Beretta APX RDO Review

Every time I get a new gun from Beretta to review I get excited, and the Beretta APX RDO review is no exception. This was one of the launch models for the APX when it came out, and it my opinion it’s the best.

Before we’ve reviewed the APX Centurion, and like the Centurion the APX RDO uses Beretta’s modular grip chassis, so that the serialized part is the trigger group. This means one trigger group can move from different size chassis to create a gun that fits you. During the Beretta APX RDO review I really ended up liking the full size frame that the gun came with.

First things first – the APX RDO comes with many mounts to fit different optic plates. That’s what the RDO stands for, after all. This model is fitted with a Trijicon RMR, which it’s still wearing right now. The RMR is still the gold standard for pistol optics, although other strong contenders like the offerings from Holosun are gaining popularity. During the Beretta APX RDO review I also sent the frame to Boresight Solutions to have it stippled to give me a better grip.

Like the Centurion, I like the slide serrations on the APX RDO. They’re large and functional, and give excellent surface contact area for slide manipulations. The stock trigger is pretty good, breaking crisply at 6 pounds, and installing Beretta’s competition striker drops that about a half pound to 5.5, with minimal take-up and a nice break. It’s the most 1911-esque trigger I’ve ever felt in a striker fired gun, so if you think that’s a good thing you’ll like the APX RDO.

Bottom line: we live in the golden age of striker fired semi-automatic pistols. I did the Beretta APX RDO review because I like Berettas and I’m close with the brand, but the truth is that you could toss an APX in a bag with a VP9, a Glock 19, a Walther PPQ, an M&P, and a Sig P320 then give that bag a good shake. Once it’s all jumbled up, reach in and grab whatever pistol comes out and you’ll be fine. It’s a good time to be alive and a good time to buy a Beretta.

Caleb Giddings
Caleb Giddings is a scotch enthusiast with a writing problem, which is apparently common for writers. He also shoots some guns or something, and is a Master Class shooter in IDPA and NRA Action Pistol. You should definitely follow him on instagram