Good question with a lot of possible reasons. The original Cougars did have some teething issues with the rotating barrels seizing up. To a degree the PX4 and the Stoeger Cougar may still suffer a little from that original reputation. The rotating barrel is not something I would personally want to take to say the deserts of Iraq but for most civilian and police work purposes it is excellent. Polarizing style. Personally I like it but it is dramatic and I can certainly see where people will either love it or hate it. Size and weight. Large, wide and heavy for a polymer compared to an M&P or Glock. Personally I think the shape and nicely contoured slide make up for it's girth making it surprisingly easy to carry. Lastly and perhaps most importantly is variety. We the consumer have so many good choices to choose from today that some good models may merely be overlooked. Not sure how hard Beretta markets the PX4 or any of their stuff for that matter but I do know S&W, Springfield, Sig and Ruger spend a ton on marketing and shout loudly from the roof tops when they launch something new.

I wouldn't sweat it's dark horse status. Personally I like having something that is a little unique and isn't found in every other holster.

I shot a PX4 Compact (not sub-compact) at a range today, using PMC FMJ ammo , and had several FTL's right off the bat. Got the range-ranger, who is a certified hangun instructor and teaches CCW courses, and he was getting several FTL's too, as well as a stove-pipe. He thought I was limp-wristing the gun, until he got the same results. He was scratching his head over the matter. Finally, I switched range-guns and fired the remainder of my ammo through a Ruger SR9C with no issues. He suggested that I might do better with a Glock or other similar gun; I noticed he was carrying a Glock on his hip. AS I left, I commented "Well, THAT gun (the PX4) is off my list for now". That may seem short sighted, but I paid $38 to test-fire a gun that didn't work. If the gun itself is bad, shame on the range. If it's ammo related, I can't afford to spend $100 for a range session to test out several types of ammo on a $500 gun. I'm moving on, probably to an M&P 9C. My interest in the PX4 Compact has waned. I'll ask about it next time I'm in there, though, to see if they found and resolved any problems with it. And if I do rent it again, I'll insist up front that I get my money back 100% if the gun fails.

200 reloads through my new PX4 Compact - no FTL, no FTE, no FTF, in fact, no FT anything. Pistol shot great, in fact, it is now my new carry piece. First 100 rounds at 30 ft = 7" circle with a few flyers. Only problem is that it shot that pattern about 3" to the right of center.

Like several others replied to you on the Beretta board, the pistol you "tested" probably has not had the corrected recoil spring installed.

Originally Posted by Tuefelhunden

Not sure how hard Beretta markets the PX4 or any of their stuff for that matter but I do know S&W, Springfield, Sig and Ruger spend a ton on marketing and shout loudly from the roof tops when they launch something new.

I can attest to that. I own three of the above mentioned Brands, and they are HYPED, when selling something new. For example, Springfield had their "3 Free Mags" Promotion that ran for a few months on their XDM's and XD's. They gave you about $120 worth of Mags for Free! Definitely a Buying Incentive! Next, Ruger had the LC9 (and now the 1911...) plastered all over the cover of their Web Ad. You couldn't miss it. They even compared it to their LCP, showing how it was larger. I haven't seen as much advertising out of S&W as the other two, but more from S&W than Beretta. I own 4 Beretta's, and happened upon them by accident, while perusing the web for other Gun Searches. When I saw what Beretta had to offer, I said, "WOW! Let me check out the Beretta's!" I now have a PX4 F, PX4 F SC, 92A1, and a CX4. FANTASTIC GUNS... just a bit light on Advertising!

Originally Posted by high pockets

Like several others replied to you on the Beretta board, the pistol you "tested" probably has not had the corrected recoil spring installed.

That's what I was thinking. You may have ended up with a Heavy Spring, that they first put in the PX4 C's. A lot of Owners were pulling the Slide back, and leaving it for a week or so, to let the Spring compress more. This was eventually stopping the FTL's, but should have been ready, right Out-Of-The-Box. Beretta figured out that they had installed Springs for the NATO 9mm Round, and corrected that with Lighter Springs for US Ammo. It now fires like it should have in the first place. The Compact's a fine gun!

