Beretta CX4 as a house gun

[HeavyDuty]

I have several 9mm carbine-type pistols, but the wife isn’t comfortable with the manual of arms on any of them. She likes simple, imagine a big 10/22.

I’m wondering if a CX4 would be a good house gun that she can use? Any pitfalls with them?

[LOKNLOD]

imagine a big 10/22.

Like a Ruger PC?

[awp_101]

"Big 10/22" suggests Ruger PCC but then you lose the B92 mag compatibility*. Of course if you've got a pile of Glock 9mm mags it's a wash.

I've got a CX4 and the Ruger. The CX4 has the advantages of B92 mags, magwell in the grip so reloading in the dark or under duress (or both) is a little less complicated, the mag isn't sticking out to snag something, and not having to think about the takedown function. The Ruger has the advantage of better trigger (MUCH better than my CX4), a handier/more trim package, better aftermarket/upgrade-ability.

All IMHO, YMMV, do not fold, spindle or mutilate, now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country, etc.

*@zaitcev has 3D printed B92 magwells for the Ruger if you wanted to go that route. I really need to pick up a couple to try...

[Spartan1980]

I was really wanting one in .45 for bowling pin matches. Of course they had just transformed into vapor wear in .45 when I started shooting pins. Just how my luck runs...

[HeavyDuty]

Like a Ruger PC?

I thought about that, but the OAL is a bit more than a CX4 - 35” vs. 30”. Plus the one I shot wasn’t hugely impressive.

[1Rangemaster]

I don’t want to sound snarky or disrespectful, but what, if anything, has she expressed a preference towards? The Ruger carbine sounds like a good idea. Those of us into handguns sometimes get deep into hardware and lose a significant other’s interest in the process. Plenty of good reviews about the Beretta, but will she honestly practice with it a bit? Questions only you folks can answer.
Examples: I have one daughter who has a gun she was introduced to shooting with: a Ruger 10/22. She’s not inclined to carry, but has it at her place for “protection”. She lives at the edge of an urban area. She shoots a few times a year when I get her to. I’d much rather she have that little rifle, and ten rounds of .22 rimfire to “repel boarders” as Cooper once said, than a handgun she won’t stay familiar with.
I think Ayoob or Rauch( RIP)wrote about a single mom years ago in a city who only had a bolt action .22. Couldn’t afford what we practitioners would consider necessary. But she made that work…
I’ve got a handgun almost always on me. Might be a Smith 317 in sweatpants pocket. But it’s a choice I made, and I’ve worked with it. At this moment, seated in front of the computer, a G26 in an ankle holster-and so on…
Again, that carbine might not be a bad fit. You folks would be wise to work out plans for scenarios, etc., but it seems your in that process.
The very best of luck with it all.

[HeavyDuty]

Not snarky or disrespectful. I’m an analyst, and am trying hard not to bias her. Everything right now has been exclusionary tests. She’s analytical, too.

She doesn’t like the safeties or charging handles on my current PCCs (MPX and AR pattern guns) or my Scorpion. From her past 10/22 usage she is comfortable with the idea of a simple reciprocating side mounted charging handle and crossbolt safety.

My plan is to put both a CX4 and a Ruger PCC into her hands and seeing what she thinks. It may be neither.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

I think a CX4 is perfect. It has a short OAL for maneuvering around the house along with a 16" barrel for reduced muzzle blast, and is generally very simple and straightforward to use.

If you want to spend a bunch more money I think a PS90 is the perfect non-shooter ladies gun.

[HCM]

Not snarky or disrespectful. I’m an analyst, and am trying hard not to bias her. Everything right now has been exclusionary tests. She’s analytical, too.

She doesn’t like the safeties or charging handles on my current PCCs (MPX and AR pattern guns) or my Scorpion. From her past 10/22 usage she is comfortable with the idea of a simple reciprocating side mounted charging handle and crossbolt safety.

My plan is to put both a CX4 and a Ruger PCC into her hands and seeing what she thinks. It may be neither.

Unless she is a huge fan of the Battlestar Galactica remake listen to what she is actually saying. If she says she wants a big 1022, that is a Ruger PC nine.

I’m sure one of the indoor range in your area has a Ruger PC nine available as a rental gun.

Hell if you’re all hot and bothered for .40 kings has PD trade in old style PC 40s with five mags and a stock mounted double msg pouch.

