Background
Beretta released the original APX in 2016 to compete with all the other polymer, striker-fired pistols on the market. It was a late entry to the striker-fired world, but it seems like Beretta took its time designing it to make it a bombproof workhorse. Because it was meant to compete on the international market, testing was exhaustive. There are stories of the Brazilian police and military trials that required the APX to pass a 10,000-round torture test with no cleaning.
Related: Modern & Affordable Pistol – The Beretta APX Series
In 2021, Beretta updated the APX with the A1 model to address some of the customer requests. There are five A1 Models:
- Full size
- Compact
- Carry
- Compact Tactical
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Full Size Tactical
Beretta APX A1 Full Size
I tested the Beretta APX A1 Full Size in 9mm. It has a 4.25-inch barrel, weighs 1.8 pounds, and has a 17+1 capacity. The action is a tilting-barrel, locked-breech design. All APXs have easy-to-reach ambidextrous controls and come with multiple interchangeable backstraps.
New for the A1 models are more aggressive slide serrations and a re-designed grip that removes the finger grooves. On most multi-backstrap guns, the interchangeable grip inserts add trigger reach, but these inserts also change the rear palm swell. This creates almost a triangular shape to the grip, with the tip of the triangle at the front of the grip and the wide base of the triangle at the back of the grip.
Related: Walther PDP vs Beretta APX in a 15+1 Shootout
The frame also has a higher trigger guard undercut and improved beavertail geometry that allows for a grip more in line with the bore axis. In addition, Beretta added a red dot mounting solution, a new tritium front sight and blacked-out rear, and a competition striker and trigger assembly.
This certified used APX came with a Burris Fastfire 3 red dot already installed. Note the factory iron sights do not co-witness – you would need higher iron sights to see them through the window.
Specs
- Model: APX A1 Full Size
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
- Grip Width: 1.1 inches
- Overall Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.6 inches
- Weight (Unloaded): 1.8 pounds
- Overall Length: 7.5 inches
- Sight Radius: 6.1 inches
- Action: Striker-fired
- Frame Material: Polymer
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Locking System: Tilting barrel, locked breech
Shootability
Ergonomically, the APX A1 is an easy gun to shoot well for many differently shaped people. This is probably my most important consideration for recommending a gun to a beginner. Starting out shooting is difficult enough; you don’t want to be fighting an ill-fitting pistol as well. Most beginners don’t understand all the nuances that go into choosing a gun that fits their hand, and advising them to choose an APX eliminates a lot of fitment issues.
This is all because of the grip. That triangular shape I talked about earlier helps lock the gun into the hand, and because the different grip inserts can increase or decrease the volume and trigger reach of the grip, large hands and small hands can grip this gun equally well.
The high undercut helps lowers the bore axis and perceived recoil, while the heavy slide and light frame also reduce muzzle flip. Controls are simple, easy to reach, and ambidextrous. The traction on both the grip and slide are excellent and allow good control.
Finally, the trigger is not the best I’ve ever shot, but it is good for a budget-priced, striker-fired gun and good enough to help newbies with accuracy. It is probably the best trigger I’ve felt at this price point.
The break is about 6 pounds, which sounds heavy, but because of the wide trigger face, slight curve, 90-degree break, and clean snap, it doesn’t feel heavy. The reset is also pretty good. The APX has good aftermarket support, so if you want a better trigger, there are options.
Reliability
My second reason that I recommend the APX for a novice is reliability. When choosing a first gun, you want to eliminate as many potential problems as possible so the new shooter can focus on the fundamentals. A beginner’s gun needs to run and run, even if the new shooter doesn’t take care of it properly.
Beretta firearms are known for being reliable, and the APX is no exception. Beretta’s world-class reputation and warranty assures you won’t have to worry about this pistol.
Pros & Cons
Besides being easy to shoot and reliable, the APX is affordable, with an MSRP of $499 in early 2025. That’s amazing for a premium brand, and the APX is fully featured. Beretta didn’t skimp on anything. Even the magazines are affordable at around $25. It’s really an underrated deal for a pistol. People who are new to shooting shouldn’t spend a lot on their first gun, for many reasons including the simple fact that they don’t know if they’ll really like the sport, so this pistol is a great option.
