Is the Beretta APX RDO a Better Glock?

The Beretta APX pistol was designed as the company’s potential entry into the Army Modular Handgun System trials. Knowing that the M9 family was ready for replacement after the past several decades of service, the company veered away from their traditional double-action / single-action preference.

What?

The striker-fired Beretta APX is the company’s entry into the polymer duty pistol market. True to previous designs like the PX4 family, Beretta chose to combine function and modern design, ending up with a futuristic look that supports ergonomic goals. You’ll notice the slide first. Sans traditional cocking serrations, the APX features vertical ridges, spaced about a half-inch apart to accomplish the same purpose. They extend the full length of the slide, so there are no “front” or “rear” cocking serrations. I find the approach effective.

The trigger is very good for a duty gun. Measured from the center of the leaf, this one breaks at 4 ¾ pounds. There is no stacking or hint that it’s going to break, so it truly does have a “surprise break” if you care about such things. The reset is crisp, and you can easily feel and hear it.