[HCM]

I think a CX4 is perfect. It has a short OAL for maneuvering around the house along with a 16" barrel for reduced muzzle blast, and is generally very simple and straightforward to use.

If you want to spend a bunch more money I think a PS90 is the perfect non-shooter ladies gun.

The PS 90 is a great gun design but the 5.7mm round it fires delivers pathetic terminal ballistics.

Unless you have armor piercing ammo and a requirement to shoot through soft body armor, it is a big no for anything other than a Range toy.

Also, if this is a matter of the perception of “scary assault weapons” vs “good 10/22” then the PS90 is out.

In fact a 10/22 full of mini mags with a red dot (and maybe a suppressor) is a perfectly valid choice.

[GlockenSpiel]

The trigger on the Cx4 was improved a couple of years ago. It's not amazing but it's definitely usable. I like it because it's shorter than other 16 inch rifles and balances well for shooting with one hand. It's also reliable with hollow points, which is rare for PCCs, and it has a track record of police and military use. If you use an aimpoint micro sized red dot, you can cowitness with the sights. I can shoot mine with the front sight up using the dot body as a rear sight, and reliably get hits on six inch plates at 25 yards.

For pitfalls, she might find it difficult to rack due to the heavy spring, and it has more recoil than a delayed blowback. The safety is kind of stiff and you need to use your support hand to put it back on safe. I don't know much about the ruger pcc in comparison, but I'm not a big fan of the idea of the takedown system for a defensive gun.

[Jason M]

I'm with HCM here. If she has spent positive, quality time with a 10/22, vet one. See if any of the bigger OEM mags will vet too. Load with some hot .22 that the gun likes. Add an RDS and a white light and develop a solid defensive plan. Call the whole thing done. Absent a 10/22 that works, the PC 9 would be what it seems that she is looking for.

[Darth_Uno]

If she likes the 10/22 and traditional rifle profiles and manual of arms, what about a 30 carbine?

I’d throw an SKS in the mix but that’s a bit boom-y if you’re trying to stick closer to 9mm.

[HeavyDuty]

I’m trying to find someplace that has both in stock so I can let her check them out. The 10/22 comparison was more the manual of arms, not a 10/22 itself - crossbolt safety in particular instead of AR type levers, and a side charging handle instead of the T type. I’m sure she could train to get used to the MPXes, but I don’t think she’s that interested. She just wants the means to protect herself and the kids at home.

[pangloss]

For pitfalls, she might find it difficult to rack due to the heavy spring

This point presented difficulty for my wife.

[HCM]

I'm with HCM here. If she has spent positive, quality time with a 10/22, vet one. See if any of the bigger OEM mags will vet too. Load with some hot .22 that the gun likes. Add an RDS and a white light and develop a solid defensive plan. Call the whole thing done. Absent a 10/22 that works, the PC 9 would be what it seems that she is looking for.

99483

[314159]

I've shot both the CX4 and Ruger PCC extensively.

They both will work just fine for a recoil sensitive shooter. The blowback design of both does recoil more than you might expect but they are both 7-8 pound 9mms. They are not going to be hard kickers.

The safety button on the CX4 is very difficult to manipulate, due to being mounted in an awkward spot for index finger leverage (for lack of a better word) and a heavy non-coil style spring.

The takedown feature on the Ruger is not a real negative. Just set it up properly and then don't take it down. Stays put.

The new shooter can pick either by simple preference.

[Phaedrus]

If she likes the crossbolt safety the Storm carbine should be on the short list. I never really did like crossbolt safeties, and it feels especially out of place on a carbine set up like a big handgun. That aside, it has lots to recommend it. I had one for several years. The trigger on my was trash but I understand the newer ones are better. Lots of plastic inside and out which is why the trigger is so bad. Each plastic part has some flex/give and it stacks to make the trigger heavy and mushy. But the OAL is very light and the handling is nimble. The center of balance is rearward with most of the weight towards your shooting hand. The stock is comfortable and the grip angle is good (a positive since you're stuck with it). The sights are perfunctory but perfectly adequate (and are made better by hogging out the rear aperture a bit with a drill bit, no power just by hand). Most will use the rail to mount an optic I reckon. Mine was dead-nuts reliable and fairly accurate. It's very easy to get good hits on a plate rack out to 35 yards. Mine used 92F mags and there are 15, 18, 20 & 30 rounders to be had (the 30s are a biotch to load, natch).

