As a professional shooter, I’m here to share my hands-on experience with two popular handguns: the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Vs CZ P-01 Omega.
My aim is to provide an in-depth comparison based on real-world testing to help you figure out which of these might be the winner for your needs.
In this article, I’ll dive into the specs, handling, and overall performance of each gun.
| Feature | Beretta PX4 Storm Compact | CZ P-01 Omega |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 Rounds | 14 Rounds |
| Action | Double/Single | Double/Single |
| Overall Length | 6.8 inches | 7.2 inches |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9mm LUGER |
| Barrel Length | 3.27 inches | 3.75 inches |
| Overall Height | 5 inches | 5.03 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.42 inches | 1.38 inches |
| Weight Unloaded | 27.2 oz | 28.1 oz |
Overview: Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact blends Italian design with versatility and performance.
Specs
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
- Action: Double/Single
- Overall Length: 6.8 inches
- Sights System: 3 Dot System
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Barrel Length: 3.27 inches
- Overall Height: 5 inches
- Overall Width: 1.42 inches
- Weight Unloaded: 27.2 oz
Overview: CZ P-01 Omega
The CZ P-01 Omega is a robust and reliable firearm, known for its durability.
Specs
- Magazine Capacity: 14 Rounds
- Action: Double/Single
- Overall Length: 7.2 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
- Height: 5.03 inches
- Width: 1.38 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum 7075-T6
- Grip Material: Rubber
- Weight Unloaded: 28.1 oz
Features Comparison: Beretta PX4 Storm Compact VS CZ P-01 Omega
1. Slide Design and Sights
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact boasts an aesthetically pleasing slide with both front and rear serrations. These serrations, while visually appealing, contribute to a somewhat slippery feel during operation.
Additionally, the pointed design of the decocker can be a bit uncomfortable during frequent use. The standard white dot sights on the PX4 Storm Compact are functional, providing basic visibility, but they don’t stand out as exceptional in terms of precision or low-light performance.
CZ P-01 Omega
In contrast, the CZ P-01 Omega features a more utilitarian slide design. It incorporates front and rear serrations which are functional and contribute to a better grip.
The P-01 Omega is distinguished by its internal rail system, lowering the bore axis and potentially enhancing shooting dynamics. This lower bore axis can lead to reduced muzzle rise and better control during rapid firing.
The tactical version is equipped with advanced suppressor night sights, offering a significant improvement in visibility and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions.
Winner
The CZ P-01 Omega claims victory in this category. Its practical slide design, complemented by the lower bore axis due to the internal rail system, results in improved control and handling.
The addition of superior suppressor night sights provides a clear advantage over the PX4 Storm Compact’s standard sights, especially in terms of accuracy and low-light performance.
2. Controls and Accessibility
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
The PX4 Storm Compact is equipped with a non-ambidextrous but swappable magazine release and an ambidextrous slide lock. The controls are ergonomically placed, making them easily accessible during operation.
A distinctive feature is the type F safety/decocker located on the slide. While this adds versatility to the firearm, the pointed nature of the decocker might be a concern for some users, potentially causing discomfort during prolonged use.
CZ P-01 Omega
The CZ P-01 Omega, alternatively, offers a non-ambidextrous magazine release (also swappable) and a slide lock that doubles as a takedown lever.
This design choice may affect accessibility for some shooters, especially those with smaller hands. The P-01 Omega does not feature a manual safety, but it does have a decocker.
This setup emphasizes the gun’s focus on practicality and straightforward use, appealing to those who prefer a no-frills approach to firearm controls.
Winner
The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact narrowly edges out in this category. Its ambidextrous slide lock and the dual-purpose safety/decocker provide a level of flexibility and user-friendliness that is highly valued, especially for shooters who appreciate having multiple control options at their disposal.
3. Trigger Mechanism
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
The PX4 Storm Compact’s double-action/single-action trigger offers a diverse shooting experience. In double-action mode, the trigger pull is substantial yet manageable, measuring just under 11 pounds.
