I’ve been a fan of the striker-fired Beretta APX since it was introduced about a year ago (see our review here). It’s a remarkably reliable, comfortable, and well-conceived duty-size pistol. But it’s not just a duty-size gun any more. In addition to a variety of color and feature options for the full-size modular design pistol, Beretta’s announced two new smaller additions to the APX line just before NRA that I got to play with today.
First is the slightly smaller Centurion model. It’s a half-inch shorter in both overall length and in height than the 7.5-inch full-size APX. That makes it a more concealable 15-round pistol than its big brother, but one that you can still get all three fingers on for a full, firm grip.
Even more stealthy is the APX Compact, which is, yes, more compact that the slightly bigger Centurion. While it’s the same overall length as the Centurion at 6.97 inches, it’s almost half an inch shorter (which means a 2.5 finger grip). That makes the 13+1 Compact the most concealable pistol of the APX line.
Both models will be available in 9mm and .40 S&W. The Compact is hitting stores this week. Look for the Centurion at your LGS toward the end of May. Like the full-size model, both the Centurion and Compact will have an MSRP of $575. Here’s their press release:
Beretta Introduces New APX Models: APX Compact and APX Centurion
Beretta is pleased to introduce our new APX Compact and APX Centurion pistols. Building upon the proven APX series, these new models now provide customers with a concealed carry and mid-size offering.
As a part of the ultimate striker-fired pistol family, these pistols feature aggressive slide serrations and a trigger that breaks at 6lbs with a clear tactile and audible short reset.
Focused on controllability and ergonomics, both the APX Compact and Centurion feature a low bore axis, an ambidextrous slide catch, and a reversible magazine release.
With an end-user removable serialized chassis, these APX models can be easily modified with our line of replaceable grip frame housings, available in Flat Dark Earth, Wolf Grey, Black, and Olive Drab. Both the Compact and the Centurion retail for $575.
Available as a 13+1 (9MM) or 10+1 (.40S&W) with a flush fit magazine, the APX Compact can also accept both Full and Centurion size APX magazines.
The APX Centurion is available as a 15+1 (9MM) or 13+1 (.40S&W) with a flush fit magazine and can accept the Full size APX magazines.
The APX Compact is available in stores now and the APX Centurion will be available later next month.
Both of these new models along with the entire offering of APX pistols can be seen at the Beretta booth (#7224) this week at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX.
In the booth, Beretta ambassador John “Chappy” Chapman from Forge Tactical will be available to answer questions and to provide insights from his hands-on experience with Beretta’s APX pistols.
Beretta pistol product managers from both the U.S. and Italy will also be present in the booth to discuss the development of the APX striker-fired pistol family.