Beretta APX A1: The Ultimate Carry Pistol

Beretta APX A1: The Ultimate Carry Pistol and Holster Review

The Beretta APX A1 is a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike. This pistol is known for its modularity, customization options, and reliability. Beretta designed the APX A1 with user optimization in mind, making it easy to attach optics and switch out grip frame housing for a personalized touch.

The APX A1 Carry is a variant of the APX A1 that is built on a modular chassis, making it even more customizable. This model features a smaller frame, making it easier to conceal carry. The grip measures less than an inch at its widest point, making it a comfortable option for those with smaller hands.

Emphasizing comfort and ease, daily concealed carry (EDC) is essential for handgun enthusiasts. The discomfort of carrying your preferred handgun can feel akin to smuggling a cumbersome object, potentially betraying your concealed carry, especially in hot weather with lighter clothing. In situations where EDC becomes challenging, some might opt to leave their weapon at home, which is far from ideal.


Ergo, a flat, compact pistol is often an excellent EDC choice, particularly for individuals finding it difficult to maintain concealment with their usual clothing. In response to this need, Beretta has been refining its APX line of pistols, with the APX Carry being the most compact. The latest and most relevant to our discussion here is the Beretta APX A1 Carry.

The APX Carry forms part of Beretta’s single-stack 9 mm pistols range. The A1 Carry model includes two magazine sizes; six- and eight-round variants. Both types feature baseplates designed for easy removal in the unlikely event of the magazines not releasing as expected upon pressing the magazine-release button.


Highlighted Features of Beretta APX A1 Carry:

  • Effortless slide cycling due to ample cocking serrations.
  • Two magazines with differing baseplates and capacities cater to varying concealed carry weapon (CCW) needs.
  • A wide trigger guard facilitating glove use, with a bladed trigger safety for additional reassurance.
  • Grip texturing for enhanced purchase, without being overly aggressive.
  • Quick sight acquisition promoted by a white dot on the front blade.
  • Capability to equip select red-dot optics beneath its adapter plate.
  • A wide, plain rear aperture ensuring a quick, simple, and intuitive sight picture.
  • Improved reliability due to a robust ejector and wide ejection port.

The A1 model surpasses the basic APX Carry in four key areas:

  • The trigger pull is improved, making the A1 lighter in weight and featuring a shorter pull. The clean break and quick reset enhance accuracy and speed up follow-up shots.
  • Beretta engineers designed the slide for a micro red-dot sight (MRDS). The A1 ships with a filler plate in the recess, meaning users favoring iron sights need not make any adjustments.
  • The A1 is modular, meaning the chassis can be swapped for a grip-frame housing in a different color.
  • The cocking serrations on the APX are more aggressive on the A1 compared to the basic carry models.

The 3-inch barrel of the APX A1 Carry may not yield the highest velocities for a 9 mm pistol. However, this trade-off is part and parcel of a subcompact pistol. It also results in a slightly louder muzzle blast - another compromise for the compact size.

The grip frame of the APX A1 Carry is designed ergonomically, ensuring a comfortable fit for your hand. The non-slip texture enhances grip during recoil. The trigger mechanism is crisp, making the A1 an excellent choice for accurate shooting. With additional magazines available online, the A1 provides a total loadout of 23 rounds.

The A1 Carry doesn't feature an ambidextrous slide stop, but the magazine-release button is swappable. Its accuracy work results in better-than-expected groupings. The comfortable frame fit facilitates a consistent grip, and despite the A1's lightweight, the felt recoil isn't as sharp as one might anticipate.

Once Beretta has sufficient adapter plates in stock, you can mount a Micro red-dot sight on the APX A1 Carry, making it a viable 50-yard pistol despite its compact size. It also works efficiently with just the iron sights. The Beretta APX A1 Carry, an EDC pistol, combines comfort with affordability, making it an ideal choice for extended periods of concealed carry.


Key Takeaways

  • The Beretta APX A1 is a reliable and customizable pistol that is popular among gun enthusiasts and professionals.
  • The APX A1 Carry is a smaller variant of the APX A1 that is designed for concealed carry.
  • Choosing the right holster for the APX A1 Carry is important for comfort and safety.

