Now that I own a Beretta PX4 Model C and a Springfield Armory XDm I feel I should compare them. Both guns are designed with ergonomics in mind. Both guns are comparable in price range with the XDm costing a little more, but it comes with a few more accessories and a nicer case. Both have similar features and similar capacity. In the end I expect these firearms to have similar capabilities and performance.

Both handguns come with interesting packaging. The XDm comes in one of the nicest cases I have ever seen while the PX4 comes in a smallish case that includes an anti-crush cup. Inside the cases there was a handgun, documentation, two magazines, a magazine loader, a cable lock, and two additional back straps. Inside the XDm case there was a brush, a holster, and a dual mag carrier. Inside the PX4 case there was a cleaning kit with a rod,a nylon brush, and a copper brush. Most people I know do not use the included holster and mag carrier. Considering that aside from the cleaning kits, holster, and mag carrier both handguns are equipped about the same there is no clear advantage to either gun when considering included accessories.

With both handguns empty and an empty magazine inserted the PX4 is notably lighter, and somewhat smaller than the XDm. The PX4 looks more “organic” and seems more comfortable than the Xdm when gripped. The “Super Luminova Sights” of the PX4 need to be “charged” via exposure to light in order to work in the dark so when carried in the dark or concealed the sights do not function as night sights. The XDm features 16+1 capacity while the PX4 features 14+1 meaning that you loose only two rounds of ammo should you choose the PX4 over the XDm. Changing back straps on the XDm can be difficult and does require a punch and hammer while the PX4 requires a large flat head screwdriver to remove the retaining clip. The XDm uses a traditional tilting barrel design while the PX4 uses a rotating barrel. My PX4 uses Beretta’s “Constant Action” trigger which moves the hammer like a double action, but like a single action has no second strike capability while the XDm is a pure single action trigger. The shorter trigger pull on the XDm is better out of the box, has a shorter reset, and is lighter than the PX4′s trigger. The XDm is a striker fired and the PX4 is hammer fired. The PX4 just barely edges out the XDm in the aesthetics, features and feel category.

Finally both guns make a trip to the range and get to toss a few rounds towards some targets. The XDm’s slight capacity advantage was not really noticeable at the range, after all its only two shots. The PX4 does have less noticed recoil than the XDm. The sights on the PX4 do cause me some trouble as they use a center hold sight picture where the XDm uses the six o’clock sight picture that I learned and trained with. The whole sight picture issue makes the PX4 difficult for me to shoot in factory trim. The XDm has no problem with wet or sweaty hands but the PX4 gets to be a little slippery. Both handguns have aftermarket solid metal guide rods available to help reduce muzzle flip if you wish to go that route. In regards to safety devices both handguns have the drop safety however the XDm has the Grip Safety, and the “Ultra Safety Assurance” Trigger safety. I should note that the PX4 is available in other models that feature different triggers and safety options. Due to my ability to shoot the XDm better than the PX4 I have to give the XDm the edge in the shooting category.

After reviewing Internet chatter, marketing materials, and so forth I have to conclude that Springfield Armory Designed the XDm with competition shooters in mind. The biggest clue to that being the matched grade barrel from the factory. Beretta on the other hand seems to have targeted the Law Enforcement with the PX4 storm family and the C model more specifically. The biggest clue to that being some of their materials stating all but the “F model” being for Law Enforcement Only. The mag loader that comes with the XDm is far better than the unit that ships with the PX4 in my own personal opinion With the installation of a Hogue slip on grip the PX4 would become easier to handle with wet or sweaty hands. When shooting the two handguns I can shoot the XDm better than the PX4, but that is caused by the OE sight picture. Finally I have concluded that in order for myself to choose the PX4 over the XDm for concealed carry I would have to install aftermarket sights and a Hogue, or similar, slip on grip.

1: This is my own observation based on features, and literature, and Internet noise.
2: The PX4 Model C trigger is a hybrid between a single and a double action trigger, while the XDm has a single action trigger.
3: The PX4 sights work in the dark for a limited amount of time only after exposure to sufficient light. The XDm typically does not have night sights.
4: Both guns have interchangeable grip panels, however the PX4 is easier to change and uses tools found in most homes.
5: The PX4 Model C has a firing pin block safety. The XDm has a firing ping block, grip safety, and safe action trigger safeties.