Beretta's New 80X Cheetah at the BUG Match (feat. Symtac) (ad-free) (Patreon)
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Back 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.