Overview of Beretta APX A1

The Beretta APX A1 is a 9mm handgun that is designed for concealed carry and personal defense. It is a single-stack, striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol that is available in both full-size and carry versions. The APX A1 Full Size is the successor to the APX A0 and features a larger barrel and frame, while the APX A1 Carry is a more compact version with a smaller barrel and frame.

The Beretta APX A1 is built on a modular chassis that allows for customization, such as the attachment of optics and the switching of the grip frame housing for one of three available grip frame colors: Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, and Wolf Grey. The APX A1 Carry also features aggressive slide serrations for improved grip and control.

One of the standout features of the Beretta APX A1 is its reliability. The pistol has been rigorously tested to ensure that it can perform in even the most demanding conditions. It also has an improved trigger compared to its predecessor, the APX A0, which provides a smoother and more consistent pull.

The Beretta APX A1 is also designed with ergonomics in mind. The grip is textured for a secure hold, and the slide is easy to manipulate. The pistol also has a low bore axis, which helps to reduce recoil and improve accuracy.

Overall, the Beretta APX A1 is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and customizable 9mm handgun. Its compact size makes it a great option for concealed carry, while its modular design allows for easy customization to fit any shooter's preferences.

Key Features

The Beretta APX A1 is a popular full-size 9mm pistol that has gained popularity among gun enthusiasts for its reliability, accuracy, and overall performance. The APX A1 Carry is a smaller and more compact version of the APX A1, designed for concealed carry. In this section, we will discuss the key features of both models.

Trigger System

The Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry feature an improved trigger system that provides a shorter and lighter trigger pull than their predecessors. This enhanced ergonomic and sensory experience consists of a clean break with quick reset aiding with consistent shot placement and ease of use. The trigger system is an essential feature of the APX A1 models, contributing to their accuracy and reliability.

Grip and Texturing

The grip of the APX A1 models is designed to fit comfortably in the hand of the shooter, with a modular design that allows for easy customization. The texture of the grip provides a secure and firm hold, even in wet or slippery conditions. The APX A1 Carry has a smaller grip size than the APX A1, making it easier to conceal and carry.

Optic and Frame

The APX A1 Carry is optics-ready, allowing for the attachment of a red-dot sight, and has an improved frame design that provides better control and handling. The frame is available in four different colors, allowing for personalization and customization. The APX A1 also has an optics-ready slide.

Slide Serrations

The slide serrations of the APX A1 models provide a firm and secure grip for easy slide manipulation. The serrations are designed to be easy to use, even with gloves on, and are an essential feature for quick and easy reloading.

Barrel

The barrel of the APX A1 models is designed for accuracy and reliability, with a length of 4.25 inches for the APX A1 and 3.7 inches for the APX A1 Carry. The barrel is made of high-quality steel and is designed to withstand heavy use and recoil.

In summary, the Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry are reliable, accurate, and high-performance pistols that are designed for both personal protection and professional use. Their key features, including the trigger system, grip and texturing, optic and frame, slide serrations, and barrel, contribute to their overall performance and make them popular choices among gun enthusiasts.

Beretta APX A1 Carry

The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a reliable and high-quality semi-automatic pistol designed for everyday carry and personal defense. It is built on a modular chassis that allows for customization, such as the attachment of optics and the switching of the grip frame housing for one of the three available grip frame colors: Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, and Wolf Grey.

Dimensions and Color Options

The APX A1 Carry has a weight of 26.4 oz and a barrel length of 3.07 inches. It has an overall length of 6.97 inches and a height of 5.12 inches. The pistol is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and conceal.

The APX A1 Carry is available in four different polymer frame colors: Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, Wolf Grey, and black. The grip frame housing can be easily switched out for a different color, allowing for customization and personalization of the pistol.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Despite its small size, the APX A1 Carry is comfortable to shoot. The grip is designed with an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the hand. The grip texture is aggressive, providing a secure and firm grip even in wet or slippery conditions. The pistol also features aggressive slide serrations, allowing for easy manipulation of the slide even with gloves on.

