Question re: full size mags in PX4 Compact

[oss117]

Quick question for the Beretta experts:

I'll be using my PX4 Compact in a couple training classes this summer. I expect to be running it pretty hard during them. I was thinking of picking up some of the inexpensive full size magazines from southernohiogun.com to save wear and tear on my compact magazines. Are there any issues with vigorously inserting the longer full-size magazines into the shorter grip of the Compact? Does the butt pad need to bottom out on the frame? (I've heard this is an issue with not using the extension spacers for 8 round mags in Shields, but do no know if it's common to semi-autos in general.)

Thanks In Advance
-oss117

[holmes168]

I’ve been shooting the Compact with Full Size mags for months and have not had an issue.

[Colt191145lover]

I have used them a few times on the range with no issues, but I have never aggressively tried to overseat one.

[S Jenks]

I have 1911 rounds through mine, mostly using the larger 17 round magazines. No issues.

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

Quick question for the Beretta experts:

I'll be using my PX4 Compact in a couple training classes this summer. I expect to be running it pretty hard during them. I was thinking of picking up some of the inexpensive full size magazines from southernohiogun.com to save wear and tear on my compact magazines. Are there any issues with vigorously inserting the longer full-size magazines into the shorter grip of the Compact? Does the butt pad need to bottom out on the frame? (I've heard this is an issue with not using the extension spacers for 8 round mags in Shields, but do no know if it's common to semi-autos in general.)

Thanks In Advance
-oss117

I just took our Compact, locked the slide back and rammed a 17 round mag in over and over. No over travel, no marring of the mag's locking slot. If your mag release spring is healthy (and they usually are) the curvature of the mag neck will guide things to stop in the locking slot.

Now, an opinion: I cannot say what would happen over years of hard insertions. The 15 round mag doesn't rest on the frame but when pushed up, the frame stops over travel. We have dedicated range mags for dropping and abusing. When you shoot a lot, you get used to a certain feel. By practicing with the same size mag as you might have to emergency reload with in a defensive situation, you are better prepared. If you are used to the longer mag, grabbing it and aiming for insertion feel different. With the cost of ammo and training courses, it seems little to get 15 round mags from http://www.berettausa.com/en-us/search/?keyword=magazine%20px4%20compact and keep the feel second nature.

This is just my opinion... But I have found when I have been running my PX4 .45 in tactical exercises, then run my wife's Compact, I have a hard adjustment time to the shorter mag. When my wife tries running my full size .40 she has to slow down and aim the mag in the well because of increased length.

[Cypher]

I have only heard this a couple of places so take it for what it's worth. Supposedly with a full sized or extended magazine in a compact gun you can damage the extractor by slamming the magazine home too hard. If XGrips are available for the PX4 you might consider them.

[oss117]

Sounds like the full size mags are OK for general shooting, but not tap-rack-bang drills or extensive emergency reload practice.

I'll stick with the compact mags for class. Thanks everyone!

[JTQ]

The late Paul Gomez on G17 mags in a G19.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXohG9HfR1M

It is only a problem in guns with a single column magazine.

[Bigghoss]

I just went and grabbed my compact and took the slide off and held down the mag release to try and overinsert a magazine. The only thing I can see that's stopping it is the ejector. Everything seems sturdy enough that if you ever had to perform an emergency reload with a fullsize mag in a compact I don't think you't git kilt in da streetz so long as you follow the recommended practice of having one gun for carrying and another for training/practice. On a range gun that gets used for drills a lot, maybe it could end up being an issue?

[Bigghoss]

The late Paul Gomez on G17 mags in a G19.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXohG9HfR1M

It is only a problem in guns with a single column magazine.

Well Glocks are Glocks and PX4's aren't Glocks. Glocks had an overinsertion stop built into the mags and frame. Second, he locks the mag into the gun before banging on it so the mag catch is already holding it.