Beretta 86 Question

[Dolsak]

Hey all.
Finally got to go check out a new, (for my family), range today, and Mom brought her Berettas.

Now the 92, I know.
But the 86? Is that a slightly less common firearm?
Just for grins and giggles I did a TFL search, and couldn't find anything.

It's a fun little pistol to shoot.
Just wondering if anyone could shed some light on it for me.

Curious as always,
~Dolsak

[aarondhgraham]

The model 86 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_Cheetah) is also chambered for the .380 ACP (9 mm Short) 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.

Because of the tip-up barrel and DA/SA action,,,
Many people consider this a perfect pistol,,,
For people who can't rack a slide.

Aarond

[carguychris]

But the 86? Is that a slightly less common firearm?
Yes. :)

The Beretta 80-series "Cheetah" pistols and the closely-related Browning BDA* are IMHO (and in aarondhgraham's opinion too I think) the best .380s around. They're built like tanks, the triggers are excellent, they shoot like match pistols, what's not to love? ;)

They don't sell in large numbers because the (typically) $650+ price tag scares away a lot of people who think that (a) blowback .380s are supposed to be cheap and/or (b) the gun is too big and heavy by .380 standards. These people miss the point. :(

As aarondhgraham discusses, the tip-up barrel makes the 86 very special; it's the only Cheetah variant built this way and they haven't been sold in the USA in years. They've become quite sought-after amongst enthusiasts who have trouble operating slides, yet want a relatively big and powerful pistols- compared to a .32ACP Tomcat anyway. ;)

More info on the series here:
http://www.berettaforum.net/vb/showthread.php?t=75625

*The BDA is essentially an 84B/84FS with a closed-top slide, conventional ejection port, spurred hammer, and a slide-mounted rather than frame-mounted safety. However, AFAIK there is not a tip-up version of the BDA.

[svaz]

carguychris about said it all. The 86 is, IMHO, the sexiest gun Beretta has made since the model 70 (Puma). The price is a pretty big stumbling block for me (about $200 cheaper seems more reasonable) as is the .380-only chambering (I'm rather partial to the .32).

[aarondhgraham]

(I'm rather partial to the .32).

Then you want the Model 81 or 82,,,

81 and 82 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_Cheetah)
These two models are chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge. The 81 has a double stacked magazine with 12 round capacity, while the 82 has a single stacked magazine with 8 round capacity and resultant thinner grips.

I'm with carguychris,,,

The Cheetah series of Beretta pistols are the sleekest, sexiest, and best performing 380 pistols out there.

Some people say they are too big,,,
But it's really just an optical illusion of some kind,,,
My Bersa Thunder 380 is exactly the same size as a Walther PPK,,,
My Beretta Cheetah Model 85 and my Model 87 are only 1/10 inch longer than that.

While they are pricey when new,,,
Affordable deal on used seem to be everywhere.

I recently paid $400.00 out the door,,,
For a used Model 85BB with two magazines.

Aarond

[svaz]

Then you want the Model 81 or 82,,,

Yeah, but the 81/82 doesn't have the flowing lines of the 86's front hinge. It's that part that just sets off the whole gun for me - kind of like Natalie Portman w/ short hair; she looks great in long hair, but the pixie cut just complements her face better.

[oplofilo]

http://i56.tinypic.com/svriic.jpg
The 86 is a wonderful pistol, I am trying to force my friend to sell his one to me but I think he'll never surrend.
Unluckily it is not easy to find used Beretta 86 around, the owners hardly sell them. :mad:

[aarondhgraham]

Here is the one that is listed in GunBroker right now,,,
A bit pricey but it is a scarce handgun.

Click here please (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=247777858),,,

Aarond

[oplofilo]

Hi Aarond the 86 you found is in good shape!
The price is almost the same you can find here in Italy:

http://www.armiusate.it/catalogo/242/Pistole/id/93606/Beretta-86-380-ACP-9x17mm-Browning-Short.html

(350 euro is about 500 dollars)

Sooner or later I'll get one of these 86, but I hope I'll put my hands on the one of my friend (most of all to obtain a huge discount on the price! :D ).

:)