[NoComp]

“The new price on our APX pistols is about delivering unmatched value to our customers without the worry that they may need to wait for the next promotion to get a great deal,” Chuck Azotea, Director of Product Marketing for Beretta U.S.A., said. “This new lower price does not mean lower quality. Our APX pistols will continue to be built to the exacting standards of military and law enforcement departments worldwide, making it an easy purchase choice for any consumer.”

the Centurion price is 20 blocks away from the lowest it’s ever been.

I have read the stock beretta sights are set for rapid on target and not accuracy. I have also read it is almost impossible to remove the sights they are on so tight. But still curious in the model.

Yep that was a big turn off for me. The sights are a PITA to move for adjustment. Beretta's tool is ridiculously expensive (>500.00) and availability of NS is limited compared to a SW and esp a Glock. I tried several different tools and no luck moving the sights. Worse than an XD.

I wasn't about to spring 600.00 for a sight adjustment tool for a 350.00 gun.
If you're gonna buy one, you need to commit, otherwise, you'll take a huge hit on selling used or trade-in.

Not a lot of demand for the APX. It's not a bad pistol, but there are much better.

 

[Bren]

There has been a lot of guns of the hour that fizzled.
How has the apx held up compared to the new stuff?

thanks!

I didn't know the APX was ever liked. I have never seen anybody with one.

 

[MrS&W]

Yep that was a big turn off for me. The sights are a PITA to move for adjustment. Beretta's tool is ridiculously expensive (>500.00) and availability of NS is limited compared to a SW and esp a Glock. I tried several different tools and no luck moving the sights. Worse than an XD.

I wasn't about to spring 600.00 for a sight adjustment tool for a 350.00 gun.
If you're gonna buy one, you need to commit, otherwise, you'll take a huge hit on selling used or trade-in.

Not a lot of demand for the APX. It's not a bad pistol, but there are much better.

Wheeler Engineering Armorer's Handgun Sight Tool with Heavy-Duty Construction and Reversible Assembly for Handguns, Gunsmithing and Maintenance

Pushed the sights out on my APX Compact, Fullsize APX, Shield 9mm and 45acp (multiple times to install night sights and again to install APEX trigger kits), M&P 2.0 Compact 2x (Night Sights and Apex), Walther PPS M2, and HK P30sk. The Beretta Sight tool goes on sale regularly, and has been as low as half price @ $250 with free shipping on multiple occasions.

 

[NoComp]

People need to know what they're getting into with the APX.

 

[GlockWheeler]

I have never had as much trouble installing sights as I did on my first APX. The front night sight tower snapped off while using a sight tool. I ended up sending the slide to Trijicon for installation. They were cool to deal with. They actually broke a second front sight while installing them there and ended up covering the cost of the first sight I broke and only charged me return shipping. The second APX I bought was sent directly to them for installation.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Thanks for the cheap option.

Even in the best circumstances, I can't imagine spending $125 on a sight remover.

Beretta does sell this: APX Sight Tool Plate MGW Tool | Handgun Accessories | Beretta

 

[MrS&W]

Thanks for the cheap option.

Even in the best circumstances, I can't imagine spending $125 on a sight remover.

Beretta does sell this: APX Sight Tool Plate MGW Tool | Handgun Accessories | Beretta

If you have several guns that you plan on swapping sights out on or any M&Ps, it's worth the investment. With the M&P 2.0, you have to remove the rear sight to install the APEX kit and to fully disassemble the slide.

If it's a one off, it's better to take the sights to a gunsmith at your LGS to install them. A couple guys on the Berettaforum.net stated they used the hammer and punch method with APX, but I used a sight pusher. Note: The APX sights go in and out in on right side of the dovetail if I remember correctly. I had issue at first because I was pushing them in the wrong direction.

I have had sights installed by gunsmiths at my LGS. They fit the sights to the slide. There is no excuse for quality made sights to snap off and break while being installed by a qualified gunsmith unless the sights weren't fitted and were being forced into tbe dovetail via the blade instead of pushed in at the base.

Heat up around the dovetail a little. Cool down the sights, fit them to the slide by sighly filing a little material from the slights. I personally apply a little red locktite. It's not rocket science. There are going to be different tolerances from sight to sight and dovetail to dovetail. Most people who run into problems installing dovetail sights do so because they aren't fitting them.

