|
|
02-15-2020, 11:41 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
Cheap as dirt Berettas
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 !
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
The Following 27 Users Like Post:
|
22lrfan, A10, adwjc, Andyd, Beauetienne, Breakaway500, cndrdk, desi2358, dusty3030, eveled, federali, george_lehr, HOUSTON RICK, Igiveup, JH1951, Just another 22 shooter, kraynky, krsmith58, loknload, lrrifleman, MCorps0311, Nedroe, RobertJ., Rock185, Skeptic 9c, Tyree1867, Warren Sear |
02-15-2020, 11:50 AM
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SW Washington
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 616
Liked 288 Times in 168 Posts
|
|
Agreed! I’ve always wanted the single stack version in .380, but that .32 is nice.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-15-2020, 11:54 AM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-15-2020, 12:13 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 2,905
Liked 5,333 Times in 1,869 Posts
|
|
Can these be purchased with a C&R license?
Jim
|
02-15-2020, 12:20 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by italiansport
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.
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
02-15-2020, 03:45 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 6,452
Liked 4,028 Times in 915 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
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.
__________________
OGCA Member.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-15-2020, 04:11 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 494
Likes: 586
Liked 935 Times in 291 Posts
|
|
.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.
__________________
Ban this man,
'89
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-15-2020, 04:55 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
Nice little .32 congrats on your Beretta buy.
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-15-2020, 06:55 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,827
Likes: 24,247
Liked 28,997 Times in 10,772 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 12:04 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Central Arizona
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 1,096
Liked 1,742 Times in 585 Posts
|
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:55 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Washington State
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 614
Liked 1,719 Times in 628 Posts
|
|
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)
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 06:28 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Whiskey Hill Ma.
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 16,108
Liked 9,041 Times in 1,962 Posts
|
|
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.
Last edited by Breakaway500; 02-16-2020 at 06:33 AM.
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 10:13 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 5,046
Likes: 6,759
Liked 7,849 Times in 3,114 Posts
|
|
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.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 10:40 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Deepest, darkest, Indiana
Posts: 6,187
Likes: 3,357
Liked 6,179 Times in 1,890 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
SOS USA
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:01 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,827
Likes: 24,247
Liked 28,997 Times in 10,772 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcoat3340
... 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.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:02 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,827
Likes: 24,247
Liked 28,997 Times in 10,772 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JcMack
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.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:28 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Deepest, darkest, Indiana
Posts: 6,187
Likes: 3,357
Liked 6,179 Times in 1,890 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LVSteve
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
__________________
SOS USA
Last edited by JcMack; 02-16-2020 at 04:32 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:40 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Posts: 741
Likes: 604
Liked 853 Times in 384 Posts
|
|
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..
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 04:46 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,827
Likes: 24,247
Liked 28,997 Times in 10,772 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JcMack
|
LOL. I know, and Beretta designed them that way which I find plain weird.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
02-16-2020, 05:34 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 3,782
Liked 3,905 Times in 1,191 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LVSteve
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.
|
02-16-2020, 05:44 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 2,905
Liked 5,333 Times in 1,869 Posts
|
|
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
|
02-16-2020, 07:50 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: South Florida
Posts: 788
Likes: 402
Liked 832 Times in 246 Posts
|
|
Price
Seen a bunch @ gun show yesterday
$199.00 to $219.00
Almost bit but i have to stop somewhere.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 09:24 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by hardknocks
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.
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 10:51 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 622
Liked 1,425 Times in 566 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmtnman
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.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-16-2020, 11:57 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon
Posts: 182
Likes: 42
Liked 257 Times in 105 Posts
|
|
[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?
|
02-17-2020, 07:50 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Deepest, darkest, Indiana
Posts: 6,187
Likes: 3,357
Liked 6,179 Times in 1,890 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by roguegamma
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
__________________
SOS USA
Last edited by JcMack; 02-17-2020 at 01:44 PM.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-17-2020, 11:20 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JcMack
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.
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
02-18-2020, 01:35 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,908
Likes: 3,513
Liked 6,729 Times in 2,620 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmtnman
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
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-18-2020, 01:59 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Desert South West
Posts: 5,540
Likes: 7,356
Liked 8,688 Times in 2,312 Posts
|
|
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-18-2020, 02:44 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
So, you’ve got a “.32 gun in your pocket for fun.” Razor in your shoe?
Well ...SOMEBODY had to say it ---FINALLY !!
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
02-18-2020, 10:24 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,253 Times in 5,366 Posts
|
|
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.
|
02-18-2020, 10:52 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,389
Likes: 2,476
Liked 13,054 Times in 4,535 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
Come and take it!!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-18-2020, 11:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 19,827
Likes: 24,247
Liked 28,997 Times in 10,772 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
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.
__________________
Release the Kraken
|
02-19-2020, 12:31 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 469
Liked 2,087 Times in 731 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
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.
|
02-19-2020, 01:25 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 622
Liked 1,425 Times in 566 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gene L
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.
|
02-19-2020, 10:12 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 2
Liked 3,403 Times in 971 Posts
|
|
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.
__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames
|
02-19-2020, 10:31 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 2,905
Liked 5,333 Times in 1,869 Posts
|
|
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
|
02-23-2020, 06:18 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 5,723
Liked 1,685 Times in 933 Posts
|
|
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?
__________________
Kevin in Oregon
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-23-2020, 08:09 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
|
|
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
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-29-2020, 02:31 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 5,723
Liked 1,685 Times in 933 Posts
|
|
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?
__________________
Kevin in Oregon
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-29-2020, 02:49 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Deepest, darkest, Indiana
Posts: 6,187
Likes: 3,357
Liked 6,179 Times in 1,890 Posts
|
|
AF translates to 1980 MFG..
__________________
SOS USA
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
02-29-2020, 03:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 604
Likes: 21
Liked 660 Times in 284 Posts
|
|
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.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
02-29-2020, 06:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Colorado USA
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 5,903
Liked 8,831 Times in 1,699 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gen3guy
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 !
__________________
Y. B. Ord & A. Ree
|
03-20-2020, 11:09 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
|
|
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
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|