P95 (I love the damn thing) literally does everything this thing does, except the "cool" rotating barrel gimmick and it was significantly cheaper back in its day.

I’d say it might be your ability to feel the difference especially all on its own. It recoils but noticeably imo dif.
I can feel recurve bow limbs buzz, anything semi auto especially shotguns cycle. I find the px4 real easy to shoot.
I actually can’t see how you don’t notice that difference. But None of us know what we don’t know so I can’t speak for you.
No one I know though shoots PX4s and can’t feel it. I have the full size and compact models. Both the factory upgraded ones.
The bulkiness I can’t help you with. I’ve got P30 HK, Sig 229, etc they’re all “bulky” kinda but if you don’t like that feel no one could help you. I’d say compare it to another gun at same time n see.

The bulkiness doesn't bother me one bit. As I said, The P95 is what I'm comparing this with, it's also bulky and "ugly" according to many. I think both the P95 and PX4 are actually neat looking guns. Just kinda thiccc, but I don't mind my ladies I MEAN GUNS being thiccc I absolutely should've brought the P95, but I wanted to compare it to a "modern" striker fire design that weighed as much and see how much different it felt. Don't get me wrong, I'll be shooting it, again, soon. I'll take the P95 and a couple others with me. I literally shot the APX 2 or 3 rounds, put it down, shot the PX4 2 or 3 rounds, put it down and alternated.

I'm not sure what caliber the OP has but most of the reports of lesser recoil (that I've read anyway) have come from the .40 versions. There has to be a minimum recoil for the gun to function and the difference across 9mm guns might not be as perceptible.

A good bit of recoil perception and ease of shooting comes from the person. The geometry of the gun, how it fits your hand, transfer of recoil to your hand, wrist, etc. There are a lot of factors - that is not an exhaustive list. I have a full size px4 in 9mm and my daughters love it - if I interpret their report correctly, they feel less muzzle flip vs other poly frame 9s.

For some reason I intuitively shoot the HK USP full size .40 better than any other handgun. It feels "right" in a holster and in my hands, I don't notice recoil, controls & mag changes are easy and I'm very accurate with it. I can't explain why, but time after time the range trips have proven it to be true. Maybe the P95 is that kind of gun for the OP.

Your entire post, especially the first segment really hit the nail on the head. I think 9mm is so minimal in terms of recoil, for me especially, it might be hard for me to really notice a difference. I've moved up into truly snappier guns and calibers recently, so anything 9mm feels pretty chill at this point. You're correct on the P95 just being a gun I handle and shoot well. The grip on that thing isn't even thin or comfortable, but with my added traction tape to the front and backstraps, that thing stays welded into my hands. I did not have that problem with the PX4, it stayed relatively tight in my hands.

 

[powernoodle]

I do like the PX4 for its avant garde Italian styling, and funky rotating barrel. But it does have a fatty fat and slick grip. Still, it is an excellent and fun gun that seems never to have made it to prime time.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

I do like the PX4 for its avant garde Italian styling, and funky rotating barrel. But it does have a fatty fat and slick grip. Still, it is an excellent and fun gun that seems never to have made it to prime time.

Definitely. The subcompact PX4 got used in the hard sci-fi show Expanse in a later season. They had to use heavily modified Glock and XDs, then a Chiappa Rhino and PX4 SC were chosen because they looked so futuristic and different than people's normal perception of guns. I saw it and even a few years back I was like "That's a PX4 Sub!" LOL

 

[Rotn1]

I have the Langdon Tactical PX4 in 9mm. IIRC I picked it up in 2015 or 2016. It was circa $1,100 at the time.
Very accurate and exceptionally soft shooting and the trigger is exceptionally good.

 

[JGIORD]

People complain about buying a Glock for $500, which is fully functional and reliable and then having to put so much money into it to make it to their liking. Well the same holds true for the PX4. I had the compact carry with all the TT bells and whistles which ran me $1200. That is a lot to spend on a hand gun, especially one that you intend to use for EDC.

