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  #1  
Old 02-15-2020, 11:41 AM
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I just caught up to the fact that a bunch of these "Cheetah" model 81 .32 acps (double stack 12 rds.) have been imported from Italy and are going for "dirt cheap". I have heard they were issue guns for prison workers. The condition varies quite a lot. I see them offered for as little as $200. The importer's mark is on the bottom of the trigger guard. I picked up the one shown at my LGS with two extra mags and a sticky holster for $286 OTD. The two extra mags made it a SUPER deal as they are evidently really scarce. Also the condition of this one is excellent. Even if they are .32s, I think this is a heckuva bargain !
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Old 02-15-2020, 11:50 AM
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Agreed! I’ve always wanted the single stack version in .380, but that .32 is nice.
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Old 02-15-2020, 11:54 AM
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They were first on the market about 4-6 months ago and were tempting, but the lack of extra magazines was a negative.

I don't know if this happened with the Beretta 81s but I have seen where sellers appear to have split up surplus pistols and magazines to sell them separately - frustrating.
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Old 02-15-2020, 12:13 PM
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Can these be purchased with a C&R license?
Jim
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Old 02-15-2020, 12:20 PM
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Can these be purchased with a C&R license?
Jim
I don't think so...I have not seen them offered as C&R qualified.
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Old 02-15-2020, 03:45 PM
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They were first on the market about 4-6 months ago and were tempting, but the lack of extra magazines was a negative.

I don't know if this happened with the Beretta 81s but I have seen where sellers appear to have split up surplus pistols and magazines to sell them separately - frustrating.
The Beretta America web site has had Model 81 mags for sale in the last few month's.
Keep an eye on the site, I got 4 new mags from them in a 12 week span.
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Old 02-15-2020, 04:11 PM
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.32acp ain't nothing to turn a nose up at. I'm not a fan of the beretta, but it's always been an ergonomics thing and my experience with them from my time carrying the beretta m9 in the army. At that price point though... I want one for the toilet tank or kitchen drawer in a big way. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled.
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Old 02-15-2020, 04:55 PM
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Nice little .32 congrats on your Beretta buy.
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Old 02-15-2020, 06:55 PM
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Spare mags eventually became available, but at a price. I bought one. Guess I should get down the range and see if either mag actually functions.
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Old 02-16-2020, 12:04 AM
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Mags are available and on sale.

Beretta 81 81B 81BB 81F 81FS Magazine .32 Auto 12Rd
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:55 AM
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I got mine about a month ago from Classic. It was in pretty good shape and very reasonable. Comes with 1 mag. Additional mags, a bit pricey at $34 or so.

If yer hanker'n for one, don't wait.

I had mine to the range today...it's a very solid shooter, dead accurate out to 7 yards (that's where I was shooting it) and I put some Pacmyers on it as I'm not a big fan of the plastic, plus I wanted a bit more bulk on the grip. It's a classic gun and fits well with my .32 1935 [worst trigger ever!], 85F (.380) and then 9mm 1951, 92, 92S, and 92FS....sort of like a Beretta progression to modern day)
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Old 02-16-2020, 06:28 AM
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I have a real soft spot for 32ACP pistols and bought two of the 81s. They are a very nice DA compact pistol.Accurate, dependable and easy take down. I found some better rubber grips (Farrar USA) that fit perfectly and find myself carrying the little gun a lot. It’s perfect for varmint control where you don’t want too much gun.
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Old 02-16-2020, 10:13 AM
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I bought one a few months back, shoots great at 25 yds. I had it shipped to Allegheny Arms and Gun Works in Pgh., 30 minute drive. He already had custom grips so I bought a pair. If you go to their website I believe there is a larger selection; not sure as I haven't been over there for a while. Nice gun for the $220 that I paid.
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Old 02-16-2020, 10:40 AM
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Mine is in same condition as the O.P.'s. 95% frame finish, and grips are about the same. Slide is scratch/nick free but finish is thin. Mine was made in '81. There's a rectangle with 2 letters in it on right side front of trigger guard that determines build date. Mine is a standard 81. The 81BB appears to be available and has grip frame serrations and FP safety.
Others (more than a couple) say an 84 .380 barrel will drop in and 84 mags work just fine with current springs.
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:01 PM
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... I put some Pacmyers on it as I'm not a big fan of the plastic, plus I wanted a bit more bulk on the grip.
You must have big paws. The grip on the 81 is monster for a .32 IMHO.
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:02 PM
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Others (more than a couple) say an 84 .380 barrel will drop in and 84 mags work just fine with current springs.
Which means either the .32 is oversprung or the .380 is undersprung, because physics.
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:28 PM
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Which means either the .32 is oversprung or the .380 is undersprung, because physics.
Physics-shmisics....Wolff says its samey same. I KNOW.....I'm too dumb to be right.

