Beretta PMX: a new sub-machine gun Made in Italy
The new Beretta PMX sub-machine gun has been showcased at the 2017 MILIPOL expo in Paris: the Beretta PMX will replace the Beretta PM12 series, introducing an overall general improvement in ergonomics, portability, and performance
The Beretta PMX sub-machine gun has been introduced at the 2017 MILIPOL expo in Paris
In the past year or so, rumors started spreading about Beretta Defense Technologies – the branch of the Beretta Holding group dedicated to military, law enforcement, and government sales – to be on its way to introduce a new sub-machine gun other than the already-announced Mx4 Storm and reportedly based on the Swiss-made B&T P26 semi-automatic large size pistol.
At the 2017 edition of the MILIPOL expo in Paris (France), in late November, rumors found confirmation: Beretta showcased its brand new PMX sub-machine gun. Available for export to military, law enforcement and government entities, the new Beretta PMX is rumored to have already been optioned by the Carabinieri (the Italian Gendarmerie corps) as a replacement for the currently-issued, aging Beretta PM12-S and PM12-S2 sub-machine guns.
The Beretta PMX sub-machine gun seen from the right side, with its stock unfolded
Low width makes the Beretta PMX very easy to keep readily accessible on a service vehicle
In recent years, the market has shown an increasing attention towards short-barreled full-caliber assault rifles. Nonetheless, nowadays sub-machine guns still make lot of sense for many military and law enforcement operators, still enjoying a fair market share, particularly within Police forces in Europe.
Boosting numerous improvements in terms of functionality, maneuverability, cosmetic and technical features and ergonomics if compared both to the semi-automatic B&T P26 and to Beretta PM12 and Mx4 Storm sub-machine guns, the PMX is built from modern materials (machined aluminum upper receiver, polymer lower) and is designed to be a modern, versatile, reliable select-fire weapon for Police patrol, VIP protection, and tactical operations.
Beretta's new SMG, the PMX, seen from the left side, stock unfolded
Squeezing some rounds through the Beretta PMX: small size and light weight do not negatively afflict controllability in full-automatic fire
The Beretta PMX is 418 mm / 16.4" long overall with its stock folded, and 64 cm / 25.19" long with the stock open. The buttstock folds on the right side through a hinge, and is manufactured out of rigid, solid polymer. An alternative tactical telescoping stock is also available.
The Beretta PMX is a select-fire, closed-bolt, blowback-operating firearm; the bolt group is machined out of special high-strenght steel and features a double return spring for reliability.
The rate of fire ranges between 800 and 900 rounds per minute in full-automatic fire. Closed-bolt operation makes the PMX safer to carry with a chambered round and ready to use if compared to the Beretta PM12-S open-bolt design.
The small size and light weight of the Beretta PMX make it perfectly viable for VIP protection as well as tactical purposes
The Beretta PMX sub-machine gun feeds through straight magazines holding up to thirty rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition; magazines are manufactured out of translucent polymer, allowing the user to perform a quick check of remaining ammunition, and also provide a last round bolt open function. The overall weight of the PMX with a fully loaded magazine ranges around 2,5 kilograms (5.5 lbs), which is a significative improvement over the 3,8 kilograms (8.3 lbs) of its predecessor, the Beretta PM12.
The overall width of the PMX ranges from 74 mm (2.9") to 86 or 100 mm (3.3" / 3.9") depending from the position of the cocking handle and the stock: yet another feature that makes it superior to the PM12, as it can be more easily carried concealed for close protection duties and just as easily used in confined spaces.
The PMX sub-machine gun features a special steel 17.5 cm / 7" barrel with a 1:9" twist rate and a three-lugs attachment system for sound suppressors. All metal surfaces are treated to resist corrosion and wear, making the Beretta PMX apt to be used in hostile environments.
The Beretta PMX seen from the left side, with its stock folded: the safety-fire selector switch and the magazine catch are factory-ambidextrous, while the cocking handle can be reversed
The Beretta PMX seen from the right side with its stock side-folded: a full set of Picatinny rails ensure compatibility with all sorts of tactical accessories and optical sighting systems
The side-folding solid polymer stock of the Beretta PMX can be replaced with an aluminum telescopic/collapsing stock for tactical applications
Ergonomics and ease of use tell the Beretta PMX drastically apart from its forerunners. The selector switch – offering a safety, a semi-automatic fire and a full-automatic fire options – is located on both sides of the frame, and so is the magazine release catch; the slide stop - bolt-open release lever is located only on the left side of the frame.
The cocking handle can be unscrewed from its factory position and installed on the opposite side, making the gun user-ready for left-handed and right-handed users alike.
The line of sight of the Beretta PMX sub-machine gun is 20 centimeters long (7.87"). Italian-made LPA flip-up removable sights are issued with each sample – the rear sight being adjustable for windage, the front sight for elevation.
The Beretta PMX sub-machine gun, field-stripped
A full-length top MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail allows the use of any COTS or MOTS optical sight, while additional Pic rail segments at 3-o'clock, 6-o'clock and 9-o'clock positions on the forend provide attachment points for vertical foregrips, laser sights, tactical lights, and much more. Built-in attachment rings for a tactical sling are located on both sides.
The PMX represents Beretta's return on the sub-machine guns market with a truly valuable and modern entry, albeit at a time when the threat of military body armor is pushing more and more military units and law enforcement entities to focus on short-barreled assault rifles or small-caliber high-velocity proprietary PDWs.
Conclusion: we long to see the new Bereta PMX in action!
