A Look Inside the Beast: Specifications and Design
The Beretta Px4 Compact Carry has garnered a loyal following over the years. It has evolved through its generations, with the Compact Carry 2 building upon the established platform. It’s a semi-automatic, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol chambered in 9mm, a very popular and effective round for self-defense. The Compact Carry 2 retains the distinctive rotating barrel system, a design choice that Beretta is known for, and one that plays a role in its felt recoil.
The pistol boasts a frame made of lightweight, but durable, polymer. This contributes to its overall weight, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods. The slide is crafted from steel, providing strength and durability to withstand the rigors of repeated firing.
Let’s look at some specific details. The Compact Carry 2 typically holds a decent amount of ammunition, usually 15 rounds in its standard magazine. This capacity is a good balance of firepower and concealability. The length, while not overly long, makes it a very controllable pistol. The barrel itself contributes to a very solid sight radius, aiding accuracy.
One of the key updates in the Compact Carry 2 likely involves ergonomics. The grip’s texture is important, and the Compact Carry 2 boasts a design geared towards optimal control, even with sweaty hands or in adverse conditions. The overall shape and feel of the grip are crucial for proper handling and comfortable carry. The upgrades from the original Compact Carry, specifically in how the grip fits, are something we’ll evaluate thoroughly later in the review.
The sights are another critical aspect. Many compact pistols offer basic iron sights, but the Compact Carry 2 may come with enhanced sight options, potentially tritium night sights, which are beneficial in low-light conditions. The quality of the sights is important for rapid target acquisition.
The trigger mechanism, as a DA/SA system, is worth mentioning. This means the first shot is a longer, heavier double-action pull. The subsequent shots are lighter, single-action pulls. The Compact Carry 2 should have a manageable trigger, and we will closely examine the trigger weight and travel, to ensure it aids in achieving accuracy. The trigger reset distance is also crucial. A shorter reset aids with faster follow-up shots.
Grip and Feel: Ergonomics in Action
The handling of any handgun is paramount. How a firearm feels in the hand can make or break your overall experience. The Px4 Compact Carry 2 aims to offer an ergonomic design for comfortable and efficient use.
The grip itself is a primary focus of the Compact Carry 2. Beretta, with its vast experience in firearms, tends to design grips that suit a wide range of hand sizes. This often means incorporating features like textured surfaces to enhance grip security. The texture should be abrasive enough to provide a secure hold without being overly aggressive and uncomfortable during extended carry. The shape of the grip is crucial, as it needs to provide a natural feel, allowing for a proper shooting stance.
The placement of the controls is equally important. The magazine release, ideally, should be easily accessible without needing to shift your grip. The slide release should also be within comfortable reach. Are the controls ambidextrous or primarily designed for right-handed shooters? This is a crucial question for left-handed users or those who might have to manipulate the pistol with either hand.
One of the often-overlooked aspects of ergonomics is how the pistol balances. Does it feel top-heavy? Does it have good weight distribution? A balanced pistol is easier to control and contributes to better accuracy. We will examine this and other factors while handling and shooting the pistol to provide a full picture of its comfort and control.
Overall, the ergonomic features play a huge role in how quickly you can become proficient with a handgun. The Px4 Compact Carry 2’s comfort and usability are aspects we will delve into as we move forward.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Accuracy Assessment
The true test of any firearm lies in its performance on the range. We put the Px4 Compact Carry 2 through a series of trials to evaluate its accuracy, reliability, and overall handling characteristics. This includes various ammo types and shooting distances.
Our testing protocol begins with safety procedures, ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved. This involves eye and ear protection, safe gun handling practices, and a clear understanding of range rules.
For ammunition, we select a variety of 9mm rounds. This includes different grain weights, bullet profiles, and brands. This allows us to assess how the pistol performs with diverse loads. We test both range-grade ammunition and defensive loads to determine the point of impact shift and reliability.
The shooting distances are varied. We begin at closer distances, like yards, and then work our way out. This provides a comprehensive assessment of accuracy. The target used is important, generally involving targets designed for precision shooting. We measure group sizes, the diameter of the spread of the shots on the target, to gauge accuracy. We will also be looking at the point of impact. Does the pistol consistently group shots at the point of aim, or does it require some adjustments?
