Letโs get one thing straightโwhen I think of Beretta, my mind usually wanders to the classic 92FS, made famous in action movies and countless military holsters. But the APX A1 Compact is here to remind us that Beretta isnโt just living off its past glory; itโs carving out a solid space in the striker-fired, polymer-framed handgun market. This mid-size addition to the APX family is Berettaโs effort to strike the perfect balance between portability, firepower, and ergonomics. The question is, does it succeed? Letโs dive in.
At 27.7 ounces unloaded and with a 3.7-inch barrel, the APX A1 Compact sits snugly between the subcompact APX A1 Carry (3-inch barrel, much lighter) and the full-size APX A1 (4.25-inch barrel, only slightly heavier). If Goldilocks were into firearms, she might just call this one โjust right.โ
The APX A1 Compact boasts some familiar features from its bigger sibling: an extended beavertail, interchangeable backstraps, a fiber-optic front sight, reversible mag release, and an optics-ready slide. At an MSRP of $499 (and often closer to $400 in retail), this gunโs feature list screams value. In a world where optics-ready handguns often come at a premium, Beretta deserves kudos for keeping this accessible.
If I had to sum up the APX A1 Compact in one word, it would be โrobust.โ This pistol is undeniably sturdyโmaybe a little too sturdy for my tastes. At just under 28 ounces, itโs heavier than most other guns in its class. For someone with a smaller frame like me, this isnโt the kind of weight I want to carry on a daily basis. But hey, if you ever run out of ammo, you could always use it as a blunt weapon.
The stippling on the grip is aggressive, which I appreciate, especially around the magazine release. However, Iโd have liked to see more stippling toward the front of the slide. While the diagonal serrations on the slide are easy to grab, theyโre a tad sharp for my liking. Press too hard, and you might feel like youโre gripping a cheese grater.
One area where the APX A1 Compact excels is its inclusivity. The ambidextrous slide release, reversible magazine release, and interchangeable backstraps mean this gun is designed to cater to a wide variety of shooters. The controls are a breeze to manipulate. The slide stop is larger than most, making it easy to engage even under stress. The trigger guard is also worth mentioning. Its serrated, combat-style design with a high undercut provides plenty of room for gloved hands. The downside? This extra space means the Picatinny rail is only two slots long, limiting accessory options.
Beretta ships the pistol with two magazines: 10-rounders for those stuck in restrictive states and 15-rounders for the rest of us. Thatโs solid capacity, but it mirrors many smaller, lighter striker-fired pistols. Extended mags are available, but for daily carry, the 15-round flush mag might leave some wondering if the trade-off in weight is worth it.
While I didnโt have a holster to test concealability, the gunโs weight immediately struck me as a drawback for everyday carry. Sure, Iโll trade some comfort for better capacity and reliability, but at this weight, itโs pushing the limits. If youโre someone who prioritizes shootability over comfort, though, this might still make the cut.
Hereโs where the APX A1 Compact truly shines. Reliability is king in any defensive firearm, and this pistol does not disappoint. I ran several hundred rounds through it, mixing brands and bullet weights, and it didnโt malfunction once. Berettaโs reputation for engineering shines here. Whether it was high-end defensive ammo or bargain-bin range fodder, the APX A1 Compact chewed through it all.
The extended beavertail played a key role in comfort, keeping my hand high on the grip while providing a natural reference point. This ergonomic touch, combined with the aggressive stippling, ensured the gun stayed locked in place, even during rapid fire.
Designed for self-defense, the APX A1 Compact is built for close-range encountersโthink under ten yards. At these distances, itโs more than capable of ending a threat. The factory iron sights are functional, but the real value comes from the optics-ready slide. If youโre planning to push this gun to its limits, adding a red dot is a no-brainer.
Shooting groups at 25 yards off a rest, the pistolโs performance was respectable but not stellar. The trigger, which is slightly spongey, doesnโt help in the precision department. Still, I managed a 2-inch by 1-inch group with Speerโs 124-grain Gold Dot Personal Protection ammo, the gunโs clear favorite. Federal Premiumโs 124-grain HST performed decently as well, with groups around 2.5 to 3 inches. The APX A1 Compact wasnโt as fond of Federalโs 115-grain American Eagle FMJ, scattering shots more like a shotgun than a pistol.
One standout feature is the striker deactivation button, which allows you to disassemble the gun without pulling the trigger. Combined with the trigger blade safety, firing pin block, out-of-battery safety, and loaded chamber indicator, Beretta has made sure this gun prioritizes safety without overcomplicating things. For a defensive pistol, these features inspire confidence.
The Beretta APX A1 Compact is a reliable, feature-packed handgun at a surprisingly affordable price. While it wouldnโt be my first choice for everyday concealed carryโlargely due to its weight and capacity combinationโitโs an intriguing option for those who value shootability and reliability above all else.
If youโre in the market for a compact 9mm that doesnโt skimp on features and you donโt mind a bit of extra heft, this could be the gun for you. Just donโt expect it to replace your ultralight carry pistol anytime soon. Robust, reliable, and ready for action, the APX A1 Compact is a solid addition to Berettaโs striker-fired lineupโand a testament to the brandโs commitment to innovation.
