Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension Review

Let’s Review the Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension

For those of us who rely on our firearms for more than just a casual trip to the range, having dependable equipment is paramount. When I picked up my Beretta APX Carry, I quickly realized that while the pistol itself is a solid piece of hardware, the standard 6-round magazine, while functional, left a little to be desired in terms of grip. This led me to seek out the Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension. It’s a small component, but as any experienced gear user knows, the devil is often in the details.

My particular APX Carry, a reliable everyday carry choice, felt a bit cramped in my hand with its flush-fit magazines. Reloading, while swift, always felt like I was just barely getting a full purchase on the grip during a hasty magazine swap. This is where the appeal of an extended magazine comes in, offering not just a potential capacity boost (though this specific model is still 6 rounds) but, more importantly, an improved handling experience. My initial thought upon receiving this unit was one of quiet satisfaction; it looked exactly like a factory-spec magazine, promising seamless integration.

I had briefly considered aftermarket options, but given the critical nature of firearm magazines and my preference for factory-spec reliability when it comes to core components like magazines, I opted to stick with Beretta’s own offering. This decision was driven by a desire for guaranteed compatibility and a peace of mind that generic magazines sometimes struggle to provide. The prospect of a magazine that would fill that slight void in my grip was, frankly, a welcome relief.

Real-World Testing: Putting Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing began on a brisk Saturday morning at my local indoor range. The APX Carry is primarily my concealed carry firearm, so any accessory needs to perform flawlessly under pressure and in typical defensive scenarios. The primary goal was to see how this new magazine would improve my grip during shooting and, crucially, during reloads.

I conducted a series of drills, including timed magazine changes and extended firing sessions. The conditions were controlled, a familiar environment of fluorescent lights and the smell of gunpowder. The magazine performed as expected, feeding rounds smoothly into the chamber without any hiccups.

My first impression was indeed one of intuitive usability. There was no learning curve; the magazine simply slid into the pistol’s magazine well with the familiar, satisfying click. The extended portion immediately filled the gap that had previously existed below my pinky finger, providing a much more substantial and secure purchase on the pistol’s grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying the APX Carry with this magazine loaded in its primary position, and using the flush-fit magazines as spares, I can confidently speak to its day-to-day reliability. It’s become my go-to magazine for carry because the enhanced grip is that significant. The pistol feels more stable and controllable during live fire, translating into more accurate follow-up shots.

Durability hasn’t been an issue thus far. The steel construction feels robust, and the polymer pinky extension is securely attached. I’ve not encountered any cracks, stiffness, or noticeable wear and tear, even after countless reloads and dry-fire practice sessions. The feed lips remain precisely shaped, ensuring consistent feeding.

Maintenance is as simple as any other firearm magazine; a quick wipe-down and occasional cleaning of the follower and spring is all that’s needed. It’s a direct OE replacement, meaning it requires no special care beyond what you’d give to the original. Compared to some budget magazines I’ve used in other platforms that developed feeding issues or cracked baseplates, this Beretta offering has proven to be a superior piece of equipment.

Breaking Down the Features of Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension

Specifications

This particular magazine is a factory-specified Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension. It is constructed from durable steel for the main body, ensuring longevity and consistent spring tension. The magazine holds 6 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition.

The defining feature is its integrated pinky extension, which is made from a robust polymer. This extension is specifically designed to fill the ergonomic void below the grip, providing a more comfortable and secure handhold for shooters whose pinky finger would otherwise hang off the standard flush-fit magazine. The overall finish is typically blued for corrosion resistance, and it matches the aesthetic of the Beretta APX Carry pistol perfectly.

The steel construction is crucial for reliability, as it provides the necessary rigidity to withstand constant pressure from the spring and ammunition. The 6-round capacity makes it ideal for concealed carry where magazine size is often restricted by local laws or desired for easier concealment. The pinky extension is not just for aesthetics; it directly contributes to shooter control and comfort, which are critical factors during dynamic shooting situations or for individuals with larger hands.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – reliably feeding ammunition – this magazine excels. It performs identically to the factory magazine that came with the pistol, which is precisely what you’d hope for in a direct OE replacement. The follower moves smoothly, and the spring provides consistent pressure from the first round to the last.