Cheers!

BB

Follow up: I called Sat AM and told the gun store/range about the recoil spring issue with the Px4 Compact; they were unaware. Then, they told me that they had rented that gun out later Friday with 'stronger' ammo and it fired 100% OK. At the time, weak ammo was mentioned, but the range-ranger stated he was 'reluctant' to give me stronger ammo ...why, I don't know as he had also experienced the failures even with his experienced shooting grip. I screwed up by going with another gun (Ruger SR9C, which I had shot the week before) rather than insisting on stronger ammo that day...I wasted my money not accomplishing my intended goal.

Originally Posted by Doug B.

I own a PX4 Storm in 9mm. Are you satisfied with yours? After about three years on the market, why does this firearm appear to have limited popularity?

The PX4 Storm has been on the market way longer than that. It was announced back in 2004, although I don't think that it was arriving in the USA in significant numbers until 2005. So it has been on the market in the USA for at least a full six years now.

It was featured in the Movie Live Free or Die Hard. And while that movie was released in 2007, it was filmed back in 2006.

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...through several hundred rounds. I like the safety and hammer drop features. Fun to shoot and accurate. Great pistol.

Being new to owning guns I have to mirror what some others ahve been saying about the recoil spring on the compact.

I purchased a new PX4 compact to carry concealed. So, this is what hapened to me. I didn't have a chance to shoot but a couple of rounds through it and it FTF on the second round. I didn't have a chance to use it for another month after my pruchase but took it to a range in Florida (while visiting). I couldn't get two consecutive rounds through this weapon. This really annoyed me.

Ok, When I got back to PA I actually drove CT. to drop off the gun at an authorized repair location. He, knew exaclty what was wrong with it..."The Recoil spring was too heavy".

He had it back to me in 10 days with a lighter spring and it works GREAT!

I have about 300 rounds through it so far and not one jam.

My question is "Why doesn't beretta just put in the lighter spring?

Ammo wasn't an issue I was using umc remington (white box) for which was agreed by the repair facility was a good round to use.

Just trowing in my two cents

BMR

Originally Posted by Bmr

Being new to owning guns I have to mirror what some others ahve been saying about the recoil spring on the compact.

I purchased a new PX4 compact to carry concealed. So, this is what hapened to me. I didn't have a chance to shoot but a couple of rounds through it and it FTF on the second round. I didn't have a chance to use it for another month after my pruchase but took it to a range in Florida (while visiting). I couldn't get two consecutive rounds through this weapon. This really annoyed me.

Ok, When I got back to PA I actually drove CT. to drop off the gun at an authorized repair location. He, knew exaclty what was wrong with it..."The Recoil spring was too heavy".

He had it back to me in 10 days with a lighter spring and it works GREAT!

I have about 300 rounds through it so far and not one jam.

My question is "Why doesn't beretta just put in the lighter spring?

Ammo wasn't an issue I was using umc remington (white box) for which was agreed by the repair facility was a good round to use.

Just trowing in my two cents

BMR

All the later run PX4 Compacts have the lighter recoil spring in them. I know anything past the 8000 serial number and probably a little before will have the new recoil spring in them. Mine is in the 5000 serial number range and had the heavier recoil spring in it. Beretta sent me the new lighter one and haven't had any problem at all. Excellent pistol.

Originally Posted by Bmr

Being new to owning guns I have to mirror what some others ahve been saying about the recoil spring on the compact.

I purchased a new PX4 compact to carry concealed.

My question is "Why doesn't beretta just put in the lighter spring?

The compact is a brand new model. It is not unusual for manufacturers to have issues like this when a gun is brand new and new parts are being used. The full size has been on the market for several years, and has no issues. And the subcompact model has been on the market for quite some time too, and likewise does not have this issue. I see no evidence that Beretta has not taken steps to correct this issue on the new compact model.

