Beretta PX4 Type F 9mm Fieldstripping Q

Jofaba · April 4, 2009, 06:25 PM

I just purchased the gun in the title, and have a pretty simple question.

The manual instructs you to lock the slide back before unlocking the takedown lever. But you can unlock the slide without doing that. Is this a safety step built into the instructions, or will unlocking the takedown lever without that step cause damage?

I know that it's more of a casual question; I'd probably save it for pm if I knew any of you yet, but here's the main reason that I ask it in a more formal fashion:

My previous handgun purchase, my Walther P22, has a ton of "safety" features which both render the gun useless and if you don't know what you're doing, can cause destruction to certain parts of the gun. This is the most expensive gun that I've purchased to date, and I don't want to be doing damage, even if minimal, by making a mistake with a field stripping.

Thank you to all that respond, and look forward to becoming part of the community!

btl55823 · April 4, 2009, 06:34 PM

huh thats wierd, my C model doesn't even have the takedown lever, so I couldnt see it being bad for it maybe just a safety they throw into the printed fieldstriping steps. but then again the C doesnt have any safeties and when I looked through the manual there isnt even a mention of the C model. Good luck with your search. dont know if I did you any good.

**JohnKSa** · April 4, 2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

The manual instructs you to lock the slide back before unlocking the takedown lever.

Where are you reading that?

ATW525 · April 4, 2009, 06:57 PM

The slide should be forward when pressing the takedown lever. The pictures in the manual might be somehwat confusing. Figure 10 shows the slide locked back to check the chamber, Figure 11 shows releasing the catch to let slide go forward and Figure 12 shows pushing the takedown lever with the slide fully forward and in battery.

Jofaba · April 4, 2009, 07:12 PM

From page 23 of the instruction manual that came with the firearm:

Remove the magazine and ensure the pistol is unloaded by inspecting the barrel chamber. Retract the slide and block it in the open position.

Rotate the takedown lever approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise to disengage the retaining spring and allow the lever to be pulled from the frame. Keeping the lever in it's 90 degree position (Fig. 12), continue pulling it outwards until a click is heard (at approximately 1/2 in /13 mm of protrusion). It is recommended that the lever be only partially pulled out and allowed to remain in the frame, rather than removing it completely (See Fig. 13)

Release the slide, move it forward and remove it from the frame(See Fig. 14). The recoil spring assembly can now be lifted out of the slide. Tilt the barrel by grasping the cam lug and remove the barrel from the slide (See Fig. 15 and 16)

CAUTION: No further disassembly is recommended unless done by a competent gunsmith.

---

I am pretty sure that it is a safety procedure of clearing the chamber built into the disassembly instructions. I'm just looking for others opinions.

**JohnKSa** · April 4, 2009, 07:14 PM

Those are not instructions for a Beretta PX4.

...unless... Do you, by any chance have a Beretta PX4 Subcompact?

Ok, that is, indeed the procedure for stripping a PX4 subcompact.

I don't know if it would hurt anything or not. I seriously doubt it will damage anything, but the short answer is to follow the instructions in the manual.

The subcompact is a very different pistol from the standard PX4. They are really completely different designs that look similar from the outside.

Jofaba · April 4, 2009, 07:17 PM

Well... it says PX4 Storm on the cover, and I typed all that from the actual manual, no copy pasting there. This manual came inside a new gun case, which was inside a new gun box, all Beretta, all labeled PX4 Storm. I'm not trying to be argumentative, but it's definitely the real deal.

EDIT: I do I do. I see that I failed to mention that and I apologize!

Note: I updated my sig to reflect that change, which was brought to my attention by you. Thank you. To be honest, I thought that the "Type F" was an assignment solely to the subcompact series. I see now that is not the case.

For some self defense against those reading later on in the conversation, my seemingly sarcastic response was in turn of his first paragraph. Each paragraph of his is a response to a new paragraph in mine. I'm not used to this format yet, I'm used to responses appearing below the statement in question. I was not trying to be sarcastic; at the time I was unaware that it was not known which version firearm I had, and was trying to prove that I was not lying.

