## Beretta 87 Cheetah Review: A Deep Dive into the Iconic .22LR Pistol
Are you considering adding a Beretta 87 Cheetah to your collection? Or perhaps you’re searching for a reliable and accurate .22LR pistol for target practice, plinking, or even training? You’ve come to the right place. This in-depth *Beretta 87 Cheetah review* will provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We’ll explore its features, performance, advantages, disadvantages, and overall value, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this iconic firearm.
This isn’t just another superficial overview. We’ll delve into the nuances of the Beretta 87 Cheetah, providing insights you won’t find elsewhere. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to determine if this pistol is the right fit for your needs and expectations. We’ll cover everything from its design and build quality to its accuracy and reliability, leaving no stone unturned.
### Understanding the Beretta 87 Cheetah: A Classic .22LR Pistol
The Beretta 87 Cheetah is a semi-automatic, blowback-operated pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle (.22LR). It’s known for its sleek design, all-metal construction, and exceptional accuracy. While it shares the Cheetah name with larger-caliber Beretta pistols, the 87 stands apart as a dedicated .22LR platform. Its lineage can be traced back to other Beretta small-caliber pistols, benefitting from decades of refinement and engineering.
**Core Concepts and Advanced Principles:** The 87 Cheetah operates on a simple blowback principle, where the energy of the fired cartridge cycles the slide. The fixed barrel contributes significantly to its accuracy, eliminating movement during the firing process. The single-action/double-action (SA/DA) trigger offers versatility, allowing for both deliberate and rapid firing.
**Importance and Current Relevance:** Despite the proliferation of modern polymer-framed pistols, the Beretta 87 Cheetah remains relevant due to its classic design, exceptional accuracy, and enjoyable shooting experience. It’s a favorite among target shooters, collectors, and those who appreciate fine craftsmanship. Recent trends show a resurgence in interest in classic firearms, further solidifying the 87 Cheetah’s place in the market.
### Product Explanation: Beretta 87 Cheetah
The Beretta 87 Cheetah is a .22LR semi-automatic pistol designed for accuracy, reliability, and comfortable handling. Its all-metal construction, typically aluminum alloy for the frame and steel for the slide and barrel, provides a solid and durable feel. The pistol features a single-action/double-action trigger, allowing for both precise single-action shots and the option for a double-action first shot for added safety. The open-slide design is a distinguishing feature, aiding in reliable ejection.
What sets the Beretta 87 Cheetah apart is its focus on accuracy and shootability. The fixed barrel, combined with a well-designed trigger, allows for tight groupings at the range. The comfortable grip and balanced weight distribution contribute to a pleasant shooting experience, even for extended sessions. It’s a pistol that prioritizes quality and performance over purely tactical features, making it a joy to own and shoot.
### Detailed Features Analysis of the Beretta 87 Cheetah
Let’s break down the key features of the Beretta 87 Cheetah and explore their benefits:
1. **All-Metal Construction:**
* **What it is:** The frame is typically made from an aluminum alloy, while the slide and barrel are steel.
* **How it Works:** The robust materials contribute to the pistol’s overall durability and longevity.
* **User Benefit:** Provides a solid, high-quality feel and ensures the pistol can withstand years of use.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** The use of premium materials highlights Beretta’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
2. **Fixed Barrel:**
* **What it is:** The barrel is rigidly attached to the frame, unlike tilting-barrel designs found in many centerfire pistols.
* **How it Works:** Minimizes movement during the firing process, resulting in improved accuracy.
* **User Benefit:** Allows for tighter groupings and more consistent shot placement.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** A fixed barrel is a hallmark of accurate .22LR pistols.
3. **Open-Slide Design:**
* **What it is:** The top of the slide is largely open, exposing the barrel.
* **How it Works:** Facilitates reliable ejection of spent cartridges.
* **User Benefit:** Reduces the likelihood of malfunctions and ensures smooth operation.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** This design element is known for its reliability in .22LR platforms.
4. **Single-Action/Double-Action (SA/DA) Trigger:**
* **What it is:** The trigger can be used in single-action mode (cocking the hammer with each shot) or double-action mode (cocking and releasing the hammer with a single trigger pull).
* **How it Works:** Provides versatility in trigger pull weight and allows for a safer first shot in double-action.
* **User Benefit:** Offers options for both deliberate accuracy (SA) and quick follow-up shots (DA).
