Gun writers from around the globe gathered in Nashville, Tennessee in mid-May to get some first-hand experience with Beretta’s just-released APX A1 FS 9mm pistol.
Where It Started
Beretta first launched their APX series of pistols in 2017 in response to the U.S. Armed Forces’ XM17 Modular Handgun System competition. Sig Sauer won the military contract, so Beretta released their new APX pistol design to law enforcement and commercial markets. Previously, nine variants of the APX have landed, with the APX A1 Carry just six months out of the gate.
Next Generation 9mm
The APX A1 FS9, released to the public May 17, 2022, offers upgrades to the existing APX lineup. The BERETTA APX A1 FS9 is their next evolution of striker-fired pistols. Beretta, the oldest name in firearms, harkens back to its first military contract… with the Venetian military for 200 arquebuses in 1520.
Showing Its Age
Beretta’s M9 began service in 1992 for the U.S. Military, and I know it well. I spent nearly four years working in the office above the test-fire chamber in Beretta’s old Accokeek, Maryland factory.
The rhythmic thud, thud, thud of M9s and other Beretta firearms going through test firing 20 year ago was well into the pistol’s service life. The M9 was adopted in 1985 to replace the Colt’s M1911. It was fully adopted in 1990. By 2010 the U.S. Army was ready to start looking for a new combat pistol, and Beretta’s APX joined the competition. Although passed up for Sig Sauer’s M17 and M18, the APX passed the Army’s testing protocol with flying colors.
Built on the heritage of the original APX platform that passed MHS testing for the US Army, the APX A1 FS delivers a crisp trigger, improved ergonomics, aggressive slide serrations, and MRDS Optics cuts right out of the box. Italian engineer and APX A1 FS designer Giovani Prandini shared some of his thoughts on the new Beretta features.
The Beretta APX A1 FS9 takes the proven ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy of the APX family and delivers a superior firing solution – from the new shooter to the most demanding professionals in the world.
Beretta APX A1 Specifications
| Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Fire Control | Striker-fired |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 ins. |
| Caliber | 9mm NATO |
| Grip Width | 1.06 ins. |
| Magazine Capacity | 10, 15, 17 Rounds |
| Overall Height | 5.6 ins. |
| Overall Length | 7.5 ins. |
| Overall Width | 1.3 ins. |
| Sight Radius | 6.1 ins |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 29 ozs. |
| MSRP/MAP | $529/$479 |
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