The Beretta APX is Beretta's modern striker-fired duty pistol, launched in 2017 as the Italian gunmaker's competitor to Glock and Sig in the modern service-pistol market. It made it to the final round of the US Army XM17 trials, was adopted by Italian Carabinieri and several law-enforcement agencies, and is now one of Europe's most respected striker-fired pistols. This officially licensed Umarex CO2 replica brings that modern duty platform to airsoft.
What makes the real APX special
The APX is built around a modular fire-control unit - the same trigger group can be moved between full-size, compact and combat frames. It uses a striker-fired action (no exposed hammer), aggressive frame texturing, front and rear slide serrations, and a smooth, consistent trigger pull. The frame ergonomics were developed with US and EU law-enforcement input, and the result is a genuinely comfortable grip that points naturally for most hand sizes.
About the half-blowback design (be informed)
This replica uses a half-blowback system. Here's what that means in practice: when you fire, the metal slide visibly moves backward, giving you the visual recoil and the look of a working pistol. However, unlike a true gas-blowback (GBB), the slide does not cycle a fresh BB into the chamber and does not cock the gun - the firing cycle is internal. What you trade in realism, you gain in three real-world advantages:
- More power per shot - gas isn't "wasted" cycling a full slide, so more energy goes to the BB (~1.4 J)
- Far more shots per CO2 capsule - typically 2× the count vs a comparable GBB
- Lower price - half-blowback systems are simpler and more reliable, which is reflected in the price
If you want pure GBB realism, choose a full-blowback model. If you want a powerful, economical, durable CO2 pistol that still looks alive when you fire, the APX is exactly the right pick.
Modern looks, working specs
- Type: CO2 half-blowback airsoft pistol (semi-auto)
- Length: 190 mm
- Weight: 685 g
- Muzzle energy: ~1.4 J (0.20 g BBs)
- Calibre: 6 mm BB
- Power: 12 g CO2 capsule (in magazine)
- Magazine: 15 rounds
- Slide: Full metal, half-blowback effect
- Hop-up: Fixed (non-adjustable)
- Safety: Sliding safety
- Markings: Licensed Beretta APX
- Best for: Modern duty-pistol fans, CQB sidearms, players who want striker-fired feel
Tip: pair with a 5-pack of Hungarian-made 12 g CO2 capsules - the APX's gas economy means a single pack gives you a long session.
Want full GBB recoil and an OD-green finish? The Beretta APX RDO OD (full gas blowback) is the premium version - gas-powered with real recoil kick, 22-round magazine, optics-ready slide with three RMR adapter plates included.
Prefer a softer, easier trigger? Try the Sig Sauer SP2022 CO2 (€89) - same modern duty-pistol category but with the lightest, smoothest trigger pull in this price range. Made in Taiwan by Cybergun/KWC.
