TFB Review - Beretta APX A1 Full Size Tac with "A Really Bad Design"

In a market dominated by striker-fired pistols, you are always hearing about Glock, Smith & Wesson, but rarely Beretta. At times it feels like the Beretta APX series doesn’t get the same limelight as other pistols in the same category, and I can't figure out why. When many Americans hear Beretta and think of the U.S. Army’s last-generation service pistol, the M9, maybe that's the problem. Is it possible that the M9 is so well known in pop culture that Beretta hasn’t been able to dethrone the old king? With that being said, I think the APX series is well worth consideration!

The APX is a modern offering from the storied Beretta name that stands out in their line of handguns. The APX series is an attempt by the brand to marry its long-standing tradition with the new. I have set out to put the APX under a microscope. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the elephant in the room: the Cerakote job. Beretta offered TFB this APX in this colorway from the Florida-based company A Really Bad Design, and while it's not my cup of tea, it definitely makes the pistol stand out. I have really wanted to put an APX through its paces for a while, so I can embrace an unconventional style of finish.

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Note: The APX was provided by Beretta for this review, and I will be returning this pistol at the conclusion of this review. This will not influence my opinions on any current or future offerings from Beretta. Beretta has not previewed this article before its publication.

You can trace Beretta’s history back to 1526, making it the oldest firearms maker in the world to have operated without interruption. It is a story of quality and innovation. Over the centuries, they have become the go-to for military, law enforcement and civilians alike, building a reputation for being both precise and reliable. With the APX, Beretta made a calculated move into the striker-fired market. It is their answer to the need for a versatile handgun that is simple to maintain and up to the task for the more demanding user.

 Specs - APX A1 Tac

Model: Beretta APX A1 Full Size Tac

Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum

Action: Striker-fired, semi-automatic

Barrel Length: 4.92 in. (threaded 1/2x28)

Overall Length: 8.26 in.

Weight (unloaded): 29.2 oz.

Magazine Capacity: 21+1 rounds (ships with three 21-round magazines)

Optics Ready: Factory-cut slide for red dot optics

Sights: Suppressor-height steel sights

Frame: Polymer with interchangeable backstraps

Chassis: Removable stainless-steel serialized chassis

Controls: Ambidextrous slide stop, reversible magazine release

Finish: Aqua Tech Shield corrosion-resistant finish

Barrel: Hammer-forged steel

Cerekote Finish: A Really Bad Design

MSRP: $600

 First Impressions - APX A1 Tac

Right off the bat, this APX gives off an air of ruggedness, and that might be because it looks like a Dewalt drill? But in all seriousness, there are clean lines to it, and the controls are laid out intuitively, so it is as practical as it is stylish for the shooter who knows what they want. The ‘Really Bad Design’ finish is available in a number of colorways including Periwinkle, Carbon Black, Yellow Jacket, Prison Pink, Slate, Aztec Teal, Burnt Orange, Black Cherry, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Green Mamba. Inspired by cel shading and cartoons, it creates a 2D effect, it also has the look of a Call of Duty or Fortnite weapon skin for the gamers out there.

When you get your hands on the APX A1, the texture of the grip is reassuring, and it tells you you will have control even if conditions are less than ideal. I also must note that the APX A1 Tac ships with 3 21-round magazines, and I love when you can get a gun and have plenty of magazines right out of the box.

As for the trigger system itself, it is meant to be as safe as it is effective. You will find a smooth pull that breaks with a crispness at around 6 pounds, easy enough to handle. There is a distinct reset that you can feel and hear it and that allows for faster follow-up shots when you are under pressure.

You will find the same serial-numbered stainless-steel chassis on the A1 as you do with the earlier APX pistols, one that encloses the fire-control hardware in a polymer grip module. The beauty of it is that you can take this chassis out by hand and put it in a grip module of a different size, shape or colour if you like. That way you can have a grip to your own liking without having to make any permanent changes to the factory style, and more importantly, to the legally regulated chassis itself.

Materials & Construction - APX A1 Tac

I put the APX through its paces in a good deal of testing and found it to be exceptionally reliable, no matter what kind of ammunition we fed it. Even when you are firing off rounds quickly, the extraction and feeding are as smooth as can be with nothing to interrupt your aim. That kind of consistency in cycling is proof positive that the APX will be a dependable sidearm for any self-defense or tactical situation you might find yourself in.

When it comes to accuracy, the APX is hard to fault. I put it through its paces from 25 yards out and found it had a knack for putting together tight groups with consistency. I would say the gun’s inherent precision is only bolstered by the intuitive sights and low bore axis and they make for steady follow-up shots and let you get on target quickly. While the sights are nice, I threw a dot on the gun and pretty quickly found the pistol to shoot even better for me.

Then there is the matter of recoil. The balanced design and weight keep things under control and predictable. You can feel the grip ergonomics at work in taming muzzle flip so you can reacquire your target without fuss. Even through some rapid strings of fire, the stability is there to give any shooter confidence. I do not consider myself a great pistol shooter but the APX felt great in the hand and was a joy to shoot. As for handling and ergonomics, the APX is a pleasure to use. The textured grip and overall balance are comfortable, and the controls are right where you want them. It has a natural feel in hand that makes the transition from other handguns straightforward.

Final Thoughts - APX A1 Tac

In the end, you could say the Beretta APX A1 Tac is as robust and easy to get along with as any modern handgun should be. It has the accuracy and sound ergonomics you want, and the recoil is nothing to worry about regardless of the shooter. The modular design and straightforward maintenance makes for a piece of equipment that is very much in keeping with Beretta’s way of putting innovation and function before anything else. Whether for personal carry, range plinking, competition or for duty use, it's a fine choice and now you have the choice of some bold colors too!