Capacity and Recoil

The APX A1 Carry has a magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The pistol is designed with a shorter and lighter trigger pull, making it easier to shoot accurately. The recoil is manageable, allowing for quick and accurate follow-up shots.

In conclusion, the Beretta APX A1 Carry is a reliable and customizable pistol designed for everyday carry and personal defense. Its compact size, ergonomic design, and customizable grip frame make it a comfortable and secure pistol to shoot. With its manageable recoil and shorter trigger pull, the APX A1 Carry is an accurate and reliable choice for personal defense.

Optics and Sights

When it comes to optics and sights, the Beretta APX A1 offers a variety of options for customization and accuracy. This section will cover the Optics-Ready Features, Iron Sights, and Red-Dot Optics of the Beretta APX A1.

Optics-Ready Features

The Beretta APX A1 is an optics-ready pistol, meaning it has a milled slide for the attachment of a red-dot optic. This feature allows the shooter to improve their accuracy and speed up target acquisition. The APX A1's milled slide is compatible with a variety of popular red-dot optics, including the Trijicon RMR and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.

Iron Sights

The Beretta APX A1 comes with standard three-dot iron sights. The front sight is fixed, while the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The iron sights are designed for quick target acquisition and are easy to align. The sights are also compatible with suppressor-height sights for those who prefer a taller sight picture.

Red-Dot Optics

Red-dot optics are becoming increasingly popular among shooters for their speed and accuracy. The Beretta APX A1 is compatible with a variety of popular red-dot optics, including the Trijicon RMR and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. Red-dot optics allow the shooter to acquire the target quickly and accurately, even in low-light conditions. They also allow for faster follow-up shots and are ideal for competition shooting.

Overall, the Beretta APX A1 offers a variety of options for customization and accuracy when it comes to optics and sights. The Optics-Ready Features, Iron Sights, and Red-Dot Optics make this pistol a versatile and reliable choice for shooters of all levels.

Modularity and Customization

The Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry are built on a modular frame and chassis, allowing for a high degree of customization. Shooters can upgrade and accessorize their firearms to meet their specific needs. The modularity of these pistols makes them ideal for law enforcement, military, and civilian use.

Modular Frame and Chassis

The Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry feature a modular frame and chassis that allows for customization. Shooters can easily switch out the grip frame housing for one of three available grip frame colors: Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, and Wolf Grey. The modular design also allows for the attachment of optics and other accessories.

Upgrades and Accessories

The modular design of the Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry makes it easy to upgrade and accessorize these pistols. Shooters can add night sights, suppressor height sights, and other upgrades to improve accuracy and performance. The pistols also feature aggressive slide serrations for a better grip when racking the slide.

CYA Supply Co Holster Options

Finding the right holster for the APX A1 Carry can be a challenge, but many options are available on the market. A good holster should be comfortable, durable, and secure. It's important to choose a holster that fits the APX A1 Carry specifically, as not all holsters are designed to fit this model.

The Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry are compatible with a wide range of holsters, including those made by CYA Supply Co. Shooters can choose from two models of  inside the waistband (IWB) in both  APX A1 holsters and APX A1 Carry Holsters. For a Beretta APX A1 carry holster CYA Supply Co holsters are made from high-quality materials and are designed to fit the Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry perfectly.

Overall, the modularity and customization options of the Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry make them versatile and adaptable firearms. Shooters can customize these Beretta APX A1 carry holster pistols to meet their specific needs.

Performance and Reliability

Accuracy and Consistent Shot Placement

The Beretta APX A1 is known for its exceptional accuracy and consistent shot placement. The pistol features a low bore axis that helps reduce muzzle rise and provides better control over the firearm. The trigger pull is smooth and consistent, which helps the shooter maintain accuracy. The APX A1's sights are also designed to provide quick and easy target acquisition, helping to ensure that shots are placed exactly where they are intended.

Reliability and Quality

The APX A1 is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. The pistol's modular design allows for easy maintenance and customization, while also ensuring that the firearm is built to last. The APX A1 has undergone extensive testing, including the Material Reliability Test, which consisted of firing three pistols to an unprecedented 12,000 rounds each, demonstrating the pistol's durability and reliability.

