Beretta APX A1 Full Size 9mm
Model: JAXA1F917FO
Beretta APX A1 Full Size 9mm
Model: JAXA1F917FO
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Beretta redesigned the APX platform from the ground up for the A1 generation, and the Full Size ships with features that most striker-fired 9mms charge extra for or lack entirely. The spec sheet reads 17 rounds, 29 oz, and a 4.25-inch barrel in a 7.5-inch frame. The optic-ready slide, fiber optic front sight, and Aquatech Shield corrosion coating all come standard. The serialized chassis lifts out of the polymer grip frame, a modular approach that lets Beretta offer different frame sizes on the same fire control group. Three interchangeable backstraps adjust grip circumference without aftermarket parts.
The 6-lb trigger is where the APX A1 gives ground. The Canik METE SFT breaks at 3.8 lbs, the HK VP9 at 5.4 lbs, and the Walther PDP Full Size at 5.6 lbs. Owners describe the APX A1's wall as defined and the break as clean, but 2.2 lbs more pull weight than the METE SFT is a gap that shows up during rapid strings. The Aquatech Shield finish is Beretta's answer to salt spray and humidity, a proprietary coating on both the barrel and slide that outperforms standard nitride treatments in corrosion resistance.
The APX A1 does its best work as a home defense or duty gun in harsh environments. The Picatinny rail accepts standard weapon lights, the fiber optic front sight picks up ambient light faster than three-dot systems, and the 6.1-inch sight radius is longer than the VP9's 4.09-inch barrel allows. Italian manufacturing from a company that has been building firearms since 1526 carries its own weight on the reliability question. Shooters who prioritize corrosion resistance and factory-included optic readiness over trigger refinement will find the APX A1 does exactly what Beretta designed it to do.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The Aquatech Shield coating on both the barrel and slide provides corrosion resistance above standard nitride finishes, a measurable advantage for shooters in coastal or high-humidity climates
- Ships optic-ready with a fiber optic front sight and adapter plates for common red dot footprints, eliminating two upgrades that most full-size 9mms require after purchase
- The 6-lb trigger is 2.2 lbs heavier than the Canik METE SFT's 3.8-lb pull and 0.6 lbs heavier than the HK VP9's 5.4-lb break, making it one of the heaviest stock striker triggers in the full-size class
- No suppressor-height sights included despite the optic-ready slide, so mounting a red dot blocks the standard-height rear sight and leaves the shooter without co-witnessing backup irons
- The APX magazine ecosystem is smaller than Glock or Sig, with fewer aftermarket options and less availability at local retailers compared to those established platforms
Category Rankings
How the Beretta APX A1 Full Size 9mm ranks among full-size 9mm Luger handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What red dot optics fit the Beretta APX A1 Full Size?
The APX A1 ships with adapter plates for common red dot footprints, including the Shield RMSc and Docter/Noblex patterns. Holosun 407K/507K models fit with the included plates. Larger optics like the Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C require checking Beretta's published plate compatibility list for the correct adapter. Beretta has updated plate configurations across production runs, so confirm the plate number printed on the included adapter before purchasing an optic.
Does the Beretta APX A1 use the same magazines as the 92FS or PX4?
No. The APX platform uses proprietary magazines that do not interchange with the 92-series, PX4 Storm, or any other Beretta handgun line. The APX A1 Full Size ships with two 17-round magazines. Mec-Gar, the OEM supplier for most Beretta magazines, also produces APX magazines that are functionally identical to the factory units. Extended 21-round magazines are available from Beretta for range use or home defense setups where grip length is not a concern.
How does the Aquatech Shield finish compare to standard nitride coatings?
Aquatech Shield is Beretta's proprietary surface treatment applied to both the barrel and slide. It is engineered for salt spray and sustained humidity exposure, conditions where standard nitride finishes can develop surface corrosion over time without regular maintenance. Owners in Gulf Coast and Southeast states report that the APX A1 shows less wear and oxidation than nitride-finished competitors stored in the same conditions. The coating does not eliminate the need for cleaning, but it extends the interval between maintenance sessions in corrosive environments.