The transition to the lighter single-action mode is smooth and seamless, providing a noticeable difference that can enhance shooting precision. The trigger’s consistent and predictable break in single-action mode is particularly advantageous for accuracy-focused shooting.
CZ P-01 Omega
Similarly, the CZ P-01 Omega features a double-action/single-action mechanism. Its double-action pull, while heavy, is characterized by its smoothness, easing the shooter into the firing process. The single-action mode stands out for its crispness and reduced travel, offering a refined shooting experience.
This crisp trigger pull in single-action, combined with the tactile feedback it provides, aids significantly in achieving precise shot placement.
Winner
The CZ P-01 Omega takes the lead in this aspect. Its crisp and responsive single-action trigger pull, coupled with superior tactile feedback, offers a slight but notable advantage for shooters seeking precision and control.
This makes the CZ P-01 Omega particularly suitable for scenarios where accuracy and controlled shooting are paramount.
4. Ergonomics and Grip
Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact offers a distinctly European flair in its design. It features three interchangeable backstraps (small, medium, large), which I found quite useful for customizing the grip to my hand size.
The texture on the front and back straps is moderately aggressive, providing a good grip without being abrasive. However, the side panels are quite slick, which could be a downside for some shooters.
CZ P-01 Omega
The CZ P-01 Omega, on the other hand, has a different approach to ergonomics. It doesn’t offer interchangeable backstraps, but the grip is naturally more slender, which I personally prefer.
The addition of the thin checkered LOC grips enhanced the handling for me, giving it a more classic feel reminiscent of a 1911. The front and back straps lack aggressive texturing, which might be a downside for those who prefer a more tactile grip.
Winner
Comparatively, the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact edges out slightly in this feature, mainly due to the customizable backstraps and better texturing on the front and back, offering a more tailored and secure grip, especially for varied hand sizes.
Pros & Cons: Beretta PX4 Storm Compact
Pros
- Interchangeable backstraps for custom grip
- Moderately aggressive grip texture
- Ambidextrous slide lock
Cons
- Slick side panels
Pros & Cons: CZ P-01 Omega
Pros
- Slender grip favored by many shooters
- Superior suppressor night sights
- Lower bore axis due to internal rail system
Cons
- Front and back straps could use better texturing
- Slide lock less accessible for some shooters
Similarities Between Beretta PX4 Storm Compact & CZ P-01 Omega
- Both are double-action/single-action firearms
- Similar overall height and width dimensions
- Accessory rails for additional attachments
- Both have non-ambidextrous magazine releases (but are swappable)
- Comparable unloaded weights
Differences Between Beretta PX4 Storm Compact & CZ P-01 Omega
- PX4 has a rotary barrel system; P-01 does not
- PX4’s grip panels are slicker compared to P-01
- P-01 has a lower bore axis than the PX4
- PX4 features a type F safety/decocker on the slide; P-01 has a decocker but no safety
- PX4’s slide design is more stylized, while P-01’s is more utilitarian
- PX4 has standard white dot sights; P-01 Omega has superior suppressor night sights
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact and the CZ P-01 Omega, it’s time to conclude this comparison. Both handguns exhibit exceptional qualities, catering to different preferences and shooting styles.
However, in the grand scheme of things, one firearm slightly edges out the other in terms of overall performance and versatility. Based on the cumulative evaluation of features like slide design, sights, controls, accessibility, trigger mechanism, and ergonomics, my choice as the winner is the CZ P-01 Omega.
FAQs
What is the magazine capacity of the PX4?
The Beretta PX4 Storm typically comes with a magazine capacity of 17 rounds, offering ample ammunition for various shooting needs.
Does the Beretta PX4 have a safety?
The Beretta PX4 Storm does not feature a manual safety in some of its models. For instance, the Type C is a single-action-only model with a spurless hammer and no manual safety.
Why is Beretta expensive?
Beretta firearms are often priced higher due to their use of high-quality materials and precision manufacturing. They also invest heavily in research and development to innovate and ensure reliability.
