Is a Beretta APX a Good First Gun?

When considering a sidearm for the first time, the choice of firearm can significantly impact your journey in learning and mastering the art of handgun handling. The Beretta APX is indeed an awesome starting gun, noted for its low bore axis, which reduces felt recoil. This makes it a very soft-shooting handgun compared to some other models, such as the Springfield X9. If you have an APX A1, it’s likely your Everyday Carry (EDC) firearm and your favorite handgun.

Advice if You Already Have an APX

If you already own a Beretta APX, here are some key pieces of advice to help you make the most of this firearm:

Magazines and Accessories: It's crucial to have a minimum of 6–12 magazines and a high-quality holster along with a pair of mag pouches. Invest in a real gun belt, not a sub-standard one from Walmart. Ammunition: Purchase a case of ammunition, ideally around 1000 rounds to build your skills effectively. Professional Instruction: Find a quality instructor. It may take some time to find the right one, especially since all your questions will be answered through training and practice.

Why Not Buy an APX as Your First Gun?

However, if you're still thinking of getting an APX as your first pistol, you might want to consider some factors before making your decision:

Magazines as Consumables

Magazines are essential but consumable items. You’ll need to clean and occasionally replace parts as you use them to build a skill set. At the moment, Brownells, a reliable source, is out of stock and the price is quite high, which is more than twice what I spend on the same quality for my firearms.

Limited Availability of High-Quality Accessories

It's challenging to find a quality holster for an APX locally. You might only find flimsy and low-quality options at Walmart or local gun shops. A well-fitted holster is a critical piece of equipment for learning pistolcraft. Just as you wouldn't park a Porsche under a tree, you should store and transport your firearm in a secure and ready-to-use manner.

Inadequate Access to Parts and Maintenance

Parts for the APX are hard to find because of market forces and their lack of widespread use by law enforcement or military groups. This lack of availability means you might need to source parts and ammunition from specialty retailers, which can be both expensive and challenging.

Shooter Choice and Personal Fitness

Ultimately, the decision to take up an APX or any other firearm should be based on individual choice and fit. A good instructor will encourage you to test various firearms to find what works for you. Don’t limit yourself to weapons that only certain instructors prefer; instead, find a firearm that serves as a key tool in developing your skills. The goal is to be a well-informed and capable shooter, not just a fan of a single brand or model.

Conclusion: In the quest to find the right sidearm, remember that the process of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable shooter is one of personal choice and constant learning. Whether you end up with a Beretta APX or another firearm, the journey is what truly matters in mastering the art of handgun handling.