**JohnKSa** · April 4, 2009, 07:59 PM

The Standard PX4 has a rotating barrel action which is somewhat unusual since most recoil operated autopistols use a Browning or modified Browning tilting barrel action. Beretta, it seems, tries to avoid using the Browning action; their 92/96 series use a Walther swinging locking block and their Cougar and Standard PX4 pistols use a rotating barrel.

However, when they designed the subcompact PX4, for whatever reason, they decided to go with the more common Browning action. I suspect it would be very informative to determine the basis for that decision.

Congratulations on your PX4 Subcompact, they are somewhat difficult to find, and by all accounts are excellent shooters!

daferg2 · April 4, 2009, 08:03 PM

I'm just relieved that Beretta hadn't updated my beloved PX4 with a take-down lever (which I like) from the Glock style two-sided take-down latch (that I don't like). I was about to be a little disappointed.

Jofaba · April 4, 2009, 08:16 PM

The takedown lever is actually my one of my only gripes on this gun. It easily pops completely out, and is not easy to put back in. I've studied the action and now, while it comically mimics the instructions (comicly in as "just listen to the damn instructions"), I can do a clean field strip without a problem, and also, as per the subject of this thread, do so minus a seemingly important step mentioned within the manual.

Twist down 90 degrees, pull out. Slide back on, hold tight with thumb, turn 90 degrees left, push in. Very simple. But the design is lacking that if you don't make a process out of that in your mind, it turns into a "push in and turn in circles until it pops in", and is a pretty rough step.

There is a bit of rubbing between double and single action modes, not during firing, only during manual hammer setting, that I think will be solved with gun oil and break in. Otherwise, it's a dream.

At least... that's my impression after 4 rounds. Fingers crossed for some actual ammo volume coming soon to get to know my new firearm.

teetopz · March 26, 2010, 01:25 AM

Almost the same question re: field strippng the Beretta sub-compact. I did completely remove the takedown lever and cannot figure out how to reinsert. The manual provides no help as it states 'recommended that the lever be only partially pulled out'. No mention of how to correct if you do pull it out.

Any suggestions as to how to reinsert would be appreciated.

greyson97 · March 26, 2010, 02:51 AM

someone said you dont need to take the pin all the way out, just until it clicks. putting it back in you have to align the slide just right

Don P · March 26, 2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

However, when they designed the subcompact PX4, for whatever reason, they decided to go with the more common Browning action. I suspect it would be very informative to determine the basis for that decision.

Just my personal thought on this owning a PX4 9mm. Looking at the barrel and the block that rotates the barrel on recoil. On the subcompact perhaps with the short slide-barrel it would be a nightmare maybe impossible to get the rotating barrel configuration to work with regards to the limited travel distance and the easiest way to get it to function with reliability was use the slide back barrel drop design. Just a thought

Gats Italian · March 26, 2010, 12:01 PM

The subcompact couldn't accommodate a rotating barrel, not due to the limited travel available, but due to the limited space for a strong enough locking block beneath the barrel. At least a modified Browning tilt lock up allows the barrel hood to engage the ejection port for lock up, a strong point for the system's use in short slide pistols.

I wouldn't say that Beretta goes out of its way to avoid the Browning lock-up, it's been a tradition of theirs since they began making automatic pistols. It's more likely that since nearly everyone else on the market uses the tilt lock that Beretta sees some value in being different. It's extremely difficult to argue that Beretta's general reliability or accuracy suffers from following a different path.

I like that Berettas feel like oil on glass for not having to overcome a tilting barrel. Both the 92FS and the PX4 full size are noted for being soft shooters too.

Boncrayon · March 26, 2010, 05:18 PM

I have a PX4 Storm F model. The reason you want to lock the slide back is that the slide immediately jumps forward upon release. I suggest you craddle the slide with your other hand as it is released. The spring will shoot the slide forward quickly.