* **Demonstrates Quality:** The SA/DA trigger mechanism is a testament to Beretta’s engineering expertise.
5. **.22LR Caliber:**
* **What it is:** Chambered in the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle cartridge.
* **How it Works:** The .22LR cartridge is known for its low recoil, affordability, and availability.
* **User Benefit:** Makes the pistol easy and enjoyable to shoot, even for beginners, and keeps ammunition costs low.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** .22LR is an ideal caliber for training and recreational shooting.
6. **Adjustable Sights:**
* **What it is:** Typically features adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation.
* **How it Works:** Allows the user to fine-tune the sights for optimal accuracy at different distances.
* **User Benefit:** Enables precise shot placement and accommodates different ammunition types.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** Adjustable sights are a sign of a higher-quality firearm.
7. **Ergonomic Grip:**
* **What it is:** The grip is designed for comfortable and secure handling.
* **How it Works:** Provides a natural and stable grip, reducing felt recoil and improving control.
* **User Benefit:** Enhances the overall shooting experience and promotes accuracy.
* **Demonstrates Quality:** A well-designed grip is crucial for comfortable and accurate shooting.
### Significant Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value of the Beretta 87 Cheetah
The Beretta 87 Cheetah offers a range of advantages that make it a compelling choice for various users:
* **Exceptional Accuracy:** The fixed barrel and adjustable sights contribute to outstanding accuracy, making it ideal for target shooting and precision practice. Users consistently report tight groupings at distances of 25 yards or more.
* **Reliable Performance:** The open-slide design and robust construction ensure reliable operation, even with a variety of .22LR ammunition. Malfunctions are rare, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience.
* **Comfortable Handling:** The ergonomic grip and balanced weight distribution make the pistol comfortable to hold and shoot, even for extended periods. This is particularly beneficial for beginners or those with smaller hands.
* **High-Quality Construction:** The all-metal construction provides a solid and durable feel, ensuring the pistol can withstand years of use. This is a significant advantage over many modern polymer-framed .22LR pistols.
* **Versatile Applications:** Suitable for target shooting, plinking, training, and even small-game hunting (where legal). Its accuracy and reliability make it a versatile tool for various shooting activities.
* **Investment Value:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is a sought-after firearm that tends to hold its value well over time. It’s a classic pistol that is appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
* **Training Platform:** The .22LR caliber makes it an excellent training platform for new shooters or those looking to improve their marksmanship skills without the recoil and expense of larger calibers. It allows for focus on fundamentals.
### Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review of the Beretta 87 Cheetah
The Beretta 87 Cheetah is undeniably a high-quality .22LR pistol. Its classic design, all-metal construction, and exceptional accuracy make it a joy to own and shoot. However, it’s essential to consider its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
**User Experience & Usability:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. The controls are intuitive, and the pistol is comfortable to hold and manipulate. The open-slide design makes it easy to load and unload, and the adjustable sights allow for precise aiming. The single-action trigger is crisp and light, while the double-action trigger is heavier but manageable.
**Performance & Effectiveness:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah excels in accuracy and reliability. It consistently delivers tight groupings at the range, and malfunctions are rare. The pistol is also relatively quiet, making it a good choice for backyard plinking (where legal). It performs well with a variety of .22LR ammunition, although it may be more sensitive to certain brands than others.
**Pros:**
1. **Exceptional Accuracy:** The fixed barrel and adjustable sights contribute to outstanding accuracy, making it ideal for target shooting and precision practice.
2. **Reliable Performance:** The open-slide design and robust construction ensure reliable operation, even with a variety of .22LR ammunition.
3. **Comfortable Handling:** The ergonomic grip and balanced weight distribution make the pistol comfortable to hold and shoot, even for extended periods.
4. **High-Quality Construction:** The all-metal construction provides a solid and durable feel, ensuring the pistol can withstand years of use.
5. **Investment Value:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is a sought-after firearm that tends to hold its value well over time.
**Cons/Limitations:**
1. **Price:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is relatively expensive compared to other .22LR pistols.
2. **Weight:** The all-metal construction makes it heavier than many modern polymer-framed pistols.
3. **Magazine Capacity:** The magazine capacity is limited to 8 rounds, which may be a drawback for some users.
4. **Availability:** Can be difficult to find in stock at local gun stores.
**Ideal User Profile:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is best suited for target shooters, collectors, and those who appreciate fine craftsmanship. It’s also a good choice for beginners who are looking for a high-quality and accurate .22LR pistol for training and recreational shooting.
