I’m a professional shooter, and I’ve had the unique opportunity to put two popular firearms, the Beretta APX Vs Glock 45, through their paces.
I aim to figure out which of these guns reign supreme. This isn’t just a technical comparison; it’s a real-world, hands-on test.
I’m going to break down the nitty-gritty details of each, sharing my firsthand experience.
| Feature | Beretta APX | Glock 45 |
| Type | Striker fired, semiautomatic | Striker fired, semiautomatic |
| Cartridge | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10+1, 15+1, 17+1 rds. | Standard and optional (17, 19, 24, 31, 33) |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches | 4.02 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.55 inches | 7.44 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.34 inches |
| Height | 5.6 inches | 5.47 inches (incl. Mag.) |
| Weight | 1 lb., 13 oz. | 21.73 oz. (w/o magazine) |
| Trigger Pull | Approx. 6 lbs. | 26 N (approx. 5.8 lbs.) |
Overview of Beretta APX
The Beretta APX, a striking entry in the world of striker-fired pistols, is designed for military and law enforcement use but has gained popularity among civilian shooters.
Specs
- Type: Striker fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: Options of 10+1, 15+1, 17+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
- Overall Length: 7.55 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.6 inches
- Weight: 1 pound, 13 ounces
- Sights: Steel, serrated rear; tritium dot front
- Trigger: Approximately 6 pounds
Overview of Glock 45
The Glock 45, known for its reliability and versatility, is a favorite for personal defense and tactical applications.
Specs
- Type: Striker fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: Standard and optional (17, 19, 24, 31, 33)
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Overall Length: 7.44 inches
- Width: 1.34 inches
- Height (incl. Mag.): 5.47 inches
- Weight without Magazine: 21.73 ounces
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 24.48 ounces
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 30.34 ounces
- Trigger Pull: 26 N (approx. 5.8 pounds)
Features Comparison: Beretta APX VS Glock 45
1. Ergonomics and Grip
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX’s ergonomics are a standout feature, particularly its grip design. It includes well-defined finger grooves that conform to the natural contours of your hand, offering a secure and exceptionally comfortable hold.
The grip’s textured surface provides a steady and reliable grasp, which is vital in stressful or dynamic shooting situations.
This ergonomic design is especially beneficial for those seeking a more personalized and tactile grip experience, enhancing control and stability during use.
Glock 45
The Glock 45, though it lacks the finger grooves found in the Beretta APX, offers a robust and dependable grip.
Its polymer frame is designed with a durable and uniform pattern, resembling the characteristics of G10 material, thus ensuring significant traction.
The grip’s more universal design accommodates a broad range of hand sizes. However, it might not offer the same ‘custom-fit’ feeling as the Beretta, but it still provides a solid and reliable hold, essential for consistent performance.
Winner
In the arena of ergonomics and grip, the Beretta APX surpasses the Glock 45. Its design, featuring finger grooves and a contoured grip, facilitates a more natural and firm hold, offering substantial benefits in scenarios requiring precision and control.
This ergonomic advantage is particularly noticeable during extended shooting sessions or in high-accuracy demands.
Conversely, while the Glock 45’s grip is reliable and accommodates various hand sizes, it doesn’t quite match the tailored ergonomics of the Beretta APX.
2. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX’s trigger mechanism is distinguished by its short travel distance before reaching a distinct hesitation point, leading to a crisp and precise break.
This design contributes to improved accuracy, as the shooter can better predict the moment of firing. The refined feel of the trigger, offering tactile feedback, is something that seasoned shooters may find advantageous. It enhances the shooting experience by providing a clear indication of the firing point, which is crucial for precision shooting.
Glock 45
The Glock 45’s trigger mechanism features a longer travel distance than the Beretta APX, with a more pronounced hesitation stage.
This design lends predictability to the trigger, which can be an asset for shooters, especially those accustomed to Glock’s Safe Action System.
The break is distinct and crisp, although the extended travel may pose a challenge in rapid-fire situations. This trigger design is geared towards providing a consistent and reliable shooting experience, with an emphasis on predictable operation.
