First Impressions
Picking up the APX reveals its strongest feature: the grip. Slim and textured, the polymer grip gives great control and allows me to point instinctively. It simply feels good. Two additional interchangeable grip inserts are included so you can customize the APX to fit any hand size.
The large, squared trigger guard allows plenty of access with a gloved hand. The forward lower receiver is slotted to accept a light or laser. The extended magazine release, which is reversible for lefties, is perfectly placed for a quick magazine drop and change.
My next two favorite features of the APX are the steel slide and barrel. A full-size pistol meant for military use, the APX’s barrel is nearly 5 inches long and threaded at 1/2x28 to accept most suppressors. Combined with the low-bore-axis slide, the pistol aims easily, and muzzle flip is greatly reduced.
More Features
Sights on the APX are rather simple. The rear is a high notch-cut fixed piece with no highlights, while the front is a high blade devoid of any fiber optic insert or color. No doubt these open sights are fine for basic military use, but Beretta has included a removable plate for mounting red dot sights.
My least favorite feature of the APX is the trigger. Although its breaking weight is under 6 pounds, I find it long and stacking. It is a two-part, two-stage, Glock-like affair that does not have a clear break point. When I reach the second stage while squeezing, it seems to go on for too long before firing. I can get accustomed to it, but it is no 1911 trigger.
The heart of any semi-automatic pistol, the APX magazine is steel with an extended polymer bumper pad that allows a 21-round capacity. Considering the narrow, shapely grip, I find this amazing. The double-stack magazine does extend from the bottom of the grip, but not enough to be a problem. Whether for law enforcement use or personal defense, this means fewer spare magazines need to be carried.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
- Length: 8.25 inches
- Height: 5 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Trigger Pull: 5.5 pounds
- Barrel Length: 4.8 inches; muzzle threaded 1/2x28
- Sights: Rear fixed notch, front fixed blade
- Sight Radius: 6.1 inches
- Optics ready: Yes, removable plate
- Magazine Capacity: 21 rounds
- Material: Stainless-steel chassis within a polymer lower
-
Slide: Steel with black Cerakote
SHOOTING TEST
I set up my Area 52 shooting range with steel plates, several 2-liter soda jugs, and a few water jugs for targets to test the APX using PMC Bronze 115-grain FMJ and HP ammunition.
The trigger is a bit different and long in its release, but I overcame its stacking with practice. One water jug set for 20 yards was a challenge, but with proper squeezing, I hit it repeatedly. This showed decent accuracy for open iron sights.
Despite being only 11 ounces and 8.6 inches long, the Banish 45 suppressor will quiet a 9mm or .45 ACP pistol easily. The can’s diameter of 1.375 inches means that I can still aim with the pistol’s open sights. Equipped with a direct thread piston called a Nielsen device, it does not interfere with cycling of the action, and it has proven reliable on my 9mm and .45 ACP pistols.
I hardly noticed the added weight of the Banish 45, and my first three suppressed shots centered nicely on the plate at 10 yards. Head shots were possible by squeezing the trigger fully through. The Beretta’s action adapted well to the Banish, never missing a beat. Although I did not notice any difference in the gun's function, the silence is apparent. Even a magazine dump did not slow down the APX. Despite its challenging trigger, it was reliable and accurate at 10 yards, with no jams or failures to feed or eject.
PROS & CONS