It is as thick as a brick (which people say about Glocks) and its heavy. The trigger job is nice and it did shoot very well with a low recoil. However, mine ran into failures to go fully into battery (even when cleaned and lubed). I blamed the rotating barrel for it and I found it overly complicated, but ended up selling it.

I've found over the years, that the more I look around for the holy grail, the more I keep coming back to Glocks.

 

[DonD]

I have a PX4 full size in 40 S&W. I really like it. It's my car gun for a couple reasons. One, in DA mode, the trigger pull is smooth and long enough to make an accidental shot extremely unlikely. With 14+1 using Underwood hollow points it's a pretty potent performer.

It's been completely reliable for me, factory or reloads. Don

 

[PilatusTurbo]

I have the Langdon Tactical PX4 in 9mm. IIRC I picked it up in 2015 or 2016. It was circa $1,100 at the time.
Very accurate and exceptionally soft shooting and the trigger is exceptionally good.

Yeah, it's already a very accurate and nice shooting gun. I think this one must have a D-Spring already, because I'm a simple girl and the just a little improvement to a DASA trigger is good enough. I'm hoping it's just worn, and the new D-Spring will rectify the light strikes. I did clean it out thoroughly.

People complain about buying a Glock for $500, which is fully functional and reliable and then having to put so much money into it to make it to their liking. Well the same holds true for the PX4. I had the compact carry with all the TT bells and whistles which ran me $1200. That is a lot to spend on a hand gun, especially one that you intend to use for EDC.

It is as thick as a brick (which people say about Glocks) and its heavy. The trigger job is nice and it did shoot very well with a low recoil. However, mine ran into failures to go fully into battery (even when cleaned and lubed). I blamed the rotating barrel for it and I found it overly complicated, but ended up selling it.

I've found over the years, that the more I look around for the holy grail, the more I keep coming back to Glocks.

I found that putting the smallest backstrap on it made it feel a little bit better in hand. Again, this isn't a "looking for the holy grail" but more of a just checking out the fun/hype of this gun purchase.

As I mentioned above, I think this one came with a D-Spring installed, that may have been a bit worn causing light strikes, so hopefully my brand new spring coming in the mail will help. If it's already having light strikes with the standard weight main spring and just a little carbon gunk is causing that?..... Well, not a reliable gun, then.

Glocks are great for their simplicity and durability. They're not on my Top 3 List of most reliable guns, though. YMMV.

I have a PX4 full size in 40 S&W. I really like it. It's my car gun for a couple reasons. One, in DA mode, the trigger pull is smooth and long enough to make an accidental shot extremely unlikely. With 14+1 using Underwood hollow points it's a pretty potent performer.

It's been completely reliable for me, factory or reloads. Don

Excellent to hear. Yeah, 40S&W seems to be where most of the fanfare for this gun lives. The DA trigger is great. As you said, heavy enough to prevent, but light enough to be very accurate with that first shot.

 

[tercel89]

I have the PX4 in 9, .40, and .45. They all run great and I carry mine. I put in Langdon's trigger bar which makes the trigger reset to barely a millimeter. It's almost shorter than a Canik or Walther P99. It's awesome. They are a "wet" gun and need to have the lug oiled or greased. I put my PX4 up along side of my P95 and they have the same profile and size. It is amazing at how much they resemble each other as far as profile goes. They both will outlast guns that cost 3 times as much as they do.

 

[Glolt20-91]

I like Berettas and love shooting/carrying a 92 Brigadier INOX, not often, but the same can be said for the 96 INOX. The PX4 has piqued my interests, but not enough to splurge for. FWIW, I experienced a light primer strike with the 19X, forget which brand ammunition; also FWIW, I shoot the Brigadier better than the 19X and 17.3, go figure.

This may be of some help for you, as an old guy, over the decades I've learned that each weapon has its own rhythm, for me, the 92 and P226 took about 1 or 2 magazines to feel their rhythms, Glocks and an HK USP took me longer to become proficient with them. Maybe it's the same for you between the Ruger and PX4, thoughts?

