Beretta Mx4 Storm
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Submachine Gun · In Production · 2003
Also known as: Mx4 Storm, Cx4 Storm
Overview
The Beretta Mx4 Storm is an Italian select-fire submachine gun developed by Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta as the military and law enforcement version of the civilian Cx4 Storm semi-automatic carbine. Introduced in 2003, the Mx4 Storm operates on a straightforward blowback principle with a closed-bolt, hammer-fired mechanism, chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum with a .45 ACP variant also available. The weapon features a fiberglass-reinforced technopolymer frame that keeps the weight to just 2.48 kg empty, a 312mm barrel, and an overall length of 647mm with its fixed stock. A key design feature is magazine compatibility with the Beretta 92 pistol series, allowing forces equipped with Beretta sidearms to share ammunition and magazines for improved logistics. The three-position fire selector offers safe, semi-automatic, and full-automatic fire modes at a cyclic rate of approximately 950 rounds per minute. The Mx4 features a full-length MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for optics mounting, fully ambidextrous and reversible controls, and an automatic firing pin block safety integrated with a hammer safety for safe carry. Adopted primarily by the Italian Navy's Special Forces (Comforsbarc), Indian paramilitary forces, and several other nations, the Mx4 Storm provides a lightweight, ergonomic platform for close-quarters operations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2480 g (87.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 647 mm (25.47") |
| Barrel Length | 312 mm (12.28") |
| Height | 189 mm (7.44") |
| Width | 63 mm (2.48") |
| Sight Radius | 327 mm (12.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 390 m/s (1280 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 567 J (418 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 950 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- .45 ACP — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Automatic Firing Pin Block, Hammer Safety
- Features: Closed Bolt Firing, Select Fire, Fixed Stock, Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Beretta 92 Magazine Compatible, Iron Sights, Polymer Construction, Reversible Controls
Variants
- Beretta Cx4 Storm — Semi Auto Civilian
Service history
Operators
- Italian Navy (Comforsbarc) · adopted 2013 · as Mx4 Storm
- Indian Border Security Force · as Mx4 Storm
- Libyan Armed Forces · adopted 2009 · as Mx4 Storm
- Portuguese Armed Forces · as Mx4 Storm
- Venezuelan National Guard · as Mx4 Storm
Conflicts
- Libyan Civil War (2011)
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Italian Navy ordered 90 units in 2013. Libya ordered 1,900 units in 2009. Limited overall military adoption.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
The Mx4 Storm shares its external design and many components with the civilian Cx4 Storm, but adds a select-fire trigger group and military-grade durability enhancements. The Cx4 Storm has been significantly more commercially successful in civilian markets, while the Mx4 has seen more limited military adoption. The weapon's magazine compatibility with the Beretta 92 series is a significant logistical advantage for military and police forces already equipped with Beretta 92/M9 pistols, as it allows standardization of ammunition magazines across primary and secondary weapons. The Italian Navy ordered 90 units in 2013 with delivery in 2014, followed by a second order in 2017. Libya ordered 1,900 units in 2009, though delivery was complicated by the subsequent Libyan Civil War. The Mx4 Storm features a reciprocating charging handle and the upper and lower receivers are both constructed from fiberglass-reinforced technopolymer, making it one of the lighter submachine guns in its class. The fire selector button is reversible for both right and left-handed operation.
Background
The Mx4 Storm's key selling point is magazine compatibility with the Beretta 92 pistol series, allowing military and police forces to share magazines between their sidearm and submachine gun. The civilian Cx4 Storm semi-auto carbine version has been significantly more commercially successful than the select-fire Mx4.