Winner
When it comes to the trigger mechanism, the Beretta APX edges out the Glock 45. Its shorter travel distance to the breakpoint, combined with a crisp and clean break, makes it more suitable for scenarios where precision is key.
In contrast, the Glock 45 offers a more predictable trigger experience, which might be preferred by some shooters, especially those familiar with Glock’s system.
The Beretta APX’s trigger, however, offers a slightly superior tactile experience and precision compared to the Glock 45.
3. Slide and Serrations
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX is equipped with uniquely designed slide serrations. These serrations are not only visually appealing but also highly functional.
They provide a sufficient level of grip without being excessively aggressive, which is advantageous when operating the slide under various conditions, including stress. Additionally, the lighter spring in the guide rod contributes to the ease of slide operation, making the Beretta APX more user-friendly, particularly in situations requiring quick and smooth slide manipulation.
Glock 45
The Glock 45 features more traditional slide serrations, which offer a slightly higher degree of aggression compared to those on the Beretta APX.
This design ensures a firm grip and instills confidence in manipulating the slide, even in challenging environments like wet or adverse conditions.
The tighter spring in the slide mechanism may necessitate more effort to operate, but it also adds to the overall robustness and reliability of the firearm, making it a solid choice for various operational scenarios.
Winner
In the category of slide and serrations, the Beretta APX slightly outperforms the Glock 45. Its innovative serration design, combined with the lighter operation of the slide, makes it more user-friendly, especially for those who prioritize ease of handling.
The Beretta APX’s slide design is more conducive to quick, smooth operations, which can be crucial in fast-paced shooting scenarios. While the Glock 45’s serrations offer more grip, the Beretta’s balance of functionality and ease of use gives it a slight edge.
Pros & Cons of Beretta APX
Pros
- Sturdy steel magazine
- Tapered magazine design for smooth insertion
- Finger grooves on the grip for better hold
- Unique serration design on the slide
Cons
- Magazine is not as lightweight as Glock’s
Pros & Cons of Glock 45
Pros
- Lightweight plastic magazine
- Fully numbered magazine for easy round count
- Flared Magwell for quick reloads
- Universally comfortable grip without finger grooves
Cons
- Lack of finger grooves might not suit all shooters
Similarities between Beretta APX & Glock 45
- Both are striker-fired, semiautomatic handguns.
- Chambered in 9mm.
- Similar overall length and height dimensions.
- Comparable weight with slight variations.
- Both have a Picatinny rail for accessories.
- Similar trigger pull weight.
- Designed for versatility across various uses.
Differences Between Beretta APX & Glock 45
- Beretta APX has finger grooves; the Glock 45 does not.
- Glock has a flared magwell; Beretta does not.
- APX has unique slide serrations; Glock’s are more traditional.
- Glock’s magazine is lighter than Beretta’s.
- Beretta’s magazine is tapered at the top, differing from Glock’s design.
- Slight differences in barrel length and width.
Final Verdict
As a shooter who has rigorously tested both the Beretta APX and Glock 45, I’ve come to a conclusion based on my experience.
After evaluating each aspect, from ergonomics to trigger mechanism, and slide operation, one of these firearms stands out as my preferred choice.
The Beretta APX, with its superior ergonomics, precise trigger, and user-friendly slide, has shown itself to be the more preferable option in my tests.
FAQ’s
Which is better Beretta APX or Glock?
The Beretta APX may be preferable for those seeking state compliance and a more ergonomic design, whereas the Glock is ideal for its lightweight, ease of concealment, and higher capacity options.
What is the Glock 45 similar to?
The Glock 45 is a hybrid, sharing features with both the G19X and other Gen5 pistols, lacking the cutout and the protective lip, making it distinct in its class.
Which is better Glock 19 or Glock 45?
The Glock 19 is better for deep concealment due to its compact size, while the Glock 45 suits those who prefer a larger frame.
Why is Beretta expensive?
Beretta firearms are expensive due to their precision engineering, high-quality materials, and significant investment in research and development.
