Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Vs Walther P99

I’m excited to share my hands-on experience with two impressive firearms: the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact Vs Walther P99. 

As a professional shooter, I’ve put these guns through their paces in the field, testing them rigorously to determine which one comes out on top. 

My aim in this article is not just to throw specs and numbers at you, but to give you a real-world perspective on how these guns perform. 

Feature	Beretta PX4 Storm Compact	Walther P99
Caliber	9x19mm	9mm
Magazine Capacity	15 rounds	10+1
Barrel Length	3.27 inches	3.5 inches
Overall Length	6.8 inches	6.6 inches
Overall Height	5 inches	4.3 inches
Overall Width	1.42 inches	1.3 inches
Weight (Unloaded)	27.2 oz	21.5 oz
Trigger System	Double Action/Single Action	Double Action/Single Action

Overview of Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

The Beretta PX4 Storm Compact is a fusion of Italian design, versatility, and top-notch performance. 

Specs

• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
• Overall Length: 6.8 inches
• Caliber: 9x19mm
• Barrel Length: 3.27 inches
• Overall Height: 5 inches
• Overall Width: 1.42 inches
• Weight Unloaded: 27.2 oz

Overview of Walther P99

The Walther P99 is a firearm that combines German engineering precision with modern tactical efficiency. 

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
• Overall Length: 6.6 inches
• Height: 4.3 inches
• Width: 1.3 inches
• Weight: 21.5 oz. (Unloaded)

Features Comparison of Beretta PX4 Storm Compact VS Walther P99

1. Shooting & Handling

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

The PX4’s shooting experience is something special, largely thanks to its rotating barrel mechanism. This design offers a stable and intuitive feel, especially in single-action mode. 

However, its double-action trigger can be a bit of a letdown, with a bit more overtravel and a tendency to disrupt the sight picture slightly when the hammer falls. But when it’s just about precision and carving out holes in targets, the PX4 is a sheer joy to shoot.

Walther P99

The P99 excels with its fantastic single-action trigger – crisp, subtle, and allowing for a firm connection to your aim. The transition from double-action to single-action is incredibly smooth, with a short reset that stands out. 

Its ergonomics, designed deliberately and intentionally, mitigate recoil issues splendidly. Although slightly snappier due to its light weight, the unique ergonomics keep the muzzle flat, making it feel like a rapid-fire machine gun when run hard.

Winner

When comparing the two, the PX4 edges ahead in the shooting department, but only just. Its rotating barrel mechanism provides a superior shooting feel, making it stand out, especially for target shooting. 

However, the P99’s seamless transition between double and single-action and its exceptional ergonomics make it a close contender. 

For shooters who prioritize smooth trigger action and ergonomics, the P99 might be the better choice, but overall, the PX4’s unique shooting characteristics give it a slight edge.

2. Recoil Management

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

The PX4’s rotating barrel not only contributes to its shooting feel but also significantly enhances recoil management. This mechanism softens, lengthens, and relaxes recoil impulse, making for a more comfortable shooting experience. 

It notably reduces muzzle rise, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. This feature is particularly advantageous for shooters who spend long hours at the range, as it minimizes fatigue and maintains accuracy over extended shooting sessions.

Walther P99

The P99, with its Browning tilt barrel design, provides a more standard recoil experience. However, its light weight makes it a bit snappier. 

That said, the ergonomics of the P99; especially its well-designed grip, play a significant role in managing recoil. The design ensures that, despite its lighter frame, the muzzle stays flat and responsive under rapid fire. 

This makes the P99 a good choice for those who value a light, responsive handgun.

Winner

In terms of recoil management, the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact takes the lead compared to the Walther P99. The PX4’s unique rotating barrel mechanism provides a smoother recoil profile, which is particularly noticeable during rapid firing and long shooting sessions. 

While the P99’s ergonomic design does an admirable job at keeping recoil in check, especially for its weight class, the PX4’s approach to recoil management makes it more user-friendly and less fatiguing to shoot over longer periods.

3. Concealed Carry Ergonomics

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

The PX4 Storm Compact, although a solid performer at the range, presents some challenges for concealed carry. Its widest slide among my collection translates to a noticeable girth when carried, especially in tighter clothing. 

This can make concealing the PX4 more challenging and less comfortable for extended periods. However, its overall size still falls within the acceptable range for a concealed carry weapon, especially for those who prioritize firepower and shooting comfort over absolute concealability.

