Most gunbroker ads range from little or no practical information to at best some dry recitation of a firearm's specs. So I gotta give the author of this one some kudos for adding a little flair.

For Sale: One surplus Beretta Cheetah 85BB in 380 ACP used by the Guardia di Finanza in Italy. the G. di F. is essentially the Italian DEA, Customs, Border Patrol, and Secret Service combined. This means that this firearm was used in service against the Mafia in the Mafia's own territory.

The craftsmanship of this pistol is evident as soon as you put it in your hand. Its curves are abundant and firm. It's not the most compact, but nor is a supermodel. The pull of its trigger is smooth and crisp in both the single and double action.

Is a single stack, all metal, hammer-fired .380 practical? Of course not. This is not a cup of instant coffee but a hand-pulled shot of espresso. Would fuel efficiency deter you from driving a Ferrari? If so, this Beretta is not for you.


Whew, I need a cigarette...

He makes it sound almost desireable, doesn't he?

They DO feel good, of course, but a mid-sized single-stack .380 when you can get a smaller 9mm with more ammo, to boot? I guess practicality ain't a thing any more.

No, it's definitely not practical when compared to any of the modern higher capacity small frame 9mm's. I've just been looking around for a range toy and those little Beretta Cheetahs always struck me as a nice looking gun.

Since Beretta quit making the old school style the prices are really going up. I tried to find a Model 87 - the .22 LR version - and ones in excellent shape are fetching $1500 up to $1900.

84's, the double stack .380 version, in any kind of decent shape are selling for $750 and quickly go well over $1000, but you can still find the single stack 85's in the $600 range or even a bit less for very good used ones.

Just another wild hair to chase...

Everyone needs a practical pistol. All the rest of them should stir the soul. Sounds like a fun pistol.

I actually have a Gun Digest somewhere around here with an article specially dedicated to the Beretta Cheetah. Complete with a photo of the authors attractive young female companion shooting one, to accompany his spurious accolades of both gun and cartridge.

I've not had the pleasure, personally. The fit and finish of the pictured specimens look first rate in the article.

The crime fighting provenance listed in the ad does seem intriguing. I think I prefer those little Beretta 22's used by the Israeli Mossad. A friend had one long ago. It was a sweet shooter.