 

[TheFlash]

I had a PX4 and found it to be soft-shooting and quite accurate.
However - never really warmed up to it. The grip was slick and while I bought a Talon grip section, I did not place it on the pistol. I also got it at a time when I was moving away from Beretta pistols...
Around that timeframe, I had the opportunity to try a Sig SP2022 and loved it! Just as accurate as the PX4 and the SP2022 is essentially a poly-framed Sig P226.

Regarding learning and adapting to new:
ALL my pistols up to that point had manual safeties.
I've since switched my 'manual of arms' and none of the pistols I currently use have manual safeties. (Some may be decock like the SP2022 for DA/SA operation... Like a "DC" version of Ruger's P-Series)

 

[Maccabeus]

I've no experience with the PX4, but I did own a couple models of the Boberg XR9 pistols that have their own version of a rotating barrel.

I found it neither softer shooting nor more accurate despite claims that it would be.

 

[gh1138]

OP - thanks for posting your review.

I have started to buy one more than once. I have held one in LGS 2 or 3 times. While the rotating barrel intrigues me, when holding one, I just didn't bond with it enough to purchase.

Not knocking the PX4 or the P85, but seeing the pics here, maybe I was reminded of the P95 I used to have, and subconsciously, it reminded me enough of the P95 that I thought it was overpriced.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

I had a PX4 and found it to be soft-shooting and quite accurate.
However - never really warmed up to it. The grip was slick and while I bought a Talon grip section, I did not place it on the pistol. I also got it at a time when I was moving away from Beretta pistols...
Around that timeframe, I had the opportunity to try a Sig SP2022 and loved it! Just as accurate as the PX4 and the SP2022 is essentially a poly-framed Sig P226.

Regarding learning and adapting to new:
ALL my pistols up to that point had manual safeties.
I've since switched my 'manual of arms' and none of the pistols I currently use have manual safeties. (Some may be decock like the SP2022 for DA/SA operation... Like a "DC" version of Ruger's P-Series)

Converted my Ruger P series to DC models, all of them They're a great, simple, bombproof rugged and reliable system.

The SP2022 grip is similar to the E2 grips you can get for the 226 and 229. I love that grip and it's on my 226. The SP2022 is something I'd absolutely grab if I saw a deal on one.

I have the PX4 in 9, .40, and .45. They all run great and I carry mine. I put in Langdon's trigger bar which makes the trigger reset to barely a millimeter. It's almost shorter than a Canik or Walther P99. It's awesome. They are a "wet" gun and need to have the lug oiled or greased. I put my PX4 up along side of my P95 and they have the same profile and size. It is amazing at how much they resemble each other as far as profile goes. They both will outlast guns that cost 3 times as much as they do.
View attachment 1394028 View attachment 1394028

Absolutely, but you already know the awesomeness of the P series from Ruger.

I've no experience with the PX4, but I did own a couple models of the Boberg XR9 pistols that have their own version of a rotating barrel.

I found it neither softer shooting nor more accurate despite claims that it would be.

Yes, that's my experience with the PX4. Difference was negligible at best.

OP - thanks for posting your review.

I have started to buy one more than once. I have held one in LGS 2 or 3 times. While the rotating barrel intrigues me, when holding one, I just didn't bond with it enough to purchase.

Not knocking the PX4 or the P85, but seeing the pics here, maybe I was reminded of the P95 I used to have, and subconsciously, it reminded me enough of the P95 that I thought it was overpriced.

Yeah, The P95 accomplishes everything the PX4 does, for less. Same size and weight range, capabilities are nearly identical except the PX4 carries 2 additional rounds. I think the P95 is the better value due to lower cost and much more simple design. Like, waaaaay simpler.

 

[Jason D]

I bought mine for the novelty.

I like the gun just fine and never had a problem with it, but it is too big and bocky to really do anything with other than use it for home defense. Mine is a full sized model for what it's worth.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

I bought mine for the novelty.

I like the gun just fine and never had a problem with it, but it is too big and bocky to really do anything with other than use it for home defense. Mine is a full sized model for what it's worth.

Pretty much the same. Cool gun factor. Yes, in today's world of small, reliable, shootable CCWs, it doesn't make sense to carry anything this big. A Glock 19 or Ruger RXM size gun is as big as I'd go, unless it's open carry for fun. I never open carry.