What I didn't like:

Very little aftermarket. Aside from Sierra Papa there are very very few things made for it in the way of trigger upgrades, etc.
There's a top rail but no side or bottom that ships with it. True, there's a little section that slides out from the front of the stock below the barrel but it has a lot of wobble. You can get a tri-rail from Beretta for another $35 and it works okay but also has some play. In this day and age it's absurd to have to add front pic sections at additional cost.
I understand why it has sights and a rail but a full flatop would be much more practical IMO.
A tad more perceived recoil than one might expect due to the heavy bolt & blowback operation (not extreme, but not MP5 soft).
I don't like the crossbolt safety (YMMV).
Trigger kind of sucks.
Lousy parts availability from Beretta.


What I did like:

Reliable.
Shootable (ie accurate enough and easy to get practical accuracy).
Uses very common & high quality 92F mags.
Cool Sci-Fi styling (obviously pretty subjective).
Very short OAL.
Very very low muzzle blast/noise.


All in all I think the Storm is a great option for a firearm that's easier to shoot well than a handgun where you don't want a full-on rifle for whatever reason. Ultimately I sold mine to get a CZ Scorpion which is, IMO, superior in every way (at least for me). But I wouldn't feel undergunned at all with the Storm. The 20 round Mec-Gar mags work flawlessly and are just slightly longer than flush (just a little bit of a bumper which is great). The Sci-Fi looks are cool and it's kind of more sporty than menacing-looking (not so 'scary' as an AR). There's not a lot of aftermarket stuff for it but probably it's not needed. You can easily get a RDS, light and sling on it which is about all you need (I like a vfg, too, which is doable with the tri-rail added).

[gato naranja]

I have been debating whether to spring for a CX4 for a long time, thinking that eventually someone would build an affordable better mousetrap that isn't based on an AR. The 9x19 semiautomatic carbine must be a tougher nut to crack than I think it ought to be.

That being said, the CX4 feels like less of a club to me than the Ruger PC, and is also not as clumsy as the Hi-Point carbine. It has decent ergs and is short enough to be handier than the barrel makes it look. Yes, the safety is stiff on the CX4's I have shot, and the recoil is noticeable (the whole firing sensation is just plain "different"), but I have found them easy to make hits with.

[Phaedrus]

I have been debating whether to spring for a CX4 for a long time, thinking that eventually someone would build an affordable better mousetrap that isn't based on an AR. The 9x19 semiautomatic carbine must be a tougher nut to crack than I think it ought to be.



Yeah, the popularity of the AR platform is a double edged sword. It's not perfect but it's somewhere between 85%-90% as good as anything else for a reasonable cost. And there's such a vast installed base of users! I'm a big fan of the CZ Bren rifles, and guns like the SCAR, Robinson XCR, the various Sigs, Tavor, Steyr AUG, Galil/variants, and maybe even Beretta ARX100 all have fandoms. But if you're outfitting a PD or security force the AR is such an economical and mature system that it's difficult to go any other way. The AR is just good enough and has so much of a lead that it's difficult for a new design to get traction. Niches exist for PDWs or specialized weapons but the AR just does nearly everything well enough that there's not a huge motivation to look for that last 5% in another system.

[DamonL]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Beretta-Cx4-92-Series-9mm-166-Bbl-Rifle-w-1-20rd-Mag-JX49221M.aspx?avad=211021_d2d76c3b5&utm_source=35987&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=avantlink

I searched to see what a CX4 was and found it at the link above for $560 shipped. It is similar to the cost of a pistol. I didn't know they were that inexpensive.

[HeavyDuty]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Beretta-Cx4-92-Series-9mm-166-Bbl-Rifle-w-1-20rd-Mag-JX49221M.aspx?avad=211021_d2d76c3b5&utm_source=35987&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=avantlink

I searched to see what a CX4 was and found it at the link above for $560 shipped. It is similar to the cost of a pistol. I didn't know they were that inexpensive.

Yeah, I saw that - I’d like to get both a Ruger and a CX4 in her hands soon.

[Colt191145lover]

Rumor is Beretta is bringing something new to the market , guessing some of these might be marked down because of that .

[Bigghoss]

I had one for a spell. The only reason I sold it was because my hand didn't fit in the grip area comfortably. It's one of those guns that just feels like a quality piece. Being straight blowback though, the recoil is a bit much from a 9mm.