Safety Features

The Beretta APX A1 is designed with a number of safety features to ensure that the firearm is safe to use and handle. The pistol features a striker deactivation button that allows the shooter to safely decock the firearm without having to pull the trigger. The APX A1 also has a loaded chamber indicator that provides a visual and tactile indication of whether the firearm is loaded or not. Additionally, the pistol has a reversible magazine release that allows the shooter to easily switch the release from one side to the other, making it easy to use for both left- and right-handed shooters.

Beretta APX A1 Carry

The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a smaller version of the APX A1, designed for concealed carry. The APX A1 Carry shares many of the same features as the APX A1, including the modular design, low bore axis, and smooth trigger pull. The APX A1 Carry also has a single-stack magazine, a smaller frame, and a shorter barrel, making it easier to conceal. The APX A1 Carry is a reliable and accurate firearm that is perfect for concealed carry.

Beretta APX A1 Carry Holster

When it comes to selecting a holster for the Beretta APX A1 Carry, there are a number of options available. The holster should be comfortable to wear, provide good retention, and allow for easy access to the firearm. S It is important to select a holster that is specifically designed for the APX A1 Carry to ensure a proper fit and maximum comfort.

Check ours out here 

Purchasing

When it comes to purchasing the Beretta APX A1, there are a few things to consider. This section will cover the MSRP and options available for the APX A1 Carry.

MSRP

The MSRP for the Beretta APX A1 Carry is $725. However, prices may vary depending on the retailer and any promotions that may be available. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.

Options

When purchasing the Beretta APX A1 Carry, there are a few options to consider. One of the most important is whether to purchase the pistol with or without a holster. The Beretta APX A1 Carry is designed to work with a variety of holsters, so there are many options available. Some popular options include the Beretta APX A1 Carry Holster and the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 Holster.

Another option to consider is warranty registration. Beretta offers a limited lifetime warranty on the APX A1 Carry, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. To take advantage of this warranty, it is important to register the pistol with Beretta after purchasing it.

Overall, when purchasing the Beretta APX A1 Carry, it is important to consider all of the available options and do research to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.

Conclusion

After conducting thorough research on the Beretta APX A1, it is clear that this is a reliable and high-quality product. The APX A1 Carry, in particular, is an excellent option for those looking for a compact and easy-to-carry firearm. Its improved trigger pull and lightweight design make it a great choice for concealed carry.

In terms of holsters, there are many options available for the APX A1 Carry. It is important to consider factors such as comfort, accessibility, and retention when choosing a holster. Some popular options include the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0, the Crossbreed SuperTuck, and the StealthGearUSA VG2.

Overall, the Beretta APX A1 and APX A1 Carry are well-designed and reliable firearms that are worth considering for personal defense. While there are many other options on the market, the APX A1's quality and performance make it a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pros of the Beretta APX A1 carry?

The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a reliable and high-quality handgun that is designed for everyday carry. It is built to be modular and customizable, allowing users to adjust it to their personal preferences. The gun features a comfortable grip, a crisp trigger, and a durable construction. Additionally, the APX A1 Carry is optics-ready, making it easy to add a red dot sight for improved accuracy.

What are the differences between the Beretta APX carry and APX A1 carry?

The Beretta APX Carry and APX A1 Carry are similar in many ways, but there are a few key differences. The APX A1 Carry is an updated version of the APX Carry, with improvements to the trigger pull and overall weight. The APX A1 Carry is also optics-ready, while the original APX Carry is not. Additionally, the APX A1 Carry has a slightly shorter barrel length than the APX Carry.

Is the Beretta APX A1 a good gun?

Yes, the Beretta APX A1 Carry is a good gun. It is reliable, accurate, and built with high-quality materials. The gun has been extensively tested and is used by law enforcement and military personnel around the world. However, as with any firearm, it is important to receive proper training and practice safe handling techniques.

Which is better, the Beretta APX or Glock 19?

Both the Beretta APX and Glock 19 are reliable and high-quality handguns, so the answer to this question ultimately depends on personal preference. The Beretta APX is known for its comfortable grip and customizable design, while the Glock 19 is popular for its reliability and ease of use. Users should try both guns and choose the one that feels best for them.

Back to blog