I really, really like what I refer to as a "man's gun."

Now I don't mean that in any derogatory way as if to say women can't handle a gun. I mean it more in the way that when you pick up certain guns you can easily imagine John Wayne or John McClain using said handgun to dispatch bad guys in a rapid and efficient way.

I don't get that feeling when I pick up plastic guns or .380s. There's a time and place for those types of handguns I'm sure but when it comes to spending my hard earned $500 bucks, I want to feel some cold steel in my hands and firm thump when I fire down range.

That's where a handgun like the Beretta PX4 full-size Storm series comes in.


Beretta PX4 Storm

Beretta handguns have long been some of the most popular handguns around  based on their high quality construction, excellent accuracy and consistency. They are also well know because of how often they are featured in movies and television shows, particularly the Beretta 92.

Beretta 92F 9x19mm

Will Smith used one in I am Legend; Matt Damon has one in the Bourne Ultimatum; and Liam Neeson wields one with deadly accuracy in Taken 2. The list of movies the gun is featured in is long. (As an aside, if you'd like to see what movies it has been featured in - or any handgun - check out http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Beretta_92_pistol_series.)

But while the Beretta 92 is a cool gun for sure, it's really not that practical for everyday conceal and carry. It's big (it weighs 33.3 ounces empty) and bulky and almost too manly, for lack of a better description. And if you like to carry a full size gun, like I do, and you want a Beretta, then the best option is the PX4 Storm.


Bruce Willis and his Beretta PX4 Storm in Die Hard With a Vengeance (IMFDB.org)

The .40S&W version of the PX4 Storm (which I have) and the 9mm version are identical in every way except how much ammo can be held in a clip. The 9mm offers 17 rounds while the .40S&W holds 14 rounds. The gun weighs in at 27.7 oz. empty and the overall length is 7.6 inches long.

For more on the specifications see: http://www.berettausa.com/products/px4-storm-full-size-40sandw/.

First built in 2004 and used by U.S. Military, the Px4 features an accessory rail, a visible automatic firing pin block, 3-Dot Sight System, ambidextrous safety, external hammer design, reversable magazine release, no glare finish and several other items but the two things I like best about this gun - besides it's awesome accuracy - is Beretta's unique rotating barrel and locking system and how easy it is to field strip and clean it.

Let's start with the rotating barrel. According to Beretta, the system dissipates recoil energy radially, reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise.

In my experience, this isn't just another marketing ploy - the action of this barrel makes it a pleasure to fire this gun, round after round after round, with little or no recoil. The first time I shot it I was shocked at how smooth and comfortable it was and how much easier it was to double-tap than some of the other guns I've owned, even certain 9mm models by Ruger and Springfield.

This is a weapon that could truly be used by men and women of all sizes with very little trouble. And that's nice in a larger sized caliber.

Now on to the cleaning - taking this thing apart is a breeze. We are talking seconds to get it stripped. I like that because unlike a lot of gun nuts, I don't like to take all night to clean my guns after using them. I want it open, cleaned and done without have to use special tools or screw drivers or dowels to get the slide off.

Other details without getting too technical:
  • The trigger pull is smooth and crisp. It's not the lightest I've ever encountered but it's absolutely not heavy.
  • Beretta’s exclusive BrunitonTM non-reflective black coating finish is tough as nails. For whatever reason I've dropped my PX4 Storm more than any other gun I've ever owned and nearly every time it's been on a hard surface. It's left a mark on the barrel - but not much of one and certainly not what I would have expected after dropping it barrel first on concrete.
  • There are plenty of products out there for the PX4 Storm, from holsters to grips (I added some rubber Hogue grips early on to get a better feel on the somewhat bulkier grip), to clips and everything in-between. You can find a lot of accessories at www.berettausa.com. 
  • Price: At $575 list you can't go wrong. And you can often find these used around $400 bucks.
And then there's the carry and conceal aspect of this gun. When I got it I expected it to be nearly impossible to carry in most cases. But while it's not a good choice for summer, it is very comfortable to carry concealed the rest of the year if you like to use and inside-the-pants holster at the small of your back. For me, it just fits writes and my shirt covers it perfect. It's obviously a little heavier than some of the smaller guns aimed at the carry crowd but it's worth it when it comes to the piece of mind of knowing I have 14 rounds of .40S&W in an extremely reliable Beretta counted on by both law enforcement and the U.S. military locked and loaded within arms reach.