[757_Magnum]

I don't remember seeing this mentioned in this thread, but another potential issue with the CX4 is that the mag release can be awkward to push due to the thumbhole stock.


Rumor is Beretta is bringing something new to the market , guessing some of these might be marked down because of that .

The Beretta PMX was announced last spring.

[HeavyDuty]

The Beretta PMX was announced last spring.

PMX has the type of safety she dislikes.

[HeavyDuty]

Update. We stopped at a store yesterday evening that had both a Ruger PCC and a CX4 in the rack. She definitely preferred the handling of the CX4. I’m going to order one while the prices are low.

Thanks, everyone!

[757_Magnum]

PMX has the type of safety she dislikes.

I know. That was a reply regarding the new release from Beretta. Speaking of safeties, have you considered an AUG? I know that costs significantly more than the PCCs you mentioned, but the rifle caliber and left hand charging handle might be worth it to you.

[HeavyDuty]

I know. That was a reply regarding the new release from Beretta. Speaking of safeties, have you considered an AUG? I know that costs significantly more than the PCCs you mentioned, but the rifle caliber and left hand charging handle might be worth it to you.

I have one, and she thinks it is too heavy for this limited purpose. She likes how the CX4 is ‘“tossable.”

[gato naranja]

Update. We stopped at a store yesterday evening that had both a Ruger PCC and a CX4 in the rack. She definitely preferred the handling of the CX4. I’m going to order one while the prices are low.

You found a place with a CX4 in the flesh? Buy some lottery tickets before the luck wears off.

I'd be interested in hearing how things go if you are of a mind to document the journey.

[DamonL]

Because this is PF.

Red Dot?

Accessories?

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/collections/gun/cx4/

Light mount?

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/gun-accessories/rifles-carbines/rails/beretta-cx4-storm-side-accessory-rail-kit/
https://arsonmachine.com/product/beretta-cx4-light-mount/

[GlockenSpiel]

I definitely overpaid for mine, but I have no regrets as at the time I was living in a state that liked to ban things and I wanted a PCC I could reasonably expect to work with hollowpoints. I would be all over one of these sub-$600 Cx4s, for the exact defensive "house gun" purpose. IMO throw on a micro red dot, your preferred handgun light on the front rail, add your 20 or 30 round mags, and call it a day.

[HeavyDuty]

You found a place with a CX4 in the flesh? Buy some lottery tickets before the luck wears off.

I'd be interested in hearing how things go if you are of a mind to document the journey.

A well used one, yes. I’ll report back!

[HeavyDuty]

Because this is PF.

Red Dot?

Accessories?

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/collections/gun/cx4/

Light mount?

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/gun-accessories/rifles-carbines/rails/beretta-cx4-storm-side-accessory-rail-kit/
https://arsonmachine.com/product/beretta-cx4-light-mount/

I’ll let her direct this, but initially I’m just planning on hogging out the rear aperture and installing a wider front sight post. If she wants a RDS I’ll add one, and a white light too. Not much else.

[fly out]

I predict you're both going to have fun with it. It's a great little gun. I would trust mine for your wife's intended purpose all day long.

[LockedBreech]

I got the CX4 for a house gun recently, put it on layaway on Monday and expect to pick it up in March. Will be using a Holosun 510C-GR, the 30-round factory Beretta magazines, 147-grain HST, and a TLR-1HL on the left side rail. I paid 600 for a new one, for what it's worth. I nearly bought 3-4 months ago when they were $750, so I'm happy.

My logic was similar to yours. I want a gun that my fiancée can handle a bit easier, one that's small and agile indoors, and it doesn't hurt that the flash and noise of a 147-grain 9mm is a far less than 5.56.

It was also the Colonial Marine gun in the new Battlestar and I've wanted one since my early twenties. Which may have played a role.

I don't much mind that the trigger is supposedly kind of sucky. Sorta like the Smith SD9VE, for a home defense gun I actually prefer less of a target trigger.

[LOKNLOD]

The Beretta PMX was announced last spring.