Reliability is an important consideration in any concealed carry weapon. We put the pistol through a substantial number of rounds. During the range session, we monitor the Compact Carry 2 for any malfunctions such as failures to feed, failures to extract, or failures to eject. We will note them with great detail, as this provides insight into the gun’s dependability.
Recoil management is another crucial aspect of any handgun. The design of the pistol plays a significant role in how well it handles felt recoil. The Px4 Compact Carry 2 is generally known to have a recoil system that makes for comfortable shooting. The rotating barrel system is thought to minimize muzzle rise, facilitating faster follow-up shots.
Finally, trigger performance affects shooting accuracy. We will measure the trigger pull weight using a trigger scale to precisely measure how much force is needed to fire the gun. We will also describe the trigger travel and reset. The ability to control the trigger is a fundamental part of becoming proficient with a firearm. The Px4 Compact Carry 2’s trigger should be easy to manipulate, as it is designed with carry and defense in mind.
Concealed Carry Suitability: Assessing Real-World Carry
A pistol’s performance on the range is important, but for concealed carry, additional factors come into play. The Px4 Compact Carry 2 needs to be easy and comfortable to carry throughout the day.
Concealability is a primary consideration. The pistol’s size and shape significantly impact how easily it can be hidden under clothing. Does it print, creating noticeable bulges under clothing, or does it disappear with minimal effort? We will evaluate this using various carry methods, including inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters. The choice of holster can significantly impact both comfort and concealment.
Comfort is another essential factor. The pistol must be carried for extended periods. A comfortable carry experience is important, as discomfort can lead to a higher likelihood of leaving the firearm at home. The pistol’s weight, size, and the chosen holster all contribute to overall comfort.
The specific holster model influences the carry experience. Quality holster manufacturers design holsters specifically for particular gun models. This ensures a proper and secure fit. We will assess how well the Px4 Compact Carry 2 integrates with popular holster options.
The overall size of the gun determines its ease of use and carry. The compactness needs to be appropriate for a concealed carry weapon.
The Good and the Bad: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Having assessed the Px4 Compact Carry 2, it’s essential to summarize its strengths and weaknesses.
The Positives: The Compact Carry 2 typically benefits from Beretta’s reputation for reliability. The rotating barrel system is known for its good recoil mitigation. The ergonomic design, including grip texture and control placement, could provide an enjoyable shooting experience. The compact size is ideal for concealed carry, especially with appropriate holsters. It is a sturdy pistol with a proven record.
The Negatives: The DA/SA trigger system may not be for everyone. Some shooters prefer a consistent trigger pull. The rotating barrel can sometimes result in added bulk, affecting holster selection. Also, the availability of parts and after-market accessories are vital to consider when buying a gun for everyday carry.
Competing Options: Px4 Compact Carry 2 vs. The Field
The compact carry market is full of fantastic options. The Px4 Compact Carry 2 goes up against some fierce competition.
Glock’s compact pistols, such as the Glock 19 and 26, are very popular. They are known for their reliability and simplicity. However, some shooters may prefer the Px4 Compact Carry 2’s ergonomics or DA/SA trigger system.
The SIG Sauer P320 Compact is another strong contender, known for its modularity. It allows users to swap out grip modules and slides, allowing for easy customization. However, the Px4 Compact Carry 2 offers a distinctive design and feel that may appeal to some users.
Springfield Armory’s XD-S offers a slim and compact design, making it ideal for deep concealment. But the Px4 Compact Carry 2 may offer a better balance of size, capacity, and handling for some shooters.
Final Thoughts and Decision Time
The Beretta Px4 Compact Carry 2 is a handgun that delivers a good balance of features. It holds its place within the concealed carry market, aiming to provide users with a trustworthy and accurate sidearm.
From our testing, we found that the Compact Carry 2 offered a solid platform for a concealed carry gun. The ergonomics and reliability are notable strengths. The DA/SA trigger system takes some getting used to. The rotating barrel system helps with recoil management.
Who is this pistol best suited for? The Px4 Compact Carry 2 would work well for experienced shooters who value reliability. Also, those who appreciate the feel of the DA/SA trigger system. It’s suitable for those looking for a quality pistol.
Overall, the Beretta Px4 Compact Carry 2 is a viable option. It provides a reliable and accurate option. Is it the perfect concealed carry option? That is based on the user’s preferences.