**Key Alternatives:**
* **Ruger Mark IV:** A popular and accurate .22LR pistol that is more affordable than the Beretta 87 Cheetah.
* **Browning Buck Mark:** Another excellent .22LR pistol known for its accuracy and reliability.
**Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:** The Beretta 87 Cheetah is a superb .22LR pistol that offers exceptional accuracy, reliable performance, and high-quality construction. While it’s relatively expensive and may not be ideal for everyone, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine firearms and are looking for a top-performing .22LR pistol. We highly recommend it.
### Insightful Q&A Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Beretta 87 Cheetah:
1. **Is the Beretta 87 Cheetah a good pistol for beginners?**
* Yes, the Beretta 87 Cheetah is an excellent pistol for beginners due to its low recoil, comfortable handling, and accurate performance. The .22LR caliber is easy to manage, allowing new shooters to focus on fundamental marksmanship skills. However, the higher price point might be a consideration.
2. **What type of ammunition works best in the Beretta 87 Cheetah?**
* The Beretta 87 Cheetah typically performs well with standard velocity .22LR ammunition. While it can often handle high-velocity rounds, standard velocity ammo generally provides better accuracy and less wear and tear on the pistol. Experiment with different brands to find what your particular pistol prefers.
3. **How do you adjust the sights on the Beretta 87 Cheetah?**
* The Beretta 87 Cheetah typically features adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation. Use a small screwdriver to loosen the set screws and then adjust the sights as needed. Windage adjustments move the point of impact left or right, while elevation adjustments move it up or down.
4. **What is the best way to clean and maintain the Beretta 87 Cheetah?**
* Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the Beretta 87 Cheetah. Disassemble the pistol according to the manufacturer’s instructions, clean the barrel and other parts with a bore brush and solvent, and then lubricate the moving parts with a high-quality gun oil. Avoid over-lubrication.
5. **Is the Beretta 87 Cheetah suitable for concealed carry?**
* While the Beretta 87 Cheetah is relatively compact, it’s not typically considered an ideal choice for concealed carry. Its all-metal construction makes it heavier than many modern concealed carry pistols, and the .22LR caliber is not generally regarded as a primary self-defense round.
6. **What is the difference between the Beretta 87 Cheetah and the Beretta 84 Cheetah?**
* The primary difference is the caliber. The Beretta 87 Cheetah is chambered in .22LR, while the Beretta 84 Cheetah is chambered in .380 ACP. The Beretta 84 is a larger and more powerful pistol designed for self-defense.
7. **Where can I find replacement magazines for the Beretta 87 Cheetah?**
* Replacement magazines for the Beretta 87 Cheetah can be found online at various gun parts retailers, as well as at some local gun stores. Be sure to purchase genuine Beretta magazines to ensure proper fit and function.
8. **Does the Beretta 87 Cheetah have a last-round hold-open feature?**
* Yes, the Beretta 87 Cheetah typically features a last-round hold-open, meaning the slide will lock back after the last round is fired from the magazine. This is a convenient feature that makes it easier to reload.
9. **What is the approximate value of a used Beretta 87 Cheetah?**
* The value of a used Beretta 87 Cheetah can vary depending on its condition, age, and whether it comes with the original box and accessories. Generally, a used Beretta 87 Cheetah in good condition can sell for between $700 and $1000.
10. **Are there any common problems with the Beretta 87 Cheetah that I should be aware of?**
* While the Beretta 87 Cheetah is generally a reliable pistol, some users have reported occasional issues with feeding or ejection, particularly with certain types of ammunition. Proper cleaning and lubrication can help to prevent these issues. Also, ensure you are using magazines in good condition.
### Conclusion & Strategic Call to Action
In conclusion, the Beretta 87 Cheetah remains a classic and highly desirable .22LR pistol. Its accuracy, reliability, and high-quality construction make it a joy to own and shoot. While it may not be the most practical choice for concealed carry or budget-conscious shooters, it’s an excellent option for target shooting, training, and those who appreciate fine firearms. Its enduring design and reputation continue to make it a sought-after piece for both enthusiasts and collectors.
Now that you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the Beretta 87 Cheetah, we encourage you to share your own experiences with this iconic pistol in the comments below. Have you owned one? What are your favorite aspects of it? Your insights will help other readers make informed decisions. Also, explore our other articles on .22LR pistols and firearm maintenance for more valuable information.