April 4, 2009, 06:25 PM	#1
Jofaba Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2009 Posts: 322	Beretta PX4 Type F 9mm Fieldstripping Q I just purchased the gun in the title, and have a pretty simple question. The manual instructs you to lock the slide back before unlocking the takedown lever. But you can unlock the slide without doing that. Is this a safety step built into the instructions, or will unlocking the takedown lever without that step cause damage? I know that it's more of a casual question; I'd probably save it for pm if I knew any of you yet, but here's the main reason that I ask it in a more formal fashion: My previous handgun purchase, my Walther P22, has a ton of "safety" features which both render the gun useless and if you don't know what you're doing, can cause destruction to certain parts of the gun. This is the most expensive gun that I've purchased to date, and I don't want to be doing damage, even if minimal, by making a mistake with a field stripping. Thank you to all that respond, and look forward to becoming part of the community!

April 4, 2009, 07:14 PM	#6
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,571	Those are not instructions for a Beretta PX4. ...unless... Do you, by any chance have a Beretta PX4 Subcompact? Ok, that is, indeed the procedure for stripping a PX4 subcompact. I don't know if it would hurt anything or not. I seriously doubt it will damage anything, but the short answer is to follow the instructions in the manual. The subcompact is a very different pistol from the standard PX4. They are really completely different designs that look similar from the outside. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association? Last edited by JohnKSa; April 4, 2009 at 07:19 PM. Reason: Added information...

April 4, 2009, 07:17 PM	#7
Jofaba Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2009 Posts: 322	Well... it says PX4 Storm on the cover, and I typed all that from the actual manual, no copy pasting there. This manual came inside a new gun case, which was inside a new gun box, all Beretta, all labeled PX4 Storm. I'm not trying to be argumentative, but it's definitely the real deal. EDIT: I do I do. I see that I failed to mention that and I apologize! Note: I updated my sig to reflect that change, which was brought to my attention by you. Thank you. To be honest, I thought that the "Type F" was an assignment solely to the subcompact series. I see now that is not the case. For some self defense against those reading later on in the conversation, my seemingly sarcastic response was in turn of his first paragraph. Each paragraph of his is a response to a new paragraph in mine. I'm not used to this format yet, I'm used to responses appearing below the statement in question. I was not trying to be sarcastic; at the time I was unaware that it was not known which version firearm I had, and was trying to prove that I was not lying. Last edited by Jofaba; April 4, 2009 at 07:54 PM.

April 4, 2009, 07:59 PM	#8
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,571	The Standard PX4 has a rotating barrel action which is somewhat unusual since most recoil operated autopistols use a Browning or modified Browning tilting barrel action. Beretta, it seems, tries to avoid using the Browning action; their 92/96 series use a Walther swinging locking block and their Cougar and Standard PX4 pistols use a rotating barrel. However, when they designed the subcompact PX4, for whatever reason, they decided to go with the more common Browning action. I suspect it would be very informative to determine the basis for that decision. Congratulations on your PX4 Subcompact, they are somewhat difficult to find, and by all accounts are excellent shooters! __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

March 26, 2010, 01:25 AM	#11
teetopz Junior Member Join Date: March 26, 2010 Posts: 1	Beretta PX4 Type F 9mm Fieldstripping Q Almost the same question re: field strippng the Beretta sub-compact. I did completely remove the takedown lever and cannot figure out how to reinsert. The manual provides no help as it states 'recommended that the lever be only partially pulled out'. No mention of how to correct if you do pull it out. Any suggestions as to how to reinsert would be appreciated.

April 4, 2009, 06:34 PM	#2
btl55823 Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Posts: 20	huh thats wierd, my C model doesn't even have the takedown lever, so I couldnt see it being bad for it maybe just a safety they throw into the printed fieldstriping steps. but then again the C doesnt have any safeties and when I looked through the manual there isnt even a mention of the C model. Good luck with your search. dont know if I did you any good.

