Beretta's New 80X Cheetah at the BUG Match (feat. Symtac) (ad-free)
Added 2023-03-04 12:00:01 +0000 UTCBack in 1975, Beretta introduced a line of mid-size semiauto pistols. The Model 81 was in .32 ACP (intended for the European market) and the Model 84 was chambered for .380 ACP for Americans. These both used double-stack magazines, and single-stack versions followed a few years later (the 82 and 85). Additional models were also available with a variety of safety and control configurations.
Well, at SHOT Show this year Beretta introduced its reboot of the Cheetah, now called the Model 80X. It now uses a polymer frame, slim grips, ambi controls that allow carry either cocked-and-locked or decocked, and an optics mounting cut. It is only available in .380, and uses a 13-round magazine. The DA trigger in particular is fantastically good.
I'm joined today by Matt Haught of Symtac Consulting, who has been shooting Model 81 Berettas for a long time, and who is excited to get a chance to try out the new 80X on the clock. Much to his chagrin, I did manage to beat him - but only by a single point. The match was a lot of fun, and it's hard to complain about a pistol that we were able to take 2nd and 3rd place overall with...
Disclosure: Beretta did not pay us for this, but did send the gun for free.
Comments
I have a Beretta 84 clone made by Tisas in Turkey. I imagine the 80X is a much better pistol, but the MSRP of $799-$999 is a LOT for a blowback .380. Even an up to date, metal one. Looks like fun, though.
ERB2
2023-03-05 19:05:24 +0000 UTCI've always thought Beretta should shrink the 92 down to this size.
John R. Dorn
2023-03-04 23:30:45 +0000 UTCI've got a Beretta Cheetah in .32 and another in .380 (except it's a Browning BDA), and I can swap parts. Sorry this one won't do that, BUT this would still be very high on my list of guns to buy.
Pat Patterson
2023-03-04 17:28:46 +0000 UTCI thought Fry's Electronics was a dead company or is that only just here in Texas?!?
Paul Beck
2023-03-04 17:05:37 +0000 UTCI have an old 84. It’s a great little gun.sounds like this is even better. Now let’s see if Commifornia allows it .....
2023-03-04 14:40:07 +0000 UTCI can do DA ok. kind of started DA/SA. smoother than say an older production sig 220series DA or a s&w 1st to 3rd gen semi DA? I know only the 92 from beretta and not a fan of it.
Guido Schriewer
2023-03-04 13:17:19 +0000 UTCHeh - fixed. :)
Forgotten Weapons
2023-03-04 12:17:36 +0000 UTCI love ambitious controls!
Sander Vreuls
2023-03-04 12:13:24 +0000 UTC