Originally Posted by Bmr

Ammo wasn't an issue I was using umc remington (white box) for which was agreed by the repair facility was a good round to use.

That's wrong, as the Remginton UMC, especially if you were shooting the cheaper 115 gr version and not the heavier 124 gr version, is a lighter recoiling round. So that would indeed be a factor. No doubt with full power self defense ammo, the original springs would have worked. European specs for 9mm ammunition favors hotter loads. So that may have been part of the problem here. Beretta may have simply failed to test the new model out with 9mm ammo from the USA.

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Originally Posted by Doug B.

I own a PX4 Storm in 9mm. Are you satisfied with yours? After about three years on the market, why does this firearm appear to have limited popularity?

After I found the right combo(s) of components, mine has worked flawlessly, is easy to clean, fits me to a "tee" and shoots great.
Any insight?

I think it is primarily because Beretta does not offer a rental program to it's dealers, like Glock, Springfield and S&W do. At least that is what I was told by the local range when I asked about Berettas.

Says Who? In my neck of the woods and all over the internet they are extremely popular?

Just my opinion, but I believe the PX4 Storm 9mm is every bit as good as the H&K P30 and USP, but much less expensive. I also believe it is as good as a Glock 17/19, Springfield XD/XDM, Walther P99/PPQ, Ruger SR9, and Sig 229/226. I believe it boils down to which of these feels best in your hand and whether you want a pistol with features like a hammer drop and safety or not. For me, the Storm has more of a natural point of aim than the Glock which is flatter and sits lower in your hand. Another differentiating factor is how easily you can get accessories for some of these platforms. My PX4 has had no quality issues, has a nice natural point, and fits my hand well. I do however, slightly prefer the Beretta 92FS or Sig 226 over the Storm (and most of the other pistols listed) for a range gun. They are a little more solid and heavier.

Originally Posted by pistolero_loco

Just my opinion, but I believe the PX4 Storm 9mm is every bit as good as the H&K P30 and USP, but much less expensive. I also believe it is as good as a Glock 17/19, Springfield XD/XDM, Walther P99/PPQ, Ruger SR9, and Sig 229/226. I believe it boils down to which of these feels best in your hand and whether you want a pistol with features like a hammer drop and safety or not. For me, the Storm has more of a natural point of aim than the Glock which is flatter and sits lower in your hand. Another differentiating factor is how easily you can get accessories for some of these platforms. My PX4 has had no quality issues, has a nice natural point, and fits my hand well. I do however, slightly prefer the Beretta 92FS or Sig 226 over the Storm (and most of the other pistols listed) for a range gun. They are a little more solid and heavier.

Well said and I agree.

I guess I hadn't looked around quite enough for reviews. I got them now!

I have found only one item that I have found that I would like to change on my PX4, and that would be the sights. Only thing, it appears as though replacement adjustable sights are not readily available other than through Beretta. That wouldn't be so bad either!

My gun is awesome! It shoots anything I can put in it's magazines and that includes some rather "stout" handloads. It groups extremely well. Out of all the handguns I fondled before I purchased, this one was immediately the one to purchase as soon as it was placed in my hand. It fits me perfect. The only thing is, I would like to sight it just as I would my rifles......top of front sight level and centered with top of rear sight, target on top. I have not tried drifting the rear sight as of this time. Even if I do, the firearm will still shoot low, sighting it as I would with iron sights on my rifles. Hence my desire to swap out the sights.

Thanks for all your comments!