Walther P99

The P99, being slightly slimmer and lighter than the PX4, offers a more comfortable carry experience. Its size and weight make it a preferable choice for everyday concealed carry. However, its unique ‘lobe’ which is the part of the slide that extends back, over the backstrap can be a bit intrusive, especially when carried in the appendix position. 

This feature might require some adjustments or additional cushioning for comfort. Despite this, its slimmer profile overall provides a balance between concealability and functionality.

Winner

For concealed carry ergonomics, the Walther P99 outperforms the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact. The P99’s slimmer and lighter design offers a more comfortable and less obtrusive carry experience, making it better suited for everyday concealed carry. 

4. Trigger System

Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

The PX4’s trigger system in single-action mode is a delight, offering a smooth and intuitive shooting experience. However, its double-action trigger is where it falls a bit short, displaying more over-travel and a tendency to slightly disrupt the sight picture. 

Despite this, the transition from double to single action is fairly smooth, and the overall trigger system is reliable and predictable, making it a solid choice for both range shooting and self-defense scenarios.

Walther P99

The P99’s trigger system shines, especially in single-action mode. It offers a crisp break and a very subtle yet tactile feel, which greatly aids in accuracy and control. 

The double-action trigger is also commendable, providing a smooth take-up and an excellent break, similar to the single-action mode. The trigger reset is notably short, allowing for quick follow-up shots. This seamless transition between modes makes the P99’s trigger one of its standout features.

Winner

The Walther P99 wins in the trigger system category compared to the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact. Its crisp, subtle, and efficient single-action trigger, combined with a smooth and seamless double-action transition, provides a more refined shooting experience. 

The PX4’s trigger is commendable, but the P99’s superior single-action feel and exceptionally short reset make it the preferred choice for those who value precision and rapid follow-up capabilities in their shooting.

Pros & Cons of Beretta PX4 Storm Compact

Pros

• Excellent recoil management with rotating barrel mechanism.
• Stable and intuitive shooting experience.
• Reliable and predictable trigger in single action.
• Good ergonomics for comfortable handling.

Cons

• Double-action trigger has more over-travel.
• Wider slide can be a challenge for concealed carry.
• Slightly heavier, which may affect long-term carry comfort.

Pros & Cons of Walther P99

Pros

• Exceptional trigger system with crisp single-action mode.
• Smooth transition from double-action to single-action.
• Slimmer and lighter, better suited for concealed carry.
• Good ergonomics and recoil management.

Cons

• Not as plush in recoil feel compared to PX4’s rotating barrel.

Similarities Between Beretta PX4 Storm Compact & Walther P99

• Both are polymer-framed, double action/single action midsize 9mm handguns.
• Comparable overall lengths (PX4: 6.8 inches, P99: 6.6 inches).
• Both have a strong reputation for reliability.
• Suitable for range shooting and self-defense.
• Manufactured by renowned European firearms companies.

Differences Between Beretta PX4 Storm Compact & Walther P99

• PX4 has a rotating barrel mechanism; P99 uses a Browning tilt barrel design.
• PX4 is slightly heavier and wider than P99.
• PX4 has a 15-round magazine capacity; P99 has a 10+1 capacity.
• PX4’s double-action trigger has more over-travel compared to P99.
• P99’s trigger system provides a crisper and more tactile response.
• P99 is slightly more comfortable for concealed carry due to its slimmer profile.

Final Verdict

After extensively testing both the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact and the Walther P99, I’ve arrived at a conclusion that might surprise some. 

Each gun has its strengths, with the PX4 excelling in recoil management and the P99 shining in its trigger system. But when it comes down to overall performance, versatility, and a balance between shooting comfort and practicality, one gun edges out slightly ahead. 

My pick, after careful consideration and hands-on experience, is the Beretta PX4 Storm Compact. 

Its superior handling in various shooting scenarios, combined with its ergonomic design and effective recoil management, makes it an exceptional firearm for both range shooting and self-defense. 

FAQ’s

Why was the Walther P99 discontinued?

The Walther P99 was discontinued primarily because it struggled to gain a significant foothold in the American market compared to competitors like Glock, FN, Beretta, and S&W, despite doing well overseas.

Is the Walther P99 a good gun?

Yes, the Walther P99 is a good gun, renowned for being a proper double-action/single-action pistol, similar to the Beretta 92x and Sig P226, and offering a unique trigger system and decocker.

Who uses the Walther P99?