Wolff for BERETTA 81 & 84 .32/.380 Recoil & Firing Pin Spring Factory Standard 14lb 40514 – Hooper Gun Works
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:40 PM
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Mine (81BB) was a "best of" pick and I was shocked at how great it looks. For some reason in pics it just looks good, but in person, it looks almost brand new, there's some gunk on the one grip, but other than a couple of tiny nicks, it's perfect. Was amazingly dirty inside though..
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Old 02-16-2020, 04:46 PM
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Physics-shmisics....Wolff says its samey same. I KNOW.....I'm too dumb to be right.

Wolff for BERETTA 81 & 84 .32/.380 Recoil & Firing Pin Spring Factory Standard 14lb 40514 – Hooper Gun Works
LOL. I know, and Beretta designed them that way which I find plain weird.
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Old 02-16-2020, 05:34 PM
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Spare mags eventually became available, but at a price. I bought one. Guess I should get down the range and see if either mag actually functions.
Yes, they came out with the original mags several months later at about $35 each.
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Old 02-16-2020, 05:44 PM
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I checked and these are not C&R eligible. So by the time you pay shipping, sales tax and the dealers transfer fees it's taken the bargain out of the deal to me.
Jim
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Old 02-16-2020, 07:50 PM
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Seen a bunch @ gun show yesterday
$199.00 to $219.00
Almost bit but i have to stop somewhere.
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Old 02-16-2020, 09:24 PM
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Seen a bunch @ gun show yesterday
$199.00 to $219.00
Almost bit but i have to stop somewhere.
I wish I could invest in Model 81 "futures". I think that a year after the supply dries up they will be a $350 gun. I remember when Makarovs and the SKS were both under $100 at shows.
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Old 02-16-2020, 10:51 PM
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I wish I could invest in Model 81 "futures". I think that a year after the supply dries up they will be a $350 gun. I remember when Makarovs and the SKS were both under $100 at shows.
Heck, before the surplus wave hit, they were a lot more than $350. My friend texted me about Classic having them when it first came out, and I ordered one before replying

I then checked gunbroker, and sure enough, there were some (not from this batch) for sale... a couple had bids over $700. I can only imagine the frustration those bidders had.
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Old 02-16-2020, 11:57 PM
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[QUOTE=JcMack;140673940
Others (more than a couple) say an 84 .380 barrel will drop in and 84 mags work just fine with current springs.[/QUOTE]

So does this mean my 81BB could function with .32 NAA ammo if I kept the .32 ACP barrel and used a model 84 magazine?
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Old 02-17-2020, 07:50 AM
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So does this mean my 81BB could function with .32 NAA ammo if I kept the .32 ACP barrel and used a model 84 magazine?
I have been too lazy to dig through my spare magazine box and find the one 84 mag I have. If I buy an auto I like to have at least 3 mags for it. If I wind up selling the gun I keep at least one mag. I sold the 84 I had.
If I look at one of the 81 mags I've got the follower and feed lips sure look wide enough to accept a .380 round. I'll try it and see.

FWIW Beretta ser #'s
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Old 02-17-2020, 11:20 PM
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I have been too lazy to dig through my spare magazine box and find the one 84 mag I have. If I buy an auto I like to have at least 3 mags for it. If I wind up selling the gun I keep at least one mag. I sold the 84 I had.
If I look at one of the 81 mags I've got the follower and feed lips sure look wide enough to accept a .380 round. I'll try it and see.