April 4, 2009, 06:57 PM	#4
ATW525 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 2,723	The slide should be forward when pressing the takedown lever. The pictures in the manual might be somehwat confusing. Figure 10 shows the slide locked back to check the chamber, Figure 11 shows releasing the catch to let slide go forward and Figure 12 shows pushing the takedown lever with the slide fully forward and in battery.

April 4, 2009, 07:12 PM	#5
Jofaba Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2009 Posts: 322	From page 23 of the instruction manual that came with the firearm: Remove the magazine and ensure the pistol is unloaded by inspecting the barrel chamber. Retract the slide and block it in the open position. Rotate the takedown lever approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise to disengage the retaining spring and allow the lever to be pulled from the frame. Keeping the lever in it's 90 degree position (Fig. 12), continue pulling it outwards until a click is heard (at approximately 1/2 in /13 mm of protrusion). It is recommended that the lever be only partially pulled out and allowed to remain in the frame, rather than removing it completely (See Fig. 13) Release the slide, move it forward and remove it from the frame(See Fig. 14). The recoil spring assembly can now be lifted out of the slide. Tilt the barrel by grasping the cam lug and remove the barrel from the slide (See Fig. 15 and 16) CAUTION: No further disassembly is recommended unless done by a competent gunsmith. --- I am pretty sure that it is a safety procedure of clearing the chamber built into the disassembly instructions. I'm just looking for others opinions.

April 4, 2009, 08:03 PM	#9
daferg2 Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Location: Western Arkansas Posts: 290	I'm just relieved that Beretta hadn't updated my beloved PX4 with a take-down lever (which I like) from the Glock style two-sided take-down latch (that I don't like). I was about to be a little disappointed.

April 4, 2009, 08:16 PM	#10
Jofaba Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2009 Posts: 322	The takedown lever is actually my one of my only gripes on this gun. It easily pops completely out, and is not easy to put back in. I've studied the action and now, while it comically mimics the instructions (comicly in as "just listen to the damn instructions"), I can do a clean field strip without a problem, and also, as per the subject of this thread, do so minus a seemingly important step mentioned within the manual. Twist down 90 degrees, pull out. Slide back on, hold tight with thumb, turn 90 degrees left, push in. Very simple. But the design is lacking that if you don't make a process out of that in your mind, it turns into a "push in and turn in circles until it pops in", and is a pretty rough step. There is a bit of rubbing between double and single action modes, not during firing, only during manual hammer setting, that I think will be solved with gun oil and break in. Otherwise, it's a dream. At least... that's my impression after 4 rounds. Fingers crossed for some actual ammo volume coming soon to get to know my new firearm.

March 26, 2010, 02:51 AM	#12
greyson97 Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,284	someone said you dont need to take the pin all the way out, just until it clicks. putting it back in you have to align the slide just right

March 26, 2010, 12:01 PM	#14
Gats Italian Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Posts: 451	The subcompact couldn't accommodate a rotating barrel, not due to the limited travel available, but due to the limited space for a strong enough locking block beneath the barrel. At least a modified Browning tilt lock up allows the barrel hood to engage the ejection port for lock up, a strong point for the system's use in short slide pistols. I wouldn't say that Beretta goes out of its way to avoid the Browning lock-up, it's been a tradition of theirs since they began making automatic pistols. It's more likely that since nearly everyone else on the market uses the tilt lock that Beretta sees some value in being different. It's extremely difficult to argue that Beretta's general reliability or accuracy suffers from following a different path. I like that Berettas feel like oil on glass for not having to overcome a tilting barrel. Both the 92FS and the PX4 full size are noted for being soft shooters too.

March 26, 2010, 05:18 PM	#15
Boncrayon Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Posts: 920	Beretta PX4 Type F 9mm Fieldstripping Q I have a PX4 Storm F model. The reason you want to lock the slide back is that the slide immediately jumps forward upon release. I suggest you craddle the slide with your other hand as it is released. The spring will shoot the slide forward quickly.