Locked-breech, rotary-barrel pistols offer enhanced accuracy and reduced recoil due to their unique operating systems. Aside from Stoeger, some other manufacturers use the system to help their pistols stand out from the pack. Here are seven rotary-barrel pistols from Beretta and Grand Power.
Beretta PX4 Storm
The Px4 Storm uses the same short-recoil, rotating-barrel action as the Model 8000 Cougar and the same trigger and safety system as the 92 series. The Storm uses a polymer frame with modular interchangeable backstraps to fit all hand sizes. (http://www.beretta.com)
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Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.55-7.68 inches
Weight: 27.7 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 17+1 (9mm), 14+1 (.40)
MSRP: $650
Beretta Px4 Storm Compact Carry
Built with input from Ernest Langdon, this new model features a low-profile “G” decocker so the pistol is always ready to fire in DA mode. This slide has a thinner profile and wears a grey Cerakote finish. (http://www.beretta.com)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.27 inches
OA Length: 6.8 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: HiViz night
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: N/A
Beretta Px4 Storm Compact
This is the compact version of the Px4 Storm with a 3.27-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.8 inches. The Px4 Storm Compact offers a smaller package for better concealment. It is easy to maintain and field-strips quickly. (http:/www.beretta.com)
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Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel: 3.27 inches
OA Length: 6.8 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 15+1 (9mm), 12+1 (.40)
MSRP: $650
Beretta Px4 Storm SD Type F
The Special Duty (SD) variant was designed for the USSOCOM Joint Combat Pistol program. It uses a polymer frame with a Dark Earth finish, a matte black steel slide and a rotating barrel chambered in .45 ACP. (http://www.beretta.com)
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.5 inches
OA Length: 8.27 inches
Weight: 28.6 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Black, Dark Earth
Capacity: 9+1, 10+1
MSRP: $1,150
Grand Power K100
Grand Power pistols are manufactured in Slovakia and use a similar rotating-barrel system. The K100 is a full-sized, polymer-framed pistol with a traditional DA/SA trigger system. All of the K100 pistol’s controls are oversized and ambidextrous for fast and easy manipulations under stress. The backstrap is also modular so a perfect grip is easy to attain for a variety of shooters. (http://www.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
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Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel: 4.3 inches
OA Length: 8 inches
Weight: 26.1 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 15+1 (9mm), 12+1 (.40)
MSRP: $629
Grand Power P1
Think of this Grand Power pistol as a more compact version of the K100. The 9mm P1 pistol has all of the same features of the K100 but is lighter and smaller for easier concealment with a 3.7-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.4 inches. It still retains an impressive 15+1 capacity while weighing 24.4 ounces unloaded. It also comes with fixed three-dot sights. (http://www.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.7 inches
OA Length: 7.4 inches
Weight: 24.4 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity:15+1
MSRP: $629
Grand Power P11
The 9mm P11 is a trimmed-down, rotary-barrel pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. With an overall length of only 7 inches, an unloaded weight of 22.5 ounces and a 12+1 capacity, the P11 offers deep concealment with plenty of firepower. Front and rear slide serrations make the P11 easy to operate in high-stress situations. (http://www.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
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Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.3 inches
OA Length: 7 inches
Weight: 22.6 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 12+1
MSRP: $615