The PMX looks cool, but at the bottom there's a picture of an MX4, and that confirms my forever desire to SBR a CX4...

https://www.berettadefense.com/products/mx4-bdt/

[CraigS]

I know you already bought a CX4 but how about a Keltec SUB2000? Folds in half so easy to store or carry in a backpack on a hike etc. And they can use Beretta mags w/ some kind of adapter.
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/rifles/sub2000/

[HeavyDuty]

I know you already bought a CX4 but how about a Keltec SUB2000? Folds in half so easy to store or carry in a backpack on a hike etc. And they can use Beretta mags w/ some kind of adapter.
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/rifles/sub2000/

We didn’t see one, and I’m kinda glad - a friend had one that was a jammamatic. I like the concept but not the execution, they seem to be hot or cold with reliability.

[LockedBreech]

We didn’t see one, and I’m kinda glad - a friend had one that was a jammamatic. I like the concept but not the execution, they seem to be hot or cold with reliability.

That's good to know, I'll vet mine heavily before I press it into service.

[HeavyDuty]

That's good to know, I'll vet mine heavily before I press it into service.

I was referring to the Kel-Tec, I’d be surprised if the Beretta will have issues.

[LockedBreech]

I was referring to the Kel-Tec, I’d be surprised if the Beretta will have issues.

Oh, that's a minus 1 for my reading comprehension. I was rather surprised as most reviews I read of the CX4 were "rough trigger but dead-nuts reliable"

[GyroF-16]

Oh, that's a minus 1 for my reading comprehension. I was rather surprised as most reviews I read of the CX4 were "rough trigger but dead-nuts reliable"

The only malfunctions I’ve had with mine were with low-powered PMC 115 gr FMJ. Just wouldn’t cycle the bolt. This, after many hundreds of rounds without an issue. I had to go back to the range with multiple ball and HP to restore my confidence. Turned out it was just that lot of weak PMC.

My notes say:

Functions reliably with:
Fed 147 HST
Fed 147 +P HST
Fed 124 HST
Speer 115 FMC
WIN White Box 115
My 147 reloads (which use 3.5 gr of HP-38, and are subsonic in a B92).

[LockedBreech]

The only malfunctions I’ve had with mine were with low-powered PMC 115 gr FMJ. Just wouldn’t cycle the bolt. This, after many hundreds of rounds without an issue. I had to go back to the range with multiple ball and HP to restore my confidence. Turned out it was just that lot of weak PMC.

My notes say:

Functions reliably with:
Fed 147 HST
Fed 147 +P HST
Fed 124 HST
Speer 115 FMC
WIN White Box 115
My 147 reloads (which use 3.5 gr of HP-38, and are subsonic in a B92).

Awesome input, thank you. I keep three 9mm defensive rounds in stock, Fed HST 147 and Speer GD 124+P for carry, and about a half case of Hornady XTP 124 +P because they were cheap and I like having backup half-decent JHP stock. Used to have 135+P Critical Duty too until I read a few reports of the polymer goober bit either drying out or (much more concerning) getting melty in the magazine. Might not be super likely but I'd rather just stick with no-goober loadouts given that there are plenty of good ones.

I think using the HST 147 as planned is what I'll do. I also like that it's relatively low velocity given that the carbine would be used indoors so I'd favor that over +P and/or 124 loadings or lighter.

Thanks Gyro!

[4RNR]

I know you already bought a CX4 but how about a Keltec SUB2000? Folds in half so easy to store or carry in a backpack on a hike etc. And they can use Beretta mags w/ some kind of adapter.
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/rifles/sub2000/I bought one for fun. Seem good but I'm not exactly getting it for mission to Tora Bora. However, ammo goes in one end, bullets come out the other

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

[El Cid]

Can the CX4 be had with a threaded barrel? Would make a great suppressor host.

[HeavyDuty]

Can the CX4 be had with a threaded barrel? Would make a great suppressor host.

I never have seen one threaded. The rental one I pawed had a mock slip-over suppressor, but I think it was retained with setscrews.

[willie]

Yeah, I saw that - I’d like to get both a Ruger and a CX4 in her hands soon.

Might be a scam web site.

[HeavyDuty]

Might be a scam web site.

No, EuroOptic is legit - I’ve bought a lot of stuff from them over the years, and even drove by their location once (they were closed due to Covid.) It arrived at my FFL today.

[willie]

No, EuroOptic is legit - I’ve bought a lot of stuff from them over the years, and even drove by their location once (they were closed due to Covid.) It arrived at my FFL today.

Great!

