Mi amore

[thughes]

Bought another gun I don't need but couldn't resist. Classic had a special a couple of weeks ago on European LE turn-in 85f Barettas (the civilian version would be the Cheetah) for well under market rates that I couldn't pass up (damn drunken impulse buy). Picked it up today from my FFL.

Made in Italy, 8 + 1 single stack .380, SA/DA with decocker, really nice shape. Literally looks like whoever it was issued to ran a few round through to qualify, cleaned and oiled, and then carried it for the rest of its life without ever firing another round. Barrel is pristine, gun has a very few small dings but otherwise in excellent condition.

This one is going to live in the truck as a "just in case" piece.

[thughes]

Size comparison with G19:

[thughes]

Stay tuned for range report..............

[24Pink14Stink]

Nice Thug! Enjoy!

[Cgrutt]

Very nice congrats!

[dwa12479]

A sweet Italian bird for the collection. Nice find T!

[masterswimmer]

Sweet piece. GL with it. Nice find.

[Figment]

Very cool. Looks like a mini 92. Enjoy!

[usmcveteran]

Wow that's a lot smaller then I originally thought. Nice looking piece!

[WARFAB]

I've got a double stack Cheetah on my permit. I can't remember the specific model number, but it doesn't have the decocker. I've only put about 50 rounds through it, but by the end I was getting groups I was pretty happy with. Due to the .380 chambering, DA/SA trigger AND manual safety, it seems like it could be a decent off body carry pistol for my wife. I know the pros and cons of off body carry, but at this point my wife isn't interested in any kind of carry. If I can ever talk her into it, off body might be an easier way to get her started.

[Newfie]

I have thought I would like one in 7.65 Browning. Pretty sure they made one in that caliber. Interesting how so many of the Beretta's with the open slide design look alike. The Cheetah looks a lot like my Beretta M 1935. Albeit the Cheetah is a bit larger.
Nice pistol.

[blackpowdershooter30]

380 huh I just bought a fmk patriot in nine mm. I think that's the smallest I'm going for a carry piece. I have that rough rider which is a blast to shoot lol

[WARFAB]

According to the IMFDB, Trinity used a pair of Cheetahs in the Matrix movies because Carrie-anne Moss has small hands. Full sized Berettas looked way too large for her, so they went with the Cheetahs instead.

[thughes]

Stay tuned for range report..............

Got a chance to run a box of hardball through this Italian peashooter as well as a couple of mags of carry ammo (Colt solid copper HP). Ran flawlessly, shoots very smoothly with a just little bit of snap, puts the holes where you point it. The double action pull is very manageable, the single action is nice and short with very little take up after the reset. Wish I could find a nice kydex AIWB holster for it.....

This will be a nice gun for introducing new shooters. Going from the M&P Compact 22 to the G19 is sometimes a bit of an intimidating jump but moving up to the little 380 from a 22 should be a lot less intimidating.