The Beretta Cx4 Storm is a pistol-calibre semi-automaticcarbine aimed at the sporting, personal defense, and law enforcement markets. It is available in two models: one that accepts 92/96 magazines, and one that accepts Px4 series magazines, each available in 9×19mm Parabellum,.40 S&W,.45 ACP, and 9×21mm. The Beretta Mx4 Storm is the military version of the Cx4 Storm, which is capable of fully automatic fire. It features a 12-inch barrel, and most commonly seen with a 30-round magazine.
Design details
Both the Mx4 Storm and Cx4 Storm features a Picatinny railon top of the receiver for mounting modern optics, and a tri-rail adapter for mounting flashlights, laser sights, grips and other accessories. The firearm also has some ambidextrous features, such as being able to switch the fire selector, charging handle, ejection port and magazine release to the left side. The Cx4 Storm was developed to be used in conjunction with Beretta semi-automatic pistols. For example, the magazines for the Beretta 92FS chambered in 9mm can be used in the Cx4. Conversion between Px4 Storm, 92/96 and 8000/8040 Cougar 9×19mm Parabellum/.40 S&W magazines requires two parts. For Px4 magazines the C5C620 magazine insert and C89210 magazine release button are required, for 92/96 the C5A511 insert and C89109 release, for Cougar the C5A670 insert and C89110 release.
Use in crime and mass shootings
In Canada, the Cx4 Storm was the primary weapon used in the 2006 Dawson College shooting. The restricted class firearm had been acquired legally, and a coroner's inquest into the shooting recommended that all semi-automatic rifles be banned in Canada. The Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act passed in 2015 did not include a provision for such a ban. Sales of the CX4 Storm increased in Canada following the shooting, and in 2011, Beretta introduced a non-restricted variant of the Cx4, making it more accessible. On May 1, 2020, the Canadian government reclassified the CX4 Storm to be prohibited firearms.
Users
: On February 14, 2011 an order for 34,377 carbines was placed by BSF personnel. The guns were delivered in two batches: The first batch of 17,000 was delivered in September 2011 and the second batch of 17,377 by March 30, 2012. In January 2012 BSF personnel found excess metal deposits, tool mark scratches, and corrosion in 2,374 carbines, and barrels of four carbines bulged when tested. On March 27, 2012 the Indian Home Ministry asked Beretta to replace 573 carbines. It blamed the defects in some of the other rifles due to improper cleaning and use of bad ammunition. Another order of 34,000 carbines was made. The total order of 68,377 Storm carbines amounts to ₹2504 crore.
: In 2013, the Italian Navy ordered 90 Beretta Mx4 Storms to be delivered in 2014; a second order was placed in 2017.
: In 2009 ordered 1,900 carbines, before the civil war.
: Russian police received a large order of Cx4 carbines with a lengthened 500mm barrel.
