Well, it finally happened...(updated w/ pics)

[John]

Congrats... Definitely post a range report. I have a PX4 and do want the compact version. -John

[htxred]

thats cute...

[RECIT]

Was Carter's over priced? Which location did you go to?

[hankintexas]

Well, I might be persuaded to trade my glock 21..........

[agbullet2k1]

Was Carter's over priced? Which location did you go to?

PM sent.

I went to the Pasadena location. They were under MSRP, but well over show prices. They aren't out to rip anyone off.

[longhorn_92]

Kewl, please post a range report. Very nice looking gun.

Would love to hear of the range report!

[agbullet2k1]

No range report yet (I'm shooting for Sunday afternoon while the wife is taking her CPR class). But I can give my initial impression from handling it, taking it apart, and cleaning it.

Of course, the main difference (other than size) between the full size and sc models is the barrel. The barrel on the sc is stainless, and it tilts instead of rotating. It also has a funky bell-bottom thing going with the muzzle. This makes cleaning the grime out of the barrel end a bit troublesome.

Other than that, there are a few tight places in the slide that take some effort to wipe down, but I managed to get all the crevices clean. Due to the bell-bottom barrel, the muzzle opening on the slide is very large, which makes inserting the old toothbrush pretty easy.

The frame feels extremely solid. That's about all I can say about that.

The recoil spring is obviously smaller than the full size PX4's, but if there is a remotely weak point in the gun, I feel this is where it would lie. It took relatively little effort to flex it (although it still didn't flex that much). I haven't noticed any other mention of this online, so I'm thinking most people a) didn't notice or b) don't care. I have no doubt that it will function, but my concern lies with life expectancy. I will eventually look for a metal version. Maybe I was just looking for a weak point though...I do tend to be a bit picky. I'll see if I can ever get my camera to cooperate so I can get a visual of the flex, and you guys can be the judge.

On a positive note, the spring is pretty easy for my wife to pull back, so it gets her approval.

The pinky extension on the magazine (the 2nd magainze does not have the extension) will definitely require break-in if it is to be engaged while drawing. It comes pretty tight from the factory. The magazines share their bigger brothers' pension for thumb-numbing if you don't use the "speed"loader. That 13th round is a chore...

The takedown pin is another difference from the full size PX4. As you can see from the pictures, it's a pull out pin instead of a pull down lever.

The basic operation of the gun is identical to the full size PX4. This includes the 3 position hammer and safety/decocker. The magainze release is reversible, just like the full size. Unlike the full size, the slide release is the lower profile one (available for full size G model as an aftermarket option). I really can't wait to put this thing through the paces. I've still got a stockpile of ammo I was going to use at forum day at PSC, and this seems like a worthy time to use it.

I'll also be testing Remington Golden Sabers, Speer Gold Dots, and Winchester Rangers (all 124gr +P) to see which gets to camp in the magazine on a daily basis.

More to come...

[dihappy]

Anyone figure out what that cup thingy is for yet?

Its either there to hold bullets (wierd) or to keep the gun case from caving in, but i dont know.

[stevie_d_64]

Ancient weapons and hokey religions are no match for a good blaster at your side...

Nice aquisition there muh man!

[agbullet2k1]

Anyone figure out what that cup thingy is for yet?

Its either there to hold bullets (wierd) or to keep the gun case from caving in, but i dont know.

The nearest I can tell, it's to keep the case from caving in. I must say that Beretta has to save a ton of money on cases, because they definitely are the worst I've seen in a major brand. 13 rounds of 9mm won't fit in it, so that takes care of that. It brings back memories of the Pizza Hut 3-prong thingee.