As a professional shooter, I’ve had the privilege of handling a wide range of firearms, each with unique characteristics and appeal.
I’m diving deep into a comparison that’s been on my mind for a while: the Beretta APX Vs Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0.
My aim here is not just to present the specs but to share my hands-on experience with these two remarkable guns. I’ve tested them in the field, putting them through their paces to see which edges out the other.
| Feature | Beretta APX | M&P 2.0 |
| Type | Striker-fired, semiautomatic | Striker-fired, semiautomatic |
| Cartridge | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10+1, 15+1, 17+1 rounds | 17+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches | 4.25 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.55 inches | 7.4 inches |
| Height | 5.6 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 29 ounces | 24.7 ounces |
| Sights | Steel serrated (rear), tritium dot (front) | White 3-dot, drift-adjustable |
| Trigger Pull | Approx. 6 lbs | Approx. 5 lbs |
Overview of Beretta APX
The Beretta APX, a relatively new release in the firearm world, brings a fresh design and approach to the striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol category. Here’s a quick rundown of its
Specs
- Type: Striker fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: Options for 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: 29 ounces (unloaded)
- Sights: Steel serrated black (rear); tritium dot (front)
- Trigger Pull: Approximately 6 lbs.
Overview of M&P 2.0
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is an evolution of the renowned M&P series, boasting improvements in ergonomics and performance.
Specs
- Type: Striker fired, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
- Overall Length: 7.4 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Weight: 24.7 ounces (unloaded)
- Sights: White 3-dot drift-adjustable
- Trigger Pull: Approximately 5 lbs.
- Safety: Optional thumb safety
- Slide Finish: Black Armornite®
Features Comparison: Beretta APX vs M&P 2.0
1. Grip and Ergonomics
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX stands out with its modular grip system, offering interchangeable backstraps in small, medium, and large sizes. This customizability ensures a perfect fit for various hand sizes, enhancing the shooting experience.
The grip texture is subtly designed, providing a comfortable yet firm grasp, which is crucial during extended shooting sessions or high-pressure scenarios. This ergonomic design makes the APX a versatile choice for shooters who prioritize comfort without sacrificing a secure hold.
M&P 2.0
The M&P 2.0 by Smith & Wesson features an exceptionally aggressive grip texture, covering the entire front, back, and sides of the grip. This design ensures the firearm stays firmly in hand, even in the most rapid and demanding firing conditions.
The gun also boasts four interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to tailor the grip to their preference. While this aggressive texture is beneficial for a non-slip grip, it might be intense for some, particularly in long shooting sessions.
Winner
Comparing the two, the Beretta APX’s grip is superior due to its balanced blend of comfort and modularity. It offers a more adaptable and pleasant grip experience, especially for prolonged use, compared to the M&P 2.0’s overly aggressive texture.
2. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta APX
The Beretta APX features a unique trigger mechanism where the safety dingus is slightly more pronounced. This design results in a flatter trigger face and significantly reduced take-up before the breakpoint, leading to a more responsive and immediate firing action.
The minimal travel and crisp break provide a swift and clean shooting experience. This trigger design is a testament to Beretta’s commitment to combining safety with performance.
M&P 2.0
The M&P 2.0’s trigger is equipped with a hinged safety mechanism, a hallmark of Smith & Wesson. Despite its noticeable grit during the take-up phase, the trigger offers a clean and definitive break.
The reset is both audible and tactile, marking an improvement over its predecessors. While the gritty take-up might detract from the overall experience for some shooters, the definitive break and reset make it reliable and predictable in various shooting scenarios.
Winner
When compared, the Beretta APX outshines the M&P 2.0 in terms of trigger mechanics.
The APX’s trigger provides a quicker, smoother, and more responsive firing action, appealing to shooters who value precision and rapid response in their firing mechanism.
3. Slide Design and Sights
Beretta APX
The slide design of the Beretta APX is a defining feature, with its full-length serrations that offer excellent grip for effective slide manipulation under any condition.
This design is not just functional but also adds a unique visual element to the firearm. The steel sights, featuring a large front dot, facilitate quick and efficient target acquisition. These sights are particularly beneficial in fast-paced shooting scenarios, allowing for swift alignment and accuracy.
M&P 2.0
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 2.0 boasts a slide with distinct fish-scale serrations at the rear and minimal front serrations, which are functional for performing press checks.
The steel three-dot sights are drift-adjustable and include a ledge for one-handed manipulations, adding to the gun’s versatility. The slide design combines classic aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a reliable choice for various shooting applications.
Winner
The Beretta APX takes the lead in slide design and sights. Its comprehensive serrations provide enhanced functionality for slide manipulations, and the large front sight dot offers a clear advantage for rapid target engagement.
The APX’s slide design merges practicality with a distinctive appearance, setting it apart from the more traditional design of the M&P 2.0.
Pros & Cons: Beretta APX
Pros
- Full-length slide serrations.
- Modular frame design.
- Comfortable grip texture.
- Unique aesthetic appeal.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than M&P 2.0.
Pros & Cons: M&P 2.0
Pros
- Aggressive grip texture for secure handling.
- Steel three-dot sights.
- Durable Armornite® slide finish.
- Ambidextrous slide lock.
Cons
- Grip texture might be too aggressive for some.
- Limited front slide serrations.
Similarities Between Beretta APX & M&P 2.0
- Both are striker-fired, semi-automatic 9mm pistols.
- Similar barrel length (4.25 inches).
- Comparable overall length and width.
- Steel sights are equipped on both models.
- Both offer a 17+1 round capacity option.
Differences Between Beretta APX & M&P 2.0
- Beretta APX has a modular frame; M&P 2.0 does not.
- APX’s slide design includes full-length serrations; M&P 2.0 has fish-scale rear serrations.
- APX is slightly heavier than the M&P 2.0.
- M&P 2.0’s grip texture is more aggressive than the APX’s.
- APX offers a safety plunger in the trigger; M&P 2.0 uses a hinged trigger design.
Final Verdict
After extensive field testing and analysis of both the Beretta APX and the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
As a professional shooter, I’ve evaluated these firearms not just on their specs, but on how they perform under various conditions.
The winner, in my experience, is the Beretta APX. It excels with its ergonomic design, comfortable grip, and superior trigger mechanism that offers a more responsive and crisp firing action.
FAQ’s
Why is M&P 2.0 better than Glock?
The M&P 2.0 outshines Glock with its more aggressive grip texturing, providing a firmer hold especially in rapid-fire scenarios or when hands are sweaty or wet.
Is Beretta APX a good gun?
Yes, the Beretta APX is a commendable firearm, boasting ergonomic features like oversized controls, effective grip texturing, and a natural grip angle, making it a reliable choice for various users.
Who uses Beretta APX?
The Beretta APX is primarily designed for law enforcement and military use, but it has also become a popular choice among concealed carriers due to its versatility in caliber options and reliability.
Is the Beretta APX safe?
Absolutely, the Beretta APX emphasizes safety with features like a trigger safety device and an internal firing pin deactivation mechanism, ensuring safety against unintended firing.
