7th May : Beretta CX4 Storm

Name     :     Beretta CX4 Storm


AKA       :     The Storm, The sci-fi blaster

Caliber     :     9x19mm Parabellum, 9x21mm IMI, .40 S&W, .45 ACP


Capacity   :     8 to 32 Rounds


Weight     :     5.75lbs or 2.6kg


Length     :     29.7in or 754mm


Action      :     Closed bolt, Blowback operated, semi automatic carbine


Origin       :     Italy


Introduced in 2003 as part of the "X4 Storm" family this small pistol caliber carbine looks somewhat futuristic and employs a great deal versatility in its design.  Within the "X4 Storm" family of firearms there is the PX4 pistol (the magazines of which are usable in CX4), the CX4 carbine and the RX4 5.56mm Assault Rifle.  All of the firearms in this family make large use of polymer in their construction, with a focus on ergonomics, modularity and reliability.  The CX4 as of 2012 is largely a sports shooter / plinking firearm, with the exception of one U.S. Law Enforcement Agency in Alabama County, New York, currently using it.  Venezuela and India have employed it for special duties within their respective armed forces, with the later having the full automatic version.  


The modularity aspect of this firearm is one of its best features, capable of having four picatinny rails for the mounting of optics and accessories.  Beretta also market a suppressor for the CX4 carbine with the model number EU00029.  Spacers are supplied with the carbine to aid the length of stock to suit the different needs of users, though only one .5in spacer is included.  The CX4 9mm will accept any Beretta PX4 or 92 series magazine, a great feature as the price and availability of these magazines is good.  The .40 Smith and Wesson magazines that can be used are of PX4 .40 type and the .45 ACP compatible magazines are from the .45 caliber single stack Beretta Cougar pistols.  


Reversible controls are by no means new, but it never ceases to a great selling point on any firearm, and the CX4 is no exception.  Safety button, magazine release and cocking handle are all reversible on the CX4 for a left handed shooter and interestingly Beretta have also included the option of switching the ejector to extract and release empty shell cases on either side too.  Disassembly on the CX4 is also a breeze, after a safety check is done and the magazine has been removed, one simply pushes the disassembly pin all the way through the carbine, and the upper and lower receiver separate, the bolt handle is pulled out and the whole bolt carrier group out.  Access to the barrel is now available and to inspect the bolt a U clam is slid off and the guide rod is removed, exposing the ejector and extractor.


INTERESTING FACT :  The CX4 may become a lot more common, several major Law Enforcement Agencies are currently evaluating the CX4 for a spot in the armory. 


PRO's   :   Great Accuracy, Lightweight, Handy size, ambidextrous controls


CON's   :   Common complaints : Magazine seating, squishy button like triggers


COOL FACTOR :  6/10

April 19th : Beretta 3032 Tomcat

Name     :     Beretta Model 3032


AKA       :     Tomcat, The Flip Top

Caliber     :   .32ACP (7.65x17mm Browning)


Capacity   :   7 Rounds


Weight     :   14.5oz or 410g


Length     :    4.9in or 125mm


Action      :    Blowback operated, Double Action, Semi Automatic


Origin      :    Italy 


The Beretta 3032 finds it origins in the Model 950 "Jetfire" first created in 1952, a single action pistol that originally had no safety lever.  The success of the little Jetfire which was available in .22LR and .25ACP (6.35mm) spanned until 2003 when production ceased.  With the need for a more powerful chambering and/or incorporation of improvements the 3032 "Tomcat" was born.  The main changes from the model 950 lay in the caliber of .32ACP and the implementation of a double action mechanism.


The little Tomcat features a tilting barrel, not fixed like most blowback pistols,  the barrel is released by pressing forward on a lever located above the rear of the trigger guard on the left hand side of the frame.  This allows the user to inspect that the pistol has no round chambered.  Though some people "top off" the pistol in this fashion by inserting a full magazine of seven rounds, releasing the barrel to tip up and manually loading a round into the barrel to give the pistol one extra round.  The Tomcat has a rather long double action pull, then every subsequent shot is double action. The double action mechanism in this pistol can be seen as an advantage over double action only (DAO) pistols when it comes to getting some reach, with the lighter single action pull available for those longer range shots can improve accuracy.  The lack of a decocker is unusual however, implying that the double action feature of this pistol could be just a double strike capability if the round fails to fire after the first pull of the trigger.  Releasing the magazine is an interesting process for those who have never handled a Tomcat or jetfire, the release button is found on the left hand grip just above the bottom grip screw, though it does need a positive push to release the magazine, preventing an unwanted magazine departure.