The key improvement here lies in its enhanced ergonomics. The pinky extension provides a full, three-finger grip on the APX Carry pistol, which significantly increases control and stability. This is particularly noticeable during recoil management and rapid fire, where a more secure grip directly translates to better accuracy and faster follow-up shots.

While it doesn’t increase the ammunition capacity beyond the standard 6 rounds, this is not its primary purpose. Its strength lies entirely in improving the shooter’s interface with the firearm. For those who find the flush-fit magazine’s grip too short, this is an almost essential upgrade for improved handling.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is a direct replication of the OEM magazine’s internals, ensuring perfect compatibility. The steel body is precisely formed, with smooth welds and clean lines. The pinky extension, molded from a durable black polymer, is seamlessly integrated, appearing as a natural extension of the pistol’s grip.

Ergonomically, this magazine is a significant improvement for many users. It transforms the feel of the APX Carry from a compact grip that requires careful finger placement to a more fully-featured handle. The texture of the polymer extension provides a positive grip, preventing slippage even with sweaty hands.

The thoughtful design means that reloading is just as fluid as with the original magazine. The witness holes, if present on the base model, are retained, allowing for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds. The overall build quality feels robust and purposeful, reflecting Beretta’s reputation for solid manufacturing.

Durability & Maintenance

As a steel-bodied magazine with a polymer extension, this unit is built for endurance. I anticipate it will last for years of regular use without issue. The spring is designed for consistent tension over thousands of cycles, and the follower is made from a material resistant to wear.

Maintenance is straightforward and requires no special tools beyond a magazine disassembly tool or a sturdy punch for field stripping. Cleaning the follower, spring, and interior of the magazine tube is simple and recommended periodically to ensure optimal performance. The pinky extension can be easily wiped clean.

Potential failure points are minimal, largely confined to the spring losing tension over extreme time or the polymer extension becoming damaged from impact. However, given the quality of materials and construction, these are unlikely scenarios for typical use. The 6-round capacity also places less stress on the spring compared to higher-capacity magazines.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension is essentially an accessory itself, designed to enhance the functionality of the base pistol. It does not typically come with additional accessories. However, its purpose is to provide a more comfortable grip, which in turn can enhance the effectiveness of other accessories like lights or laser modules attached to the firearm’s rail.

There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself, beyond perhaps cosmetic enhancements. Its primary value is in its functionality as a grip enhancer, not as a platform for further modification. It is a component designed for a specific pistol model, and its compatibility is limited to the Beretta APX Carry.

Pros and Cons of Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension

Who Should Buy Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension?

This magazine is an excellent choice for any owner of a Beretta APX Carry pistol who finds the standard flush-fit magazine’s grip too short. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with medium to large hands who want to achieve a full, three-finger grip for enhanced control. This includes casual shooters, those training for self-defense, and anyone who prioritizes comfort and shootability in their concealed carry firearm.

Those who should likely skip this product are individuals with exceptionally small hands who find the flush-fit magazine already provides ample grip. Additionally, if maximizing ammunition capacity is the sole priority, then looking at aftermarket extended magazines (which may require different internal components or may not be factory-spec) would be necessary, though those often sacrifice the compact nature. For those who carry the APX Carry, investing in a few of these enhanced magazines is a smart move for improved handling.

Conclusion on Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension

The Beretta APX Carry 6 Round Magazine with Pinky Extension is a small but impactful upgrade that delivers on its promise of improved ergonomics and shooting control. For its price point of $39.89, it offers exceptional value by enhancing the fundamental user interface with the firearm. It’s a testament to how a well-designed accessory can elevate the performance of an already capable pistol.

I would absolutely recommend this magazine to any Beretta APX Carry owner who feels their grip is compromised by the flush-fit magazine. It’s a straightforward, reliable, and effective solution that brings a noticeable improvement to handling and shooting comfort without compromising the pistol’s core design principles. If you own an APX Carry and your pinky finger wants a home, this magazine is the perfect place to put it.