FWIW Beretta ser #'s
Thank you for posting this. Now I know I have a 1980 mfg.
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Old 02-18-2020, 01:35 AM
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I just caught up to the fact that a bunch of these "Cheetah" model 81 .32 acps (double stack 12 rds.) have been imported from Italy and are going for "dirt cheap". I have heard they were issue guns for prison workers. The condition varies quite a lot. I see them offered for as little as $200. The importer's mark is on the bottom of the trigger guard. I picked up the one shown at my LGS with two extra mags and a sticky holster for $286 OTD. The two extra mags made it a SUPER deal as they are evidently really scarce. Also the condition of this one is excellent. Even if they are .32s, I think this is a heckuva bargain !
So, you’ve got a “.32 gun in your pocket for fun.” Razor in your shoe?

LOL
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Old 02-18-2020, 01:59 AM
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I got 1 of those .Beretta 32s from Italy surplus. It’s a great little .32. I also have the 84 and 85. I used to have the 86 Cheetah too but foolishly Sold it.


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Old 02-18-2020, 02:44 AM
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So, you’ve got a “.32 gun in your pocket for fun.” Razor in your shoe?


Well ...SOMEBODY had to say it ---FINALLY !!
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Old 02-18-2020, 10:24 PM
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I bought one gun, a Star BM, because it was cheap. If I ever get it to cycle properly, I will tell you if it was worth the $150. I would put the money toward something else.
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Old 02-18-2020, 10:52 PM
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These guns seem to be everywhere. I bought mine months ago, online, from .....dagnabit - senior moment - OH! Yes. Classic Firearms.

One of my best friends is also my FFL so I don't have transfer fee issues.

I love Berettas and I figured an 81 goes well with my others. It's a beautiful piece but mine has issues at the range. Jammamatic. I ran out of patience so I took it home, locked it up, and will deal with it another time. But it is a lovely gun and it has the name of the Italian owner taped to it. I lft it on there.

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Old 02-18-2020, 11:14 PM
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I bought one gun, a Star BM, because it was cheap. If I ever get it to cycle properly, I will tell you if it was worth the $150. I would put the money toward something else.
That's bad luck. Most everyone else I know who bought one has been very pleased with their BMs.
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Old 02-19-2020, 12:31 AM
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I bought one gun, a Star BM, because it was cheap. If I ever get it to cycle properly, I will tell you if it was worth the $150. I would put the money toward something else.
I bought a Star BM and it works great. One mag was bad, which was replaced, but overall, it's a reliable, accurate small(er) 1911 style. Kinda heavy. Mine was clean and no rust. I got the "hand picked" which cost $25 more, and got the box, cleaning rod (IIRC) and a pistol with only some exterior wear. Not sorry I bought it.
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Old 02-19-2020, 01:25 AM
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I bought a Star BM and it works great. One mag was bad, which was replaced, but overall, it's a reliable, accurate small(er) 1911 style. Kinda heavy. Mine was clean and no rust. I got the "hand picked" which cost $25 more, and got the box, cleaning rod (IIRC) and a pistol with only some exterior wear. Not sorry I bought it.
I bought two, and they both run and look great.

The first one was from some peripheral online vendor (not Classic, J&G, AIM, etc), in VG condition and came with 2 mags. Really nice matte blue finish. I was so impressed I ordered a 2nd, a 'fair' from Classic for $150, and sprung for an extra mag at the time.

It came in faded and a lot of white on the slide; in examining it we (me and my FFL) found a hairline crack on the back rail, and sent it back. The replacement was obviously refinished, because it was polished and had a gorgeous deep blue (I read that Star would refinish some when they were traded back in). One of the prettiest guns I have, especially now that I have some checkered walnut grips on both.

My Beretta 81 has a similar deep, dark shining blue finish.
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Old 02-19-2020, 10:12 AM
glenncal1 glenncal1 is offline
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If you are in the market for the Beretta, look for the BB model. Much better sights IMHO. I bought one of the 81(no letters?) and then the BBs hit the market and I bought one of those as well. Both guns run great, sights on the BB much better, especially for my "experienced" eyes.

