{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "beretta-apx", "name": "Beretta APX", "manufacturer": { "id": "beretta", "name": "Beretta" }, "category": "pistol", "action": "striker-fired-short-recoil", "calibers": [ "9x19mm Parabellum", ".40 S&W" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "APX A1", "APX Centurion" ], "coversAlso": [ "APX A1", "APX Centurion", "APX Carry" ], "page": "firearms/beretta-apx.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/beretta-apx.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "This work order is written for the Beretta APX. It is reported to cover APX A1; APX Centurion; APX Carry — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.", "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "medium", "verification": "community-reviewed" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "published", "limit": null, "statement": "Beretta gives field stripping plus removal of the serialized chassis (firing mechanism) from the polymer frame. It does not say to stop there; it warns not to alter firing-mechanism parts and that altering them voids the warranty.", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": "37", "pdfPage": 39, "pageUrl": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf#page=39", "quote": "Beretta APX A1 pistols have a chassis that carries the serial number and firing mechanism. The frame can easily be removed for maintenance or to be replaced with an alternate unit." } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 2, "group": "pistol", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "54 line items in Beretta's APX A1 list, above the Glock range; a punch-only chassis gun but with several small snags: a magazine catch under heavier spring pressure that can fly, a sear spring that snags while the sub-frame goes back in, a fiddly striker end-plate plunger, and a stiff stamped sub-frame to pry open. Easy for Tier 2.", "confidence": "medium", "partCount": { "value": 53, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "Complete pistol incl. magazine and S/M/L backstraps; the parts list on this page = 'Parts Listing' (list p. 48, exploded view p. 49), full-size APX A1 in one caliber; 54 pieces", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": "48–49", "pdfPage": 50, "pageUrl": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf#page=50", "quote": "L LARGE BACKSTRAP" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "The magazine catch on the full-size APX is under more spring pressure than the Carry's and can fly off when its lock pin is pushed out.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Disassembly Guide: Beretta APX A1 (Full Size)", "publisher": "Apex Gunsmithing", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://apexgunsmithing.com/disassembly-guide-beretta-apx-a1-full-size/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Be aware that unlike the Carry, there's more spring pressure on it and it could fly off if you aren't careful!" } }, { "issue": "When the sub-frame goes back into the grip shell, the hook end of the sear spring gets trapped or crushed unless it is held out of the way.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Disassembly Guide: Beretta APX A1 (Full Size)", "publisher": "Apex Gunsmithing", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://apexgunsmithing.com/disassembly-guide-beretta-apx-a1-full-size/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Before you fully seat the sub-frame into the grip shell, watch that the hook end of the sear spring doesn't get trapped or crushed into the grip shell." } }, { "issue": "The slide end plate needs the captive striker spring held out of the way while its locking plunger is pushed in with a punch.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Disassembly Guide: Beretta APX A1 (Full Size)", "publisher": "Apex Gunsmithing", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://apexgunsmithing.com/disassembly-guide-beretta-apx-a1-full-size/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "You need the neon green captive striker spring out of the way and to push the locking plunger in with a punch. It's fiddly, but not super difficult thankfully." } }, { "issue": "Reinstalling the chassis requires checking that the cocking lever spring leg has caught the groove of the rear chassis pin.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Check that the cocking lever spring leg has engaged the groove of the pin" } }, { "issue": "The dovetailed steel sights are to be moved with Beretta's dedicated APX sight tool.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "it is recommended to use the tool (Beretta Sight Adjustment Tool for APX 800J18) specifically developed by Beretta for replacement" } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 20, "rebuild": 30, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimate for an experienced tech with the right tools, detail strip to coatable parts (slide internals, frame pins, trigger group, sights) and rebuild to a function-checked gun; scale used across pistols: Glock-pattern 15/20 min, other strikers 20-30/25-40, DA/SA hammer guns 30-35/45-50, Hi-Power, Colt 1903 and Mark 23 40-45/60-75. Chassis gun;", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Slide", "removes": [ "slide end plate", "striker assembly and return spring", "striker block and spring", "extractor, plunger and spring", "front sight", "rear sight" ], "tools": [ "punch", "Beretta APX sight tool" ] }, { "assembly": "Barrel", "removes": [ "barrel", "recoil spring assembly" ] }, { "assembly": "Grip frame / chassis", "removes": [ "takedown lever", "rear chassis pin", "chassis (sub-frame)", "slide stop pin and slide stop", "trigger pin and trigger/slide stop spring", "sear assembly", "magazine release, plunger, pin and spring", "backstrap" ], "tools": [ "punch", "brass hammer handle to spread sub-frame" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 7, "springs": 11, "detents": 2, "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "Beretta Sight Adjustment Tool for APX (800J18)", "usedFor": "Dovetail sights (manufacturer recommendation)" }, { "tool": "Small punch", "usedFor": "End-plate locking plunger, chassis pins, magazine release pin" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Cocking lever spring leg in the rear chassis pin groove", "why": "The manual has the tech confirm it by pushing the pin back and checking for movement", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Check that the cocking lever spring leg has engaged the groove of the pin" } }, { "check": "Sear spring position before