Beretta Cheetah
 |
| Beretta Cheetah | |
|---|---|
 The Beretta 84 Cheetah. | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |  Italy |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Beretta |
| Produced | 1976–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length |
|
| Cartridge | |
| Action | Blowback |
| Feed system | Magazine of capacity;
|
The Beretta Cheetah, also known with its original model name of "Series 80", is a line of compact blowback operated semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. They were introduced in 1976 and include models in .32 ACP (Model 81), .380 ACP (9 mm Short) (Model 84, 85 and 86) and .22 LR (Model 87).
Variants
BB models
Improvements to the original Cheetah resulted in the BB suffix (e.g. 81BB). These models have a loaded chamber indicator and firing pin safety. Later BB models replaced the original wooden grips with black plastic grips.
FS models
Current production models are in the FS configuration (e.g. 81FS). This includes a restyled trigger guard (notably square shaped) similar in appearance to current Beretta 92 models that allow for a finger hold on the front of the trigger guard. Previous models have a rounded trigger guard. A decocker was integrated into the safety; when the safety-lever is manipulated to safe, the hammer is also lowered.
81 and 82
These two models are chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge. The 81 has a double stacked magazine with 12 round capacity, while the 82 has a single stacked magazine with 8 round capacity and resultant thinner grips.
84 and 85
These two models are chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short) cartridge. The 84 has a double stacked magazine with 13 round capacity, while the 85 has a single stacked magazine with 8 round capacity and resultant thinner grips. It has a four inch barrel, and has an ambidextrous frame-mounted De-cock/safety. The frame is alloy. It is available in both black and satin nickel finishes, with plastic or wood grips.
86
In 1986 Beretta introduced the model 86 which differs significantly from other models in the series, because it has a redesigned front end with a tip-up barrel that hinges in front of the trigger guard. This allows the shooter to load a cartridge directly into the chamber if they do not wish to operate the slide.
87
There are two distinct 87 models both chambered for .22 LR. The standard model (introduced in 1986) is similar to other models, but the 87 Target (introduced in 2000) has a longer barrel and slide (that can accept optical sights) and is single action only.
Users
Gallery
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The Beretta 84. -
The Beretta 84 disassembled. -
The Beretta 87 Target.
External links
- Official Beretta Cheetah page
- Operator's manual[dead link]
- Beretta Series 81 Instruction Manual in Italian, English & French
- Beretta Series 87 Instruction Manual in Italian, English & French
- Browning BDA-380 Owner's Manual
