The question of whether the Beretta APX is discontinued is a complex one, not easily answered with a simple "yes" or "no." While Beretta hasn't issued a formal announcement declaring the APX discontinued, its current market presence and Beretta's strategic focus suggest a shift away from this model. Let's delve deeper.
Beretta APX: A History in Brief
The Beretta APX, launched in 2017, aimed to compete in the crowded striker-fired handgun market. It offered a polymer frame, a modular design allowing for customization, and a reputation built on Beretta's long history of firearm manufacturing. The pistol received mixed reviews; while some praised its ergonomics and reliability, others found its trigger to be less than stellar compared to competitors.
The Current Market Situation: Evidence Suggesting a Phase-Out
While you can still find Beretta APX pistols for sale from various retailers, several factors suggest a potential phase-out, or at least a significant reduction in production and marketing emphasis:
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Reduced Availability: Many online retailers and gun stores show limited stock or have removed the APX from their catalogs altogether. This reduced availability indicates a decline in production or distribution.
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Lack of New Variants or Upgrades: A key indicator of a company's continued investment in a product line is the release of new versions or upgrades. The absence of significant updates or new APX variants in recent years points towards a waning interest from Beretta.
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Beretta's Shifting Focus: Beretta has recently focused more heavily on other pistol lines and firearm categories, potentially diverting resources and attention away from the APX.
What Does This Mean for Current APX Owners?
The potential phase-out of the Beretta APX shouldn't unduly concern current owners. Beretta has a long history of providing parts and service for its firearms, and it's unlikely they would abandon support for a model that is still in circulation. However, it's wise to acquire any necessary replacement parts sooner rather than later, in case supply becomes further constrained.
Conclusion: Not Officially Discontinued, But Likely Winding Down
While there's no official statement declaring the Beretta APX discontinued, the evidence strongly suggests that production is winding down. The reduced availability, lack of updates, and Beretta's shift in focus all point towards a gradual phase-out of the APX from their product lineup. Potential buyers should expect to find fewer options and potentially higher prices as remaining inventory is sold. Those already owning an APX can anticipate continued, though possibly decreasing, support from Beretta.