seating the sub-frame", "why": "The spring can rotate and get crushed into the grip shell", "source": { "title": "Disassembly Guide: Beretta APX A1 (Full Size)", "publisher": "Apex Gunsmithing", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://apexgunsmithing.com/disassembly-guide-beretta-apx-a1-full-size/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Before you fully seat the sub-frame into the grip shell, watch that the hook end of the sear spring doesn't get trapped or crushed into the grip shell." } }, { "check": "Sight position / re-zero", "why": "Drift or pressed sights moved for coating shift point of impact unless witness-marked and returned to the same spot", "source": null }, { "check": "Full function check (trigger reset, safeties, slide lock-back, drop of striker/hammer only on trigger)", "why": "Standard after any fire-control strip; confirms springs and sears went back correctly", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [], "configurations": [], "tools": [], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Press the magazine release and remove the magazine.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Retract the slide fully to eject any chambered round and lock it open." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Visually inspect the chamber and magazine well, then physically feel the chamber to confirm it is empty.", "warning": "Look and feel. Both, every time." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure and leave the slide locked to the rear." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Rotate the takedown lever on the frame downward until it stops." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Hold the slide, release the slide stop, and ease the slide forward off the front of the frame.", "warning": "Control the slide rather than letting it fly forward.", "partsFreed": [ "Slide assembly" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Lift the recoil spring assembly out of the inverted slide.", "warning": "Under spring tension.", "partsFreed": [ "Recoil spring assembly" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Lift the barrel out of the slide.", "partsFreed": [ "Barrel" ] } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Slide assembly", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Recoil spring assembly", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Barrel", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": { "parts": 54, "scope": "'Parts Listing' of the current APX A1 manual (list p.48, exploded view p.49), full-size APX A1 in one caliber. The original APX manual (C6A123 002, per-caliber rows) and APX Carry A1 manual were not used." }, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [ { "component": "Frame", "material": "Fibreglass reinforced polymer", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "APX A1 Full Size and Tactical (threaded barrel)", "note": null, "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Frame … Fibreglass reinforced polymer" } }, { "component": "Chassis", "material": "Stainless steel", "finish": null, "appliesTo": null, "note": null, "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Chassis … Stainless steel" } }, { "component": "Slide", "material": "Steel", "finish": "paint finishing", "appliesTo": null, "note": null, "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Slide … Steel with paint finishing" } }, { "component": "Barrel", "material": "Steel", "finish": "bluing finishing", "appliesTo": null, "note": null, "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Barrel … Steel with bluing finishing" } }, { "component": "Sights", "material": "Steel", "finish": null, "appliesTo": null, "note": null, "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Front sight … Steel, blade, dovetailed to slide … Rear sight … Steel, notched bar, dovetailed to slide" } }, { "component": "Whole firearm", "material": null, "finish": "Black", "appliesTo": null, "note": "The maker states this for the firearm as a whole, not for a named part.", "source": { "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Colour … Black" } } ], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Set the barrel into the inverted slide and seat it fully forward." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Seat the recoil spring assembly into the cut in the barrel lug and press it down into the slide channel.", "tip": "It seats in the lug cut, not on the barrel itself." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Set the slide onto the frame rails and push it rearward until it seats." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Return the takedown lever to its locked position.", "warning": "Confirm the takedown lever is fully returned before the pistol goes back into service." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Rack the slide several times and perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"Using the screws, fasten the sight onto the slide using an allen key. Details on different screws and keys are given in the chart.\" (Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01), PDF p. 43 (Aiming device installation)) \"The original screws come with a drop of glue applied; if it could not be enough the use of Loctite® is recommended.\" (Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01), PDF p. 43)" }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify the pistol is unloaded with no magazine inserted before each check.", "Rack the slide and press the trigger. The striker should release cleanly.", "Hold the trigger to the rear, rack the slide, then release slowly and confirm the reset.", "Press the trigger again to confirm the striker releases.", "Confirm the slide locks open on an empty magazine and the magazine drops free." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": null, "title": "Beretta APX Owner’s Manual", "publisher": "Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta", "reliability": "primary", "url": null, "accessed": null }, { "n": 2, "id": "beretta-usa-fabbrica-d-armi-pietro-b-f3e076", "title": "Pistol User Manual APX A1 (MAN0011 01)", "publisher": "Beretta USA / Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://dam.beretta.com/content/dam/beretta-usa/user-manuals/APX_A1_Manual.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 3, "id": "tier-336320ab", "title": "Disassembly Guide: Beretta APX A1 (Full Size)", "publisher": "Apex Gunsmithing", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://apexgunsmithing.com/disassembly-guide-beretta-apx-a1-full-size/", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }