PX4 Full Size vs Compact

Mike P. Wagner · April 13, 2024, 12:33 PM

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?

1972RedNeck · April 13, 2024, 11:22 PM

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.

**JohnKSa** · April 13, 2024, 11:26 PM

Pay close attention if you go for one of the smaller variants of the PX4. Some of them are not rotating barrel designs.

Cirdan · April 13, 2024, 11:33 PM

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?

44caliberkid · April 16, 2024, 10:33 AM

Full size.

Mosin44az · April 17, 2024, 10:36 PM

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.

Mike P. Wagner · April 23, 2024, 11:15 AM

Thanks for all of the input. I picked up a full size PX4 yesterday from my LGS.

April 13, 2024, 12:33 PM	#1
Mike P. Wagner Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Posts: 453	PX4 Full Size vs Compact 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? __________________ PCV Yemen 84-86 Past results are no guarantee of future performance.

April 13, 2024, 11:26 PM	#3
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,023	Pay close attention if you go for one of the smaller variants of the PX4. Some of them are not rotating barrel designs. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 23, 2024, 11:15 AM	#7
Mike P. Wagner Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Posts: 453	Thanks for all of the input. I picked up a full size PX4 yesterday from my LGS. __________________ PCV Yemen 84-86 Past results are no guarantee of future performance.

April 13, 2024, 11:22 PM	#2
1972RedNeck Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2015 Posts: 210	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.

April 13, 2024, 11:33 PM	#4
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	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?

April 16, 2024, 10:33 AM	#5
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,110	Full size.

April 17, 2024, 10:36 PM	#6
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,586	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.