Beretta Reveals APX Full Size Striker-Fired Pistol

Beretta has announced the addition of a new full size striker-fired pistol to its handgun lineup.

The Beretta APX, which debuted at the IDEX (International Defence Exhibition and Conference) Show in Abu Dhabi on February 22, is the company's first full size striker fired pistol and is specifically designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement operators. With the new pistol Beretta becomes one of the few manufacturers to offer full size polymer and metallic framed handguns in both hammer and striker fired operating systems.

The APX will be initially available in 9x19mm, .40 S&W and 9x21 IMI. The 9x19 version will hold 17+1 rounds, while the .40 S&W and 9x21 IMI will have 15-round magazine capacities. As with many other striker-fired pistols, the new APX sports an ergonomically designed reinforced polymer frame. It also features a standard 1913 Picatinny rail for mounting accessories.

Tailored to the purposes of military and law enforcement users, the APX has undergone an extensive testing and evaluation regimen.

"Beretta waited to enter the striker fired market until we had a pistol we knew would meet the needs of the operator," said Carlo Ferlito, general manager of Beretta and Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) vice president. "The APX has been more than three years in development. We tested it extensively with professional end users and incorporated that feedback at every opportunity. The result is a pistol platform that delivers superior performance in durability, reliability, accuracy and ergonomics."

The company intends to submit a variant of the new APX pistol to the upcoming US Army Modular Handgun System.

Although geared toward military and law enforcement needs, Beretta also has plans to produce a similar model for the U.S. consumer market later this year. No pricing information on the new Beretta APX is available at this time.