Beretta 80 Models
Encyclopedia
The Beretta Cheetah, also known by its original model name of "Series 81", 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
(Models 81 and 82), .380 ACP (9 mm Short)
(Models 83, 84, 85 and 86) and .22 LR (Models 87, 87 Target and 89).
cartridge. The 81 has a double stacked magazine with 12 round capacity, while the 82 has a single stacked magazine with 9 round capacity and resultant thinner grips.
cartridge. The 84 has a double stacked magazine with 13 round capacity, while the 83 and 85 have a single stacked magazine with 7 and 8 round capacity respectively, and resultant thinner grips. The 84 and 85 have a 3.81" barrel, while the 83 has a 4" barrel.
cartridge, but differs significantly from other models in the series, because it has a redesigned front end with a tip-up barrel that hinges at the muzzle to open the breech. This allows the shooter to load a cartridge directly into the chamber and not have to operate the slide.
Blowback (arms)
Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gases created by the ignition of the propellant charge....
operated semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta
Beretta
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta is an Italian firearms manufacturer. Their firearms are used worldwide for a variety of civilian, law enforcement, and military purposes. It is also known for manufacturing shooting clothes and accessories. Beretta is the oldest active firearms manufacturer in the...
of Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. They were introduced in 1976 and include models in .32 ACP
.32 ACP
.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
(Models 81 and 82), .380 ACP (9 mm Short)
.380 ACP
The .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
(Models 83, 84, 85 and 86) and .22 LR (Models 87, 87 Target and 89).
81 and 82
These two models are chambered for the .32 ACP.32 ACP
.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
cartridge. The 81 has a double stacked magazine with 12 round capacity, while the 82 has a single stacked magazine with 9 round capacity and resultant thinner grips.
83, 84 and 85
These models are chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short).380 ACP
The .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
cartridge. The 84 has a double stacked magazine with 13 round capacity, while the 83 and 85 have a single stacked magazine with 7 and 8 round capacity respectively, and resultant thinner grips. The 84 and 85 have a 3.81" barrel, while the 83 has a 4" barrel.
86
The model 86 is also chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short).380 ACP
The .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
cartridge, but differs significantly from other models in the series, because it has a redesigned front end with a tip-up barrel that hinges at the muzzle to open the breech. This allows the shooter to load a cartridge directly into the chamber and not have to operate the slide.
87
There are two distinct 87 models both chambered for .22 LR. The standard model is similar to other models, but the 87 Target has a longer barrel and slide, can accept optical sights, and is single action only.89
The model 89 is also chambered for the .22 LR and is designed for competition and range training, with a lightweight frame and ergonomic grips.Variants
There are potentially 5 variants/versions for models 81 through 87. The features for each variant in models 81, 82, 84 and 85 seem to be consistent between models (i.e., the 81FS, 82FS, 84FS and 85FS all have similar features). This is not the case with models 86, 87 and 89.Base versions (no letter suffix)
Base versions of models 81 through 87 are noted for having a rounded trigger guard and generally fewer safety features than subsequent versions. Safety is ambidextrous and frame-mounted. The frame is alloy, the slide is blued steel and the standard grips are wood.B versions
The B versions of models 81, 82, 84 and 85 introduced an automatic firing pin safety, a shorter extractor and grooved front and back straps.BB versions
The BB versions of models 81, 82, 84 and 85 have more serrations on the slide, white dot and post sights and other subtle changes.F versions
The F versions of models 81, 82, 84 and 85 introduced the "combat" trigger guard with a squared-off front that allows for a finger hold, plastic grips, a proprietary "Bruniton" finish, a chrome-plated barrel and chamber, and replaced the safety with a decocker, which lowers the hammer when operated. As a result, these pistols cannot be "cocked and locked".FS versions
Current production models of .32 ACP and .380 ACP Cheetah pistols are in the FS configuration (e.g. 81FS). In models 81, 82, 84 and 85 they include internal improvements over the F versions that are not visible during casual inspection.Browning BDA 380
From 1977 to 1997 Beretta built the Browning BDA 380, which is essentially the model 84BB with a standard ejection port (instead of an open slide), a slide-mounted decocker/safety and a spur hammer. See external link below for BDA 380 owner's manual.External links
- Official Beretta Cheetah page
- Beretta Series 81 Instruction Manual in Italian, English & French
- Beretta 87 Target Instruction Manual in Italian, English & French
- Beretta 89 Instruction Manual in English
- Browning BDA-380 Owner's Manual