I have a PX4 F type in .40 cal S&W, fits my hand like a glove and never had a problem with it, it is extremely accurate and I trust it with my life, it had been slow to become popular because right now the rage is about striker fired pistols and Beretta had not advertised it as it should had but it is becoming more and more popular based on its own merits. I like it so much that my next purchase will be the subcompact model, also in .40 cal

I have shot the PX4 and absolutely loved how accurate it was and how it felt in my hand. I was ready to purchase one at the gun dealer....I mean I walked into the store ready to buy a Full Sized PX4 F series. But, they were sold out, so I looked at the PX4 Compact, the Cz SP01 Phantom and the FN FNX-9. Here is how I decided at that time:

The PX4 Compact version was perfect EXCEPT for one thing: The decocker/safety flanges out on the sides of the action, and because the action release was so hard to push, I felt I would use my hand to pull back on the action to release it. And, when I did that, the decocker/safety levers reallly cut into my fingers. I could use the front of the gun, but then I have to turn my body at the range to prevent myself from muzzling the guy next door. They do make a DAO version called the Constant Trigger without the safety mechanism and that might be a great gun. Anyway, they didn't have one so I moved on.

I then looked at the Cz SP01 Phantom and another Cz. My only issue with the Phantom was it is almost 8" long...but fairly lightweight. LOVE the trigger pull, and it was a little stretch to get the finger fully on the trigger. The other Cz's were heavy. The Sig's were too much money, although I really liked the Sig P226 and 239. So, I settled on the FNX-9 because it fit my hand, was very light, had adjustable straps, has a great trigger pull, is DA/SA, has a frame-mounted decocker/safety, is ambidextrous, has great sights and is VERY accurate..

That was then. After I have some experience with the FNX-9, I do really like the gun, but have had some extraction issues (which will probablyl be solved...probably user error). I am getting a Kahr PM9 for concealed carry and have a Bersa 380 for CC which I love, so I do kinda wish I bought the Phantom. Well, I have something to look forward to! In the meaintime, I can cut a hole through the center of the target at 18' with my FNX!....way better than the Ruger P95 I started with. But if I had the extra money, I would get a PX4 after the Phantom.

i don't like the looks

If one does not know they exist? its kind of hard to be dazzled. I just purchased a Beretta PX4 for serious reasons. When I discovered the PX4 was double and single action, and had a decocker safty.Its great looking also. I purchased three Glocks. All loaded but not chambered,I did not want cocked,chambered gun.I had no clue about Beretta PX4
all the Gun makers are huge on striker fired, chambered, and cocked guns. I never was comfortable with cocked chambered guns. Revolvers can be chambered because they are not cocked. Love the Glocks, but will not carry them chambered as they are always cocked. The PX4 I have has been fired about 200 times with Walmart 115 ammo,no problems period. I have a rail Laser on it, and a Uncle Mike #03 pocket holster. Besides the three Glocks I have two S&W a 38 Rev and 380 BG. a Walther a Charter I love the Beretta PX 4 sub, its the same weight loaded as the Glock 19, 3 ounces heavier than the 26, and one ounce less than the 23. I assume Beretta hasa world market, and is not as USA promotional as all the other advertisers. Beretta a safer gun loaded chambered double action.

I would not leave out the possibility that the gun was really dirt. The range guns often go long periods without being cleaned

To clarify, this was in response to the gentlemen who had problems with the malfunctions with the storm at the range.

I have never even heald, much less fired, a px4, but I am rather familiar with and love cougars.
And my guess is that the lack of significant interest in the storm is similar to the lack of interest in the cougar. which still puzzles me by the way.
I think a large part of it probably does have to do with marketing. Beretta doesnt seam really huge on marketing, at least here in the US.
Another part probably has to do with the action.
Like the cougar, the storm has a rotating barrel da/sa, safety/decocker action.
In fact from what I've heard the storm's action was taken from the cougar and just put in a poly frame.
While I love this action and overall think it is superior to tradition actions, because it is relatively rare there may be some hesitancy there to buy them.
And as an above poster mentioned, it may also be that this type of action would not perform as well as standard actions under extreme conditions.

I am a Beretta fan 100%, but I just don't like the feel of the PX4 myself. I really can't say for sure why, but it just does not feel right to me.

I purchased the PX 4 Compact in the 9mm about 6 months ago. The gun is nice to shoot. Comfortable with very little recoil. However there is nothing compact about it. Even the subcompact is a little large for use as a carry gun.