I came across a Beretta 85F the other day in the box with two magazines. There is a very small pin head size chip in the finish on the forward portion of the slide so it’s not mint, but it appears to be unfired. It won’t stay that way for long.

It’s the single stack 8 round version of the 84, also in .380 ACP.



The “AZ” date code places it in 1990, right at the end of the short F production (1988-1990). The subsequent FS modified the decocker lever so that it could not stop half way between positions. The F was the first variant to include the squared off trigger guard, Bruniton finish and the decocker lever.

Those shoot very well. The full length barrel helps out the little .380 nicely.

The Model 85's thinner grip frame fits my hand much better than the 84. Congrats!

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AKA SixToEight

I would like to find one of these. I managed to snag an 85BB and like it, but I prefer the decocker safety, but missed getting one of the 85Fs that were on the surplus market a couple of years ago.

I agree with NY-1 - the 85 single stack fits my hand better than than the 84.

I had to order a set of LOK thin grips for my 84BB to get it to feel comfortable in my hand. It gives it about the same grip size as the 80X, but with a better feel than the new vertex style grip. Beretta missed the boat with the new backstrap shape, and putting a rail on a concealed carry .380 is pointless, other than pandering to new shooters who can’t imagine a handgun without a rail no matter how much bulk it adds.



I had to do the same thing with my Beretta Compact L, replacing the grips with Wilson extra thin grips along with a short rear trigger and a short reset trigger bar.




The single stack Beretta 92 Compact M is still much thinner and I prefer it, just like I prefer the 85 to the 84.

I wonder if those would work on a model 81. The grip feels huge for a pistol in 32ACP.

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Release the Kraken

Nice SB Type-M. Love the Beretta Italian's bluing.

I've got two SB Ms w/ the original Walnut grips.

They should. I have tried them on a Model 81, and they somewhat improved the feel of the gun, although still not as good as the stock plastic grips on the 85BB.

Yes they do.

Love my Model 85.

Attached Images

IMG_4968.jpg (66.7 KB, 16 views)

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Rule of law, not a man.

Great photos, and if I could upvote this sentiment a thousand times I would. It drives me nuts that seemingly *every* gun needs a rail these days. Oftentimes at the expense of aesthetics and smooth lines, especially in the case of modern Berettas.

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AKA SixToEight

Is there a model with the decocker like the FS in 32acp?

Yes, I think. I think I remember seeing a Model 81FS in adisplay case in a shop in Grenada, Mississippi, back in 2019. I think it was priced north of $700.00. I also think I saw them on the Academy website 5-6 years ago. I don't think they are made anymore, and I don't think they are plentiful. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

Beretta Cheetah FS 85



I guess I need to dig this gun out of the safe and shoot it again, now that y'all reminded me of it!!!

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Come and take it!!

I have an 85 FS in mint condition. Anyone have an idea of value? Thanks.

Eons ago I was assigned to a CDS squad. I was issued Beretta 85F (?) .380 13 round magazine. I had been issued a Sig-Sauer P-229 .40 for uniform.
Wasn't too happy carrying a "Wimp" weapon. Another officer (former Army Ranger-VN veteren) adised me on using PMC 90gr JHP ammo. I took His advice and tested the weapon and ammo using water and sand filled jugs. After my tests which included meat targets I decided that this weapon and ammo was AMESOME.