 

[GlockWheeler]

If you have several guns that you plan on swapping sights out on or any M&Ps, it's worth the investment. With the M&P 2.0, you have to remove the rear sight to install the APEX kit and to fully disassemble the slide.

If it's a one off, it's better to take the sights to a gunsmith at your LGS to install them. A couple guys on the Berettaforum.net stated they used the hammer and punch method with APX, but I used a sight pusher.

I have had sights installed by gunsmiths at my LGS. They fit the sights to the slide. There is no excuse for quality made sights to snap off and break while being installed by a qualified gunsmith unless the sights weren't fitted and were being forced into tbe dovetail via the blade instead of pushed in at the base.

Heat up around the dovetail a little. Cool down the sights, fit them to the slide by sighly filing a little material from the slights. I personally apply a little red locktite. It's not rocket science. There are going to be different tolerances from sight to sight and dovetail to dovetail. Most people who run into problems installing dovetail sights do so because they aren't fitting them.

I guess Trijicon techs are incompetent at installing their own sights as well? LOL.

 

[MrS&W]

I guess Trijicon techs are incompetent at installing their own sights as well? LOL.

I have no clue how they installed them. Dovetails are a set with/dimension. If you file the material off needed from to sight base itself in order for them to fit the dovetail (which is common pratice), I am not sure why the sights would break when installing them.

Initially, the base of the sight may be to big for the dovetail. If that issue is accounted for by filling the excess material off from the sight aka fitting, there sould not be a problem.

Above is an excellent video on fitting sights to a slide. Some sight companies purposely slightly oversize the base of their sights. If you watch the video, Dave Dawson from Dawson Precision states that's exactly what they do. You can take material off, but you can not put it back on. If you try pushing and wacking away trying to forcr a sight that is oversized, it may very well break. That is why they need to be fiited, and again, if the sights are fitted to fit a specific dovetail, it should not break when being pushed into that dovetail...

 

[GlockWheeler]

This is exactly what I did when installing my Trijicon HD sights on my first APX. I have installed sights on several other pistols including two XDM models which are notoriously tight and have had zero issues. I was a bit surprised that the front sight snapped off as I gradually removing material from the base of the front sight as I have done when fitting other sights. The rear sight would not even budge when trying to remove the factory sight.

 

[NoComp]

Above is an excellent video on fitting sights to a slide. Some sight companies purposely slightly oversize the base of their sights. If you watch the video, Dave Dawson from Dawson Precision states that's exactly what they do. You can take material off, but you can not put it back on. If you try pushing and wacking away trying to forcr a sight that is oversized, it may very well break. That is why they need to be fiited, and again, if the sights are fitted to fit a specific dovetail, it should not break when being pushed into that dovetail...

OEM sights shouldn't need to be pressed in/out with a 2 ton press. There is no scenario where someone will lose their sight or sight zero with a proper force fit between the mating parts.

I disagree that this is a good video. You should never file material off the slide and if I knew a smith that filed material off my slide, I'd never use them. Filing of the bevel on the sight shouldn't be required for most sight installation.

Removing of the material from the bottom of the sight is preferred until the sight can be installed with a reasonable force fit.

 

[MrS&W]

OEM sights shouldn't need to be pressed in/out with a 2 ton press. There is no scenario where someone will lose their sight or sight zero with a proper force fit between the mating parts.

I disagree that this is a good video. You should never file material off the slide and if I knew a smith that filed material off my slide, I'd never use them. Filing of the bevel on the sight shouldn't be required for most sight installation.

Removing of the material from the bottom of the sight is preferred until the sight can be installed with a reasonable force fit.

I switched out the EOM sights no problem, but that was with a sight pusher. I have one APX left which is my Combat that still has EOM sights on it. Might shoot a video of me changing them out. I don't think I could have changed them without a pusher, but I didn't try. It was easy with the pusher I cited which is hand cranked. I agree that they are in there tight, but once you get that initial crack, they'll move.

I agree with you about filing the slide in general. I was surprised to see him do it until he explained he was only removing burrs that were left by the removal of the previous sights. I've removed and installed sights several times and never did that, but I doubt that lightly filing/smoothing out burrs is a big deal. It makes some sense. I reckon Dawson Precision knows more about sights and has more experience than both of us put together when it comes to removing and installing sights.

 

[marcussolodrummer]

This. When they were so cheap (I got mine for around $400 plus a rebate) they were very underrated but if they are the same price as the rest then it’s just another polystriker in a sea of them with little to set them apart.

