Beretta PX4 Storm .45 High round count, long duration usage.

[h1x]

Thanks for the update!

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

My #2 PX4 Storm .45 G is @27,800 rounds of reliable, accurate and consistent performance. I disassembled it 100% for a detailed cleaning of all parts, slide and frame. I replaced the o-ring (as I normally do every 10k) https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page21 post 210 and post 214 on the next page. I also changed to a new decocker lever pin.

I always watch for a “carbon footprint” as described in post 114 https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page12 and changed barrels without any damage to the frame @23,300 rounds (normal expectancy). I put in the old barrel from the #1 range pistol that I retired. It had 16,800 rounds on it and is working perfectly.

@26,600 rounds the trigger spring broke in the usual fashion, like in post 378 https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page38 It kept shooting, anyway. I replaced it.

I had expected the tip of the ejector to break off between 20k & 25k as described in post 287 https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page29 but it went to 27,500. I put 300 rounds on it since with no ejection problems and will run it that way.

The 11# chrome silicon spring has 27,789 rounds of reliable ignition with different brands of ammo: Federal Champion, American Eagle, PMC, S&B, Blazers and Winchester white box.

Back to the range!

[JTQ]

Thanks for the update.

I really appreciate your reference links. I generally remember if an issue happened to you in the past, but finding it to review is so much easier with your links. Thanks.

The SIG P320 bent/broken ejector issue, and your broken .45 ejectors has me wondering, is that a part Beretta sells individually, or just as part as a trigger group. I haven't ever really looked for them.

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

@JTQ

The breaking ejector is not only a .45 issue. The ejector broke on my wife's PX4 SubCompact https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....ck-26-27/page5 post 41

When my ejector tip broke I kept shooting for a long time. Eventually the leg of the hammer frame unit broke and needed to be replaced. https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page26 post 254 As you can see from the picture here, the ejector is a part of the frame unit and one would need to replace the unit. That is why I kept on shooting it.

As far as replacement parts... that became a problem that I dealt with differently. In order to find a hammer frame unit for a .45 you would need to buy a complete unit with all of the fire control parts in place. That is quite expensive. However, you can get the frame unit only in .40 or 9. Beretta says that the .40 unit will not run in a .45 well and you might have ejection problems. The .40 ejector lacks the long tip that breaks off and has a shorter tip.

I used a .40 hammer frame unit in my .45 and it ran perfectly with no ejection problems and the tip never broke off. I not only did not want to spend more for extra parts... but did not want to invest in a frame whose tip would break off after 20k.

All my EDC assigned PX4 .45s run the standard, long tipped ejectors, though.


The ejector is a part of the hammer frame unit

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

My PX4 Storm .45 range pistol #2 is @37,350 rounds of excellent, reliable and accurate service. I will be doing a 100% disassembly for detailed cleaning tomorrow and will replace the extractor pin, as per schedule.

@30,500 rounds the hammer unit frame broke like previously, though a little earlier. https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....n-usage/page26 post 254. I installed a new one for a .40 caliber.

@35,400 I replaced the slide rebound spring (guide rod assembly) as per schedule.

I had put in a barrel from my previous PX4 .45 range pistol and it went 29,400 rounds, exceeding expectations. (this page, post 482) I installed a 4.1” barrel from my .45 SD with 300 rounds on it.

I decided to upgrade my EDC .45 Storm’s holster from home-made with modified pants and belts to a better holster. https://www.berettausa.com/en-us/ra-...k-lthr/e01120/ It is excellent and quite secure. I plan to get a duplicate for my range pistol and a tan one for my SD.






PX4 .45 round counts: Range pistol #1= 119,600, Range pistol #2= 37,350, SD= 37,428, EDC= 3,000

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

My PX4 Storm .45 G #2 is @40,400 rounds and running perfectly and reliably. I put in a new slide rebound spring (guide rod assembly) as scheduled.

I added an OWB Beretta holster to my equipment. It is the mod 04, which is more adjustable and stable than the mod 06.

These are the 2 Beretta leather holsters I've added.






It holds my EDC Storm .45 securely.




My .45 SD barrel protrudes out the bottom. For AIWB this would be a problem (at the range... painful), but for OWB it is sufficient for now. I rarely carry the SD. I am looking for a better option for the SD. I am even interviewing a local holster maker.




I have been using an IWB holster (like the one pictured) for the range, as well. I always like to practice with what I carry.



PX4 .45 round counts: Range pistol #1= 119,600, Range pistol #2= 40,400, SD= 37,428, EDC= 3,000

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

Though I have been shooting my second PX4 .45 and it is @43,600 rounds, I came across another option.

I found a very inexpensive PX4 .45 slide with barrel, cam block and rebound spring. The outside cosmetics of the slide were poor, but the inside was very good and apparent round count was low.

I installed this slide, barrel, cam and the rear sight from my old slide on my first range pistol. Things fit well and tightly.

I installed a new hammer frame unit, disassembly latch and spring along with a new slide rebound spring. I put in an 11# hammer spring.

I emptied the newer slide of all components, except the front sight. I am still using all of the original parts.

I also found another crack in the retired slide under the rear sight.





I have put 500 rounds on it so far and plan to shoot it more. Other than the slide itself and front sight it is all the same original stuff.





Pistol round count 120,100

[TheNewbie]

What do you think of the quality of the leather holsters compared to other makers? Are they made by a contractor for Beretta?

[JAH 3rd]

Tracker, I sure appreciate the time and effort as well as expense you are putting into this Beretta. Awesome pistol. I always look forward to the pics and narrative of what's going on with the pistol. I own a commercial M9. According to the serial number lookup, it was made in 2007. Thanks once again for this thread!!

[PX4 Storm Tracker]

What do you think of the quality of the leather holsters compared to other makers? Are they made by a contractor for Beretta?

So far the quality of the leather Beretta holsters has been excellent. Fit and thickness are good, stitching is good. I have more time on the IWBs than the OWBs, including thousands of range rounds with constant drawing and reholstering. I don't know if Beretta contracts out, but it is probable.

I am having a couple of custom made OWB holsters made by AJ Kustom Design https://ajkustomdesigns.com/ I am getting an Avenger style, multi colored, multi shade thumb break for my PX4 .45 EDC and a plain-jane for my Ruger P345. They are due this coming week.