[willie]

My CX4 had a hard to operate safety, and retracting the bolt required much effort. I bought it for my wife, but she continued to fumble on pulling back the bolt handle to load the first round. I sold it. The plan for the future omits long guns and hinges on Glock and HK lem 9mm's and 38 Spl revolvers pre-positioned in the house and shop. Also I placed a .38 LCR in her tool bag which accompanies her in the yard. We very rarely have visitors, children or adult, so I'm not concerned about unsecured handguns(hidden).

[AdioSS]

I have a CX4 & a Keltec Sub2000. Both are in .40 & took the same Beretta 96 mags (until I converted the CX4 to take PX4 mags.) The Sub2k muzzle is already threaded. It is a bit lighter weight. MCARBO has a bunch of reasonable upgrades to make it work better. Keltec even offers some goodies like a heavy brass bolt that reduces felt recoil. With the changes I’ve made to the Sub2k it has a softer recoil pulse than the heavier CX4.

Ever since I saw it was available I have thought the HiPoint .380ACP Carbine might be a great home protection gun for someone of lighter stature. The 9mm, 10mm, & .45ACP Carbines actually have a good reputation. .380 from a 16” barrel has similar terminal ballistics to a 9mm handgun. I’ve never fired one, but recoil has got to be very manageable. It has rails, the cross-bolt safety, reciprocating side charging handle, a threaded barrel, and is even available in pink camo.

And I saw someone say the CX4 only had the top rail. There is also a pull-out bottom rail, but that’s only really suitable for a light.

[HeavyDuty]

The CX4 arrived. This one has a fairly decent trigger, I doubt I’ll do anything to it beyond shooting it in. The crossbolt safety is stiffer than the rental, so I’ll have to look at what’s involved in tuning it. I also flipped the charging handle to the left side and ordered a second one.

I’m really hoping this works out.

[HeavyDuty]

I haven’t taken it to the range with or without her - hopefully this week. I did make three modifications right away:

1. I replaced the skinny front sight post with one from Repackbox, and also opened up the short range aperture to a ghost ring. https://www.repackbox.com/products/beretta-storm-cx4-carbine-ghost-ring-sight-conversion-kit
2. I lightly reworked the center “tooth” of the crossbolt safety to make it something that didn’t require two men and a small boy to move.
3. I moved the cocking lever to the left side, and also ordered a second to have ambidextrous charging.

We think the trigger is fine out of the box. If it smooths up in use, all the better.

[gato naranja]

I haven’t taken it to the range with or without her - hopefully this week. I did make three modifications right away:

1. I replaced the skinny front sight post with one from Repackbox, and also opened up the short range aperture to a ghost ring. https://www.repackbox.com/products/beretta-storm-cx4-carbine-ghost-ring-sight-conversion-kit
2. I lightly reworked the center “tooth” of the crossbolt safety to make it something that didn’t require two men and a small boy to move.
3. I moved the cocking lever to the left side, and also ordered a second to have ambidextrous charging.

We think the trigger is fine out of the box. If it smooths up in use, all the better.

I have not found the triggers on them to be all that bad. The safeties? Yeah, they are certainly not going to be inadvertently moved... every one I have used was more difficult to move than it needed to be. Sights? For me, almost useless (too low, too fine, too closely coupled and generally pedestrian).

Like the PX4, it is time for Beretta to address a couple of things that keep the CX4 perennially ignored. to wit:

1. Flat top the thing with full length picatinny rail. No two users will ever agree on what is good, and the world is now awash in good sights and optics; put a cheap set of removable sights on the rail and move on.

2. Cobble up a buffer of some sort to at least change, if not actually mitigate some of the weird "blowback blow." It isn't horrible, but it is off-putting.

3. As noted earlier, tweak the safety so it is something the operator doesn't dread using.

4. Rework the stock to make the PG portion take removable backstraps (something along the lines of the 92X), enhance the pic/M-Lok capabilities on the forend, and add QD sling cups.

[Redhat]

I haven’t taken it to the range with or without her - hopefully this week. I did make three modifications right away:

1. I replaced the skinny front sight post with one from Repackbox, and also opened up the short range aperture to a ghost ring. https://www.repackbox.com/products/beretta-storm-cx4-carbine-ghost-ring-sight-conversion-kit
2. I lightly reworked the center “tooth” of the crossbolt safety to make it something that didn’t require two men and a small boy to move.
3. I moved the cocking lever to the left side, and also ordered a second to have ambidextrous charging.

