Ok, So I was 99% set on building an AR. I'm on a bit of a budget, and was looking at the Del-Ton kits. I had placed an order, but it's going to be about 4-6 weeks before the kit ships.

 

I was just looking at the Cx4 Storm on Bud's website, and $649 isn't a bad deal at all... I think i'm leaning toward the CX4 over the AR (for now, at least). The Beretta will most likely be cheaper for me in the long run, as the ability to blow money on parts and upgrades for the AR is infinite.

 

Now the choice is 40S&W or 45ACP... the .45 CX4 is limited to 8 rounds, while the .40 comes with 14 round mags...

 

I'm going to be using the gun mainly for range use, and probably for HD.

Not 9mm? 9mm you can get 15 round mags for easy. Px4 15-rounders. Or even 92 15-rounders.

 

Also - Look at my AR thread - I'm putting together a budget AR too

The cost of 9mm ammo and 223 are not so far apart these days. You could shoot an AR for pretty close to the same price, especially if you are willing to shoot the cheap stuff.

The 9mm/40S&W uses Beretta Storm or 92FS/96FS mags (depending on which Storm Carbine model you get, and there is a conversion kit to swap between the mag types). If you go with the 45ACP, you are forced to use the more expensive (and much less common) Beretta Cougar mags. 45ACP does not gain much being shot from a longer barreled gun. The 9mm gains the most. All are deadly accurate at indoor range distances. I could tear out the center of the 10 ring at 25 yards with my 9mm Storm Carbine.

I may just go for the 9mm version. I have a Glock 19, so it would be easier to stick with one caliber. When I move in a few months I'll be putting in for a few permits when I change my address on my FID, so a G21 may be on the list down the line.

All things being equal I say go for the .40. One less rounds for more stopping power.

I would argue the stopping power point provided you are using good self defense ammo. To me, 9mm and 45ACP are easier to control than high pressure rounds like 40S&W. That means more rounds put where I intend them to go.

9mm hands down

cheaper ammo, very accurate, and the magazines are 15 rounders.

Go with AR ..... Otherwise .40

Argue stopping power all you want but 9mm is still a good self-defense round, especially when you have a 15rd mag in a carbine as accurate and reliable as the Storm.

 

Along with what Ray said, with expensive and mag capacity, I would highly suggest 9mm.

For $649, get an AR. Your intended uses are home defense and range. AR is better at both. AR ammo is cheaper than .40 or .45. Mags are cheaper. You can change the configuration of the AR cheaply and infinitely without any limitations (other than the law).

 

Are CX4s really that expensive? Well, I guess if you already had an AR I would say get the CX4 if you want one.

I just finished my first AR build, it was also a budget build. The entire rifle cost me just over 650 to build. Only thing I bought new was the Spikes Tactical Lower and DD LPK. Everything else was second hand. It came out great. The CX4 Storm is definitely on my list as well. Gonna be a tough choice.

I have a cx4 storm in 40S&W and it is by far one of the simplest most intuitive guns to just pick up and shoot.... my girlfriend and I have no problem hitting target after target with just the "iron sights" it comes with.. I have shot the gun out to 200 yards hitting chest size steel with not a ton of trouble... the gun is simple.. lightweight.. and breaks down pretty small... I can't wait to live in PA so I can get some higher capacity mags for it.. lol.. thinking about getting an eotech for it..

thinking about getting an eotech for it..

 

 

no co-witness with an EOtech

 

Aimpoint or Burris for a true co-wintess

Well I went with the 9mm CX4. I actually ordered it on the 28th and had it in my hands 5 days later. Unfortunately due to my work schedule I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet, but hopefully I'll get to go to ShoreShot on Friday Morning.

 

I have learned how to detail strip the entire gun already, mainly to clean out the rediculous amount of oil Beretta ships their guns with.

 

The naked AR lower is still staring me in the eyes every time I open my safe though...

Dooooooo iiiiiiiiiit

 

I'm building an AR - so satisfying

Good choice, what magazines does she use?

92 mags. I had ordered 2 more OEM 15-round mags from CTD for $19, and they arrived the same day as the CX4.

Here's some pics so far. I've only added a TruGlo red dot sight, and the TLR-3 off of my Glock 19.

 

Italian meets Austrian:

Nevermind..... just realized you already made your purchase. .

Edited April 7, 201115 yr by Regulator72