PX4 Full Size vs Compact

M

Mike P. Wagner

New member
I have my FiveSeven on consignment at my local gun shop - if it sells for what they think it will sell for, I will be able to by a new pistol.

I think that I am going to get a PX4 - I am fascinated by different mechanisms. At one point I had a CZ-52 in part for its roller locking.

I am trying to decide between a compact and full size. I am not very concerned about concealed carry - this will mainly be used at the range and for home defense. The only place I can see myself carrying in the near future is at synagogue, and I don't feel as though I need deep concealment there - I would not be at all concerned about printing, etc., while carrying (permitless open carry is legal in my state).

All of that leads me to think that full size is a good match. The only thing that gives me pause is that I think that the compact is more popular - and that makes me think more support/accessories will be available for the compact.

My sense is the full size shoots better, but I don't know how much difference less than an inch of barrel length makes - maybe it makes a difference, maybe it does not.

How differently do they shoot?
 
I have a full size PX4 in .40 S&W and another in .45 ACP. No experience with the compacts.

As for my 2 full sized PX4s, they are my best shooting pistols, and my favorite semi auto pistols.
 
Pay close attention if you go for one of the smaller variants of the PX4. Some of them are not rotating barrel designs.
 
I have the 9mm full sized PX4 and love it. It's one of the most accurate pistols I own, probably because it fits my hand perfectly. It you want the pistol carbine CX4, you can get it with a PX4 magazine.

To me, the Compact doesn't make sense. It's just as thick as the full-sized, so it doesn't really carry better. If you're not going to carry, why not get the larger gun?
 
I rented a Compact in .40 and was impressed with its ability to handle recoil. It was milder shooting than larger.40s I own. It had the rotating barrel design mentioned by John KSa which is crucial to the fine way it controls recoil.

I recall Beretta has offered a Compact Carry in 9mm with features specified by Ernest Langdon. Expensive, but looked like a nice package. Also should have the rotating barrel design.
 
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