We think the trigger is fine out of the box. If it smooths up in use, all the better.

So have you guys fired it yet?

[HeavyDuty]

So have you guys fired it yet?

Yes, about 100 rounds of ball. It shoots well so far, but very early days.

[GlockenSpiel]

I just upgraded the light on mine to a tlr-1. That, a Romeo 5, and a 30 round mag are the only changes I've made. The Romeo 5 with the low mount is a perfect cowitness, so I leave the front sight up and can use the tube as ghost ring if I need to.

My safety is good now. I broke in the detent spring by balancing the crossbolt half way on/off, so the spring was able to come compress a bit. It's about the same as an 870 now, and no sanding or modding anything.

[LockedBreech]

My CX4 got here. Late 2022 build. While I have not shot it yet, initial impressions are quite positive.

Trigger: Mine is fine. Not amazing, but certainly not bad. No crunch, not heavy. Bit creepy with bad reset but certainly not terrible. Given how scathing a lot of trigger reviews were it does seem like they must have addressed that.

Optics: The peep sights are fine, but I popped a Holosun 510C-GR I had on one of my ARs on there, and boy do I absolutely love it. Clear picture that has the front irons in the bottom 1/3 of the glass. With the brightness up a bit it easily overpowers the washout from various household light sources and the attached light. Speaking of which:

Light: I had heard a lot of comments that the little retractable light-rail under the barrel was wobbly feeling. Mine is not. I extended it out of curiosity and it's rock solid, even with my TLR-1 attached. As a nice bonus. the TLR-1 counterweights the optic and magazine a bit, giving the gun a still-rearward but more balanced feel.

Magazine fitment: The 20-rounder that came with it, my 20-round Mec-Gars, my 18-round Mec-Gars, my 17-round Berettas, my 15-round Berettas, and my 30-round Berettas all fit perfectly. Expected but nice to confirm. An added bonus is the rearward mount of the optic and extra weight of the 30-rounder really nestle the carbine into my shoulder comfortably.

Weight: Very light without anything added. Even with the 510C, the 30-round magazine, and the TLR-1, it's appreciably lighter than my DDM4 with TLR-1, 30 round Gen M3 PMAG, and Primary Arms Microprism 1X Green.

Controls: Mostly good. I find the magazine release and slide release slightly difficult to hit in a natural shooting position, but that's mostly lack of familiarity. The side charging lever is great but the spring is definitely pretty tight. I imagine it will loosen up a bit over time.

Quality Control: What I'd expect from Italian-made Beretta. Everything seemed smooth and nicely finished, not a blemish to be seen internally or externally. The barrel finish is particularly nice.

Length: Nice and short, so much of the OAL of the gun is tucked back into the shoulder that the gun carries like a 10-11" barrel AR.

Fiancee Impressions: I got the gun largely as an AR-alternative for my fiancee, because she loves shooting pistols, including the 92A1 I gave her, and is more comfortable with 9mm than 5.56. She really liked it. It was notably lighter to her, she said it was "pretty freakin cool" and she is excited to shoot it, so for the reason it was bought I'm quite happy.


Final thoughts:

All of this hinges on shooting experience and reliability. That said, it seems to be exactly what I wanted: a lighter, nimbler home defense platform that my slight-of-frame, slightly-scared-of-AR fiancee is much more comfortable using. And with 30 rounds of HST 147 on tap, I'm comfortable with its terminal capabilities for home defense purposes. I'll give a range report but for the ~$630 I paid I am content thus far.

[feudist]

Any followup thoughts on these?
Has anyone shot any benchmarked drills like Bill, El Prez etc?

[Jim Watson]

I thought it looked promising, short and handy.
But I was dismayed to find that the big convenient thumb lever was the bolt release and that the safety was a minuscule cross bolt, and not where the cross bolt is on my shotgun.

[HeavyDuty]

That’s not proving to be an issue for us. My wife prefers crossbolt safeties, and she’s doing ok with this.

[Inkwell 41]

Has anyone SBR’ed a CX4 yet and if so, who would you recommend for cutting and recrowning the barrel? I have 2 92 series pistols and the idea of a small PCC that uses the same magazines is appealing.

[HeavyDuty]

EuroOptic has the CX4 on closeout for $569.

[El Cid]

EuroOptic has the CX4 on closeout for $569.

Hopefully that just means they’re not going to carry it, and not that it’s been discontinued.