Both my guns were shot very little, if at all, finish good with some minor nicks and dings from storage. I am a fan of .32 caliber guns both pistols and revolvers.
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Old 02-19-2020, 10:31 AM
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If you are doing the Crossroads show in Phoenix this weekend and will have some of these Beretta's for sale please indicate so here.
Jim
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Old 02-23-2020, 06:18 PM
Igiveup Igiveup is offline
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I don't really like these type of topics. First it was the Star BM, had to have one, wife liked it, had to order a second one. Then the CZ 75 BD becomes available at a good price. Just love shooting my new-to-me CZ 75. Now the new topic is the Beretta 81 "Cheetah". Not fair. Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow, ordered on Friday. It will be a good stable mate with the little Beretta made in 1941. Also have a Llama .32, like a mini 1911. Anyone know a good leather pancake holster for the Cheetah?
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Old 02-23-2020, 08:09 PM
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I too was influenced by this enabler thread. I looked at one at my LGS last week and for some reason a "BB" model came home with me. I shot it today for the first time and I was quite impressed: accurate enough to hit 8" plates at 20 yards (...well, 80% of the time anyways) without any failures. For me it was much more accurate than a Walther PPK/S.

Only problem is my back hurts from doing the chicken dance picking up all those darned tiny casings. Yes, I am a cheap person and I reload for my mouse guns. -S2
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Old 02-29-2020, 02:31 PM
Igiveup Igiveup is offline
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I finally got mine yesterday. Really nice condition, just slight holster wear, no scratches and grips are like new. I was surprised at the fatter grip feel, but it is a staggered magazine, so that makes sense. On the plus side, the grips are too fat for my wife's hands, so I don't have to order another one. The letters in the box are "AF". I am unable to bring up the earlier post on the graph showing dates. Computer service sucks here in the mountains today. Anyone have a good suggestion of a pancake holster for carrying?
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Old 02-29-2020, 02:49 PM
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AF translates to 1980 MFG..
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Old 02-29-2020, 03:33 PM
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I bought a nice one a couple of months ago for $229. Classic Firearms advertised spare magazines about the same time. I bought 2 at $35 ea. I already have a Model 84 so I don't need another holster.

The pistol aims, points, and shoots well. Accuracy is good enough at 7 and 15 yards. Recoil felt like a rimfire pistol.

Word to the wise. The safety on this pistol is NOT a decocker. Carrying DA ready requires decocking with your thumb and then engaging the safety. It can also be carried SA ready with the safety engaged.
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Old 02-29-2020, 06:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gen3guy View Post
I bought a nice one a couple of months ago for $229. Classic Firearms advertised spare magazines about the same time. I bought 2 at $35 ea. I already have a Model 84 so I don't need another holster.

The pistol aims, points, and shoots well. Accuracy is good enough at 7 and 15 yards. Recoil felt like a rimfire pistol.

Word to the wise. The safety on this pistol is NOT a decocker. Carrying DA ready requires decocking with your thumb and then engaging the safety. It can also be carried SA ready with the safety engaged.
That's good info on the "NOT a decocker". It was the the first thing I was surprised about when checking it out....OOPS.. Have to be CAREFUL about lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber !
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Old 03-20-2020, 11:09 PM
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There is another active thread on lock-breech 32ACP pistols that got me wondering about these Beretta mod-81's. It appears to me that during firing, the barrel is held in place at the rear by a rebate in the breech face (momentarily) and by the slide channel and recoil spring assembly at the front. The barrel otherwise free floats and is removed with the slide during takedown. This would appear to be a locked breech design. However, the recoil spring is quite stiff and the effort to pull back on the slide when chambering the first round requires as much force (or more) as any other blow-back 32ACP pistols; Colt 1903, Walther PPK, Seacamp32, and CZ50 for example. On the other hand, the Beretta's recoil seems a bit less than the others that I've listed; not that any 32ACP is very recoil intensive. So...is the B81 truly a locked-breech design or is it more of a straight blow-back design? -S2
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