Beretta is officially announcing the new APX A1 FS, an updated version of their APX pistol in a full-size configuration, and showing off their upcoming PMXs large-format pistol based on the PMX submachine gun, both chambered for 9mm Luger.
While the APX A1 FS is hitting the U.S. market right now, Beretta hasn’t set a release date for the PMXs. And likely, the design for the commercial market will see some more changes that Beretta hasn’t finalized yet.
The APX A1 FS is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol that combines a full-size frame with a mid-size slide and 4.25-inch barrel, an increasingly popular configuration for self-defense and duty roles. The A1 line is expected to phase out the original APX series.
It has an improved, modular grip with wrap-around grip inserts, a straight grip profile, a squared, serrated and deeply undercut trigger guard, and an extended beavertail. It has ambidextrous slide release levers and a reversible magazine release.
The slide is now optics-ready, with much more aggressive slide serrations and a factory tritium front day and night sight. It ships in a case with two 10-, 15- or 17-round magazines and accessories, including a lock, cleaning kit and a small, medium and large grip module.
“Building on Beretta’s knowledge and history of performance, the APX A1 offers the most competitive feature set available today on the market,” Beretta Product Manager Nicola Lorenzi.
“The APX A1 takes the proven ergonomics and reliability of the APX family to the next level with integrated features derived from feedback from military, law enforcement, and tactical shooters. It aims for the highest levels in performance, safety, and quality to operate for any shooter in the field,” Lorenzi added.
Moving to the PMXs, it will see some changes from the military model that go beyond a semi-auto conversion, including alternate handguards and different accessory mounting systems than what goes on the full-auto PMX.
Beretta doesn’t expect to change any of the core components of the PMX to make the PMXs. The PMX is a straight-blowback design that can easily be used to base a large-format pistol or pistol-caliber carbine on, because it’s hammer-fired from a closed bolt.
It has ambidextrous and reversible controls, including fully ambidextrous safety levers and magazine release buttons, and a reversible fixed charging handle that can be swapped from left to right without tools.
The PMXs will use the same straight-profile polymer magazines, which are expected to ship in black or translucent 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities. The version headed to the U.S. will likely ship with a rear-facing Picatinny rail for single-point sling attachments, pistol braces, or in the case of SBR conversions, stocks.
The PMX was designed to replace the long-lived and well-respected Beretta M12 and its updated variants that are still in service today. But Beretta kept an eye out for foreign sales with the PMX, building and testing the design to exceed NATO and other international military and police standards.
It’s a lightweight tubular design with a polymer receiver and shell and aluminum components. It has a 7-inch barrel and weighs just over 5 pounds unloaded, although again, the American version could see some changes.
The APX A1 FS carries a $529 suggested retail price, although Beretta hasn’t set a price for the PMXs just yet. Estimates put it in the $1,200 to $1,500 range although we’ll have to wait and see.
For more information head over to Beretta today.