My centurion was reliable, ergonomic and had a nice trigger. The slide was fatter than I preferred (it’s as wide as a Glock 21), the serration things were somehow slick with sweaty hands, and I could never quite wring great accuracy out of mine (probably a me problem) despite the nice trigger. Holsters were a bit of a challenge with fewer options.

I bought it as a Glock 19 alternative to carry but ended up just buying another Glock 19 anyway and eventually moving the APX on.

It’s a solid gun, but just wasn’t quite for me, I’d put it below Glock and Hk for my preference, right in the CZ, M&P, Walther zone.

I have agree to a certain point. My Beretta APX Compact is super close in size to my Glock 26, but noticeably heavier...more like my Glock 19 G4. And it took my a while to find my style of IWB holster for it, but the fact that I can make really great quick headshots with it at 20 yards with it has kept it in my carry rotation. Since aftermarket support is weak with this model, I had to install Hogue grips designed for the Glock 26, but they fit pretty well. It's a very well built gun. Not for everyone, but I'm keeping it.

 

[marcussolodrummer]

I still haven’t been able to put hands on one. I have never seen one in person at any of My local shops. If I ever got the opportunity to put hands on it and it felt magical in my hand I may be willing to try it out. It’s not an expensive gun.

But it would have to be an online purchase, sight unseen, and it was just too ugly to buy just to satisfy my curiosity.

I’m still interested in trying one out if I ever get the chance.

They do look nicer than their photos. I have an APX Compact, and it is heavier than my Glock 26. However, I found it to be a good shooter. The downside is, there isn't a lot of aftermarket support for this line of pistols. I own 7 Glocks, and 5 of them can share the same holster. Big difference. But, the APX is a very robust and well-built firearm. I'd rent one first if you're on the fence.

 

[MrS&W]

They do look nicer than their photos. I have an APX Compact, and it is heavier than my Glock 26. However, I found it to be a good shooter. The downside is, there isn't a lot of aftermarket support for this line of pistols. I own 7 Glocks, and 5 of them can share the same holster. Big difference. But, the APX is a very robust and well-built firearm. I'd rent one first if you're on the fence.

What aftermarket items were you looking for that could not be found?

 

[Newtoglocksman1]

I’m not sure WHY but every time I’m about to purchase my first Glock I’m always drawn to a Beretta. I’ve got a 92x centurion and I just recently bought a full size PX4 storm in 9mm. I haven’t shot it yet, but it feels amazing in hand.

And I’ll be damned, I will probably get an APX soon enough to compliment the other Berettas. APX feels solid just like its brothers.

Not sure if it matters, but I’ve always noticed the ejection pattern on any APX review and it always seems more consistent than any other striker fired gun - not including most who shoot it like it and the reliability is reported as being great. And it’s a modular gun, which would be fun.

I think it’s in my future bros. And I also think I’m a Beretta fan boy.

 

[TheDreadnought]

There has been a lot of guns of the hour that fizzled.
How has the apx held up compared to the new stuff?

thanks!

Still the best striker fired polymer pistol for the money on the market.

Got a perfect grip-trigger index also, that makes it ridiculously easy to shot.

Have a full sized and a compact. Thinking about picking up the long slide Target model also.

 

[TheDreadnought]

Where is @dreadnought? He always liked them

Late to the thread. Lol!

 

[Nav99]

What aftermarket items were you looking for that could not be found?

Hello folks, new to Glock Talk. I have an APX Fullsize Combat and Centurion, and they have never had a FTE or FTF albeit a low-round count of about 1000 rounds each. I saw MrS&W's earlier post on the APX facts - great post. Who else besides ATEI mills the APX for an optic? I would like to figure out the best option for my APX Centurion.

 

[Whyfckwithme]

“The new price on our APX pistols is about delivering unmatched value to our customers without the worry that they may need to wait for the next promotion to get a great deal,” Chuck Azotea, Director of Product Marketing for Beretta U.S.A., said. “This new lower price does not mean lower quality. Our APX pistols will continue to be built to the exacting standards of military and law enforcement departments worldwide, making it an easy purchase choice for any consumer.”

the Centurion price is 20 blocks away from the lowest it’s ever been.

I have read the stock beretta sights are set for rapid on target and not accuracy. I have also read it is almost impossible to remove the sights they are on so tight. But still curious in the model.

The sights are directional, they’ll not come off in the opposite direction.