A Model 3032 with the barrel tilted

.32ACP is at the low end in terms of a self defense caliber, though interestingly that is what it was designed for, European police and even some military's around the world used this caliber for some time up until the 1980's.  Invented in 1899 the round has been around for a long time and in full metal jacket form is unsuitable for someone wanting to carry this pistol for personal protection, but with good jacketed hollowpoint rounds such as Winchester Silvertips it can have potential with good shot placement (shot placement is important with any caliber).  The Tomcat is capable of consuming large amounts of ammunition due to it's quality construction though it must be noted that it is not rated or recommended for +P rounds.


Available in stainless type finish Beretta calls INOX and a two tone finish, the Beretta Tomcat is a fun little shooter, and when it comes to self protection : A tomcat in hand is better than a .45 left at home.


INTERESTING FACT : NO EXTRACTOR, this pistol has no extractor to remove rounds, racking the slide will not remove chambered rounds, so use that tilt lever.


PRO's : Compact, Reliable, fun, quality, surprisingly accurate, windage on sights 


CON's : No extractor, unusual magazine release, no decocker, 


COOL FACTOR : 7 / 10
  

29th March : Beretta 92FS

Name    :   Beretta 92FS

AKA       :   M9 (U.S. Military Designation)

92FS Magazine    

Caliber   :   9mm Parabellum

Weight   :   2.1lbs or 970g

Length   :   8.54in or 217mm

Capacity :   15 rounds (standard)

Locking   :   Walther Falling Block

Action     :   Semi Auto, Double Action

Origin      :   Italy 

The 92FS comes from the well established heritage of Beretta, which is said to be the oldest firearm company still in business.  The beautiful appearance of this fine pistol dates back to the Model 1951 Brigadier a single action pistol with an 8 round magazine.  Like the Brigadier, the slide has a cut out section exposing the barrel, the gripping serrations on the slide are the same and the grip angle show a design simularity.  And with the right kind of eyes you may even see its lineage in the Model 1935 as well.

The 1985 U.S. Military pistol trial chose the 92 pistol  to replace one of the most revered pistols of all time, the Colt M1911A1 with an order for just over 300,000 pistols.  Though choice was controversial, as the 92F's closest rival the SIG P226 was only beaten on price.  Once the decision was made some alterations to the 92F had to be made to satisfy the U.S. Military Brass, one being the squaring of the trigger guard, Chroming of the barrel, interchangeability of parts and a new coating to decrease wear.  

The pistol was not without issue after it was implemented.  Slides on approximately fourteen pistols cracked during firing giving the shooters minor injuries, and some pistols frames had small cracks appearing in them after extended firing sessions.  Both of these faults were the result of poor metallurgy in the construction.  This was rectified by producing the pistol in the U.S. with stricter production standards.

The 92FS has enjoyed popularity in films and popular culture for its stunning lines and styling.  Helped also by the widespread adoption by military's around the world such as France, Italy, U.S. as well as acceptance by many law enforcement agencies.  Beretta once gave L.A.P.D. some pistols free of charge.  

The 92FS is pleasant to shoot, though some may find its large grip a bit too big.  For a 9mm the pistol is a little on the large size.  The 92FS will function with a wide variety of ammunition types and other variants of this pistol come in .40 Smith and Wesson. Accurate and reliable (with decent magazines) the 92FS is a wonderful pistol which I would recommend you  try if at all possible.

INTERESTING FACT :  Mel Gibson carried the 92FS in the movie "Lethal Weapon" but he did in fact own one in real life until he had to hand it over to the police while he was being investigated for domestic violence.  

PROS: STYLISH, DOUBLE ACTION, RESPECTED MANUFACTURER, ACCURATE
......... EATS ALL THE +P AMMO YOU CAN FEED IT


CONS: SOME HAVE MAGAZINE ISSUES, GIANT 9mm, EARLY MODELS HAD                                                                ..........ISSUES AS DISCUSSED

COOL FACTOR : 7/10