Don Summers' Beretta PX4 Storm Every Day Carry Pistol

As a writer for Guns.com, I am often tasked with recording the stories of everyday gun owners and their concealed carry setups. For once, though, I want to turn the story on myself.

When I received my concealed carry permit I faced a lack of time and cash. Unable to head to the local gun shop to peruse the offerings, let alone purchase, I opted to start my carry journey with a gun I already owned — the Beretta PX4 Storm.

The smallest gun I owned, I purchased an Outside-the-Waistband, leather holster from Beretta for the sub-compact. It seemed fine and was intended as a temporary solution, just to get me by until I could drum up another holster and gun. After a few months, though, my hopes for a newer gun faded. I headed to the range with the PX4, realizing the need for practice and training since this would serve as my dedicated CC pistol.

The PX4’s heavier frame helps mitigate recoil and gives the author a secure hold. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)

My expectations on performance were low — the PX4 lacks the hype of other models in the gun world and I expected to be disappointed. I was wrong. I was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of the model and its handling. I achieved better results with that Beretta than with my full-size Sig 226. The success of the platform comes down to its heavy steel slide, which offsets recoil and provides a better-balanced gun. Its large, white-dot sights help me achieve fast target acquisition while its magazine with snap-down flange provides more space for my larger hands to rest. When extended, I have enough room to fit all my fingers against the grip for a secure hold.

Outfitted with a decocker, the PX4 allows me to chamber a round, decock, then flip the safety on with the ability to fire the first round with a double action trigger pull. The safety also adds an extra layer of security in preventing an accidental discharge when drawing the gun, which I prefer. I also appreciate the 13+1 capacity. In my opinion, 14 rounds for a carry gun creates a bigger advantage. Within that, comes a drawback — the 9mm gun is a little wide and a bit harder to conceal.

The “right gun” means different things for different people. In my time talking to everyday gun owners about their concealed carry guns and gear, I’ve learned it’s all about personal preference. For me, that preference resides in the Beretta PX4.

The Beretta PX4 Storm nestled inside a leather Outside-the-Waistband holster. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)