My dilemma

M

Micro man

New member
Need some of the members opinion on my problem. Really like the Beretta PX4 Storm. Checked prices in my area and they run about $560 before taxes. I have a really hard time justifying spending that kind of money with one son still in college. The Stoeger Cougar can be had around here for about $370.

According to things I have read they are essentially the same gun with the Cougar being made in Turkey and I'm not sure where the Storm is made. It would help me make my decision to buy the Cougar or not if I could get some input from members who have owned one, or if I should wait until I can afford the Beretta.

Thanks for your time.
Micro man
 
Stoeger rocks!

While the finish may not be quite as good as the Beretta I REALLY like my Stoeger Cougar 8040. It is an absolute JOY to shoot.

It's accurate. Shoots anything including my cast bullet handloads.

Aluminum frame so it is probably a little heavier than the Storm.

Best $329 I ever spent on a gun.

I shot a 9mm Storm and did not notice anything better about one gun over the other.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

All the Best,
D. White
 
To me handguns come in three varieties:

Heirloom guns - guns that are going to be passed down. In this case buying a name may be worth it. Its a gun you don't intend to sell and intend to cherish.

Self defense guns - either nightstand or concealed carry these guns must be certain reliability standards

Range gun - doesn't matter what the name is. Doesn't even really matter if it is not 100% functional.

Obviously guns can cover more than one category. Others may have more.

What I see you buying is not an heirloom gun (sorry if this offends PX4 fans). Most of the time its not big deal and I would tell people to spend the extra $200 and buy the gun he or she really wants. But in your case $200 is a lot of money in college. Buy the Cougar and don't look back - both will be equally as impressive at the range and both will serve adequately for defense.
 
You can always buy the cougar shoot it and if you dont like it sell it and get the storm. Or you can keep it cause you like it and still get the storm once the son is out of school. (even better he can buy it for you for his graduation gift to you) ;)
 
The Stoeger Cougar is being discontinued this year. Sad, but so did the Beretta Cougar when the PX4 was released.

The PX4 was the product improvement over the Cougar. They redesigned the locking block/recoil assembly, increased capacity, and went with a polymer frame with removable back straps. Really, it came down to polymer verses alloy frame.

Both guns can be converted to decock only very easily. Both guns can be paired up with a CX4 (92 can be, as well). Neither gun has a huge aftermarket.

Personally, I think the PX4 is a better purchase. Stoeger is owned by Beretta, but I have had some crappy experience with Turkish guns... my Mossberg trap gun is back for time number two for a cracked stock (first time was a part of the forend not finished and the action locking up when one barrel was fired... ejector issue). I'm sure Stoeger is a better ran production line than run of the mill Turkish company, but having a 9mm PX4 and had a .45 PX4 (sold because it was too big for carry and got a Glock 30S for that)... I definitely recommend them.

Just a suggestion for rotating barrel pistols... lube them. My PX4 is actually nickel-boron plated, but I use grease (Shooters Choice) on the barrel/locking block/rails.
 
I've never owned neither, but I've shot a couple PX4s and done quite a bit of side by side comparison between the two. the cougar is heavier than the storm. storm is made in italy(btw). the cougar has a takedown method similar to the beretta 92fs, while the PX4 has the glock style takedown. the PX4 has a nicer trigger, otherwise the difference is mostly just fit and finish. I would enjoy owning either, but the PX4 is the one on my wishlist. I would want a cougar around $300, the PX4 in my area usually goes on sale for around $500.
 
The PX4 really is excellent. I don't have personal experience with the Cougar so I can't tell you how much better the PX4 is. I just know that I like it more than a lot of other current DA/SA offerings. I know I like it more than a lot of other handguns, period. The PX4 trigger is good right out of the box. It's a soft shooter that handles .40 S&W very well and is a darling in 9mm. I like the feel of it too.

For what it's worth, I think the PX4 is very attractive for a polymer gun. I definitely like it better than the Cougar as far as aesthetics are concerned. One thing that helps this immensely, as well as streamlining the profile for carry and eliminating the need to fiddle with a manual safety, is upgrading to the low-profile levers. Of course, that's something that you can save for later. For now, I'd strongly recommend taking the time to save up a little extra and scout around for better prices while you're at it.
 
++Stoeger Cougar. I have one. A sweet machine. The black finish on mine is great. Rotating barrel reduces recoil IMHO. Get one while you can.
 
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