The Beretta CX4 Storm is a Fantastic Pistol Caliber Carbine: The Beretta CX4 Storm is a 9mm carbine that I haven’t really given much thought to. It always looked a little ugly to me. I know that’s a petty reason, but I’ve had plenty of pistol-caliber carbines in my life and I didn’t see a reason to pick it up.
That’s all changed now.
I get it, I’ve seen the light.
The CX4 Storm is a worthy addition to your gun safe, but what sets it apart from other carbines? Let’s take a look at my review of the Beretta CX4 Storm below.
Beretta CX4 Storm: A 2 Minute Review
I stand by my opinion of the CX4 being an ugly gun, but there aren’t any apparent design flaws when it comes to functionality, which is way more important than my superficial gripes about its appearance. The CX4 is almost entirely polymer besides internal parts like the bolt, barrel, etc and a couple of removable picatinny rails on either side of the handguard. I’ve dropped it a few times (unloaded) to see how bad it would get damaged and it did fine. There were a few scrapes from the concrete, but nothing that would cause problems. All of it’s features work fine and they’re ambidextrous. The reciprocating bolt and charging handle can be changed to either side if you’re so inclined. I have to say the design is solid (technically anyway).
I’d also like to note that my model is compatible with 92FS magazines. Now my Beretta 92 has a range buddy to go with it when I go shooting. Not all models are like this though. Some are compatible with the PX4 magazines instead.
The accuracy is pretty decent too. I mean you’re not going to win any target shooting competitions with it probably, but you can expect to hit 2-inch to 2 ½-inch groups without much issue. The included iron sights help with this. They’re pretty dang solid. You can flip between two sight picture settings as well. The short range option is a little wider and the long range is, you guessed it, a little bit narrower for enhanced accuracy.
I was kind of surprised by the recoil though. It’s a little bit beefier than what you’d expect. 9mm isn’t even a heavy round either which made it a little surprising. But even then, it wasn’t really too bad. It’s more like “hey, that’s heavy for 9mm.”
You can expect fantastic reliability out of this thing too. I had zero malfunctions even as I went through some of the cheapest ammunition I could find. 1000+ rounds without a malfunction definitely gets my stamp of approval.
The Beretta CX4 Storm: The Final Verdict
All told, I don’t really have a practical use for the CX4, but who cares? It’s a fun gun. It shoots great and you can rely on it to eat up whatever ammo you throw at it. The Beretta CX4 might be a butterface, but it’s a fantastic carbine worth your money. Plus it’s pretty mild when it comes to carbine prices at only $899. So if you like Berettas, go for it.
Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at the National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.
BerettaPX41
March 20, 2022 at 5:31 pm
I love the design and I own one. One of the practical uses of this weapon, other than fun at the range for short distances, is for home defense. Much safer and more practical than an AR-15 for example. A lot less chance of over penetration through walls. Load the mag with hollow points. More accurate than a pistol. Ammo is less expensive too. Mine has a red dot/laser sight on it. Amazing accuracy for short distances. Does anyone really need a long range weapon for home defense? Not likely. But if you do break out your AR-15.
Gregory O'Hara
March 31, 2022 at 4:45 pm
I’ve owned mine since it came out. It had been used in movies like Battlestar Galactica for the Galactic Marines on board since 9mm wouldn’t go through the hull and be safe for all considering other options. It also has been used in Hitman 47 near the end of the movie. Who said they looked ugly, with a good red dot or LR scope, they look sexy! Anyway, the recoil you get is the trade of from having all polymer except for where it counts, the barrel, hammer and other places. That’s why the PS2 pistol is good and accurate, you have a lengthy barrel and some of the felt recoil is kept low because of the weight up front. That’s why .38 snubnose detective specials were considered a fat detective special since he’d get close to shoot, not from 10 yards. So when choosing a firearm, base you decision first on what it’s job is going to be, how accurate do you need it to be and can you hang onto and control the sights and trigger. All those are going to affect your hits… and practice, practice practice, in good weather and bad. Keep it clean and ready for duty. Greg O’Hara – Sgt. USMC 1970-1976 – US Treasury Police Senior Corporal Retired!