Who knows their Beretta 84 and 85 pistols?

[Fred C Dobbs]

Need something cleared up.
I did some research and the Beretta 84 FS is what I commonly assumed was their 13 round double stack with a double stack ten round mag put in for California. I see ten round 84FS guns for sale.
Then there is the 85 FS model which is an 8+1 gun. A single stack as I understand the 85 series.I assume the 85FS has the narrower 87 single stack frame but with an eight round single stack .380 mag?
The trouble is I also see some 84 FS guns identified as 8+1 guns which confuses me. When there exists a single stack 85FS, why make a single stack 84FS? Doesn't make sense to have an 8 round double stack mag for these guns when there exists a ten round unless some states require less than ten rounds?

Or have I goofed?

Berettas web site doesn't have any 80 series information.

[caliberetta]

The trouble is I also see some 84 FS guns identified as 8+1 guns which confuses me.

As far as I know an 8+1 capacity model 84 does not exist.

The model 84 is a double stack pistol, while the 85 is single stack.

Where did you see an 8+1 model 84?

[Fred C Dobbs]

As far as I know an 8+1 capacity model 84 does not exist.

The model 84 is a double stack pistol, while the 85 is single stack.

Where did you see an 8+1 model 84?

Could have been a gun on Gun Broker. Don't recollect now. Bud's has them listed right. Also could have been me screwing it up.
Thanks.
Not having fingered the 85 I presume it has a thinner profile than a 84?? I assume the 87 has a thinner grip as well. True?

[caliberetta]

Yes, their grip widths are going to be different. 84 wider, 85 narrower, other than that they are essentially the same.

The F designation indicates a serrated front trigger guard, while the S designation indicates some minor added internal safety features in more recent models.

So, you have the 84, 84F and 84FS (and the same for the 85 model).

[Garv]

They had both an 84 & 85 at Martin B. Retting a few days ago.
Do not recall which version(s).

[Fred C Dobbs]

Thanks. That clears it up. Looking at these guns. Quite expensive but seem to be nice shooters and I like the feel of them.
It appears only the FS models are on the DOJ California list.

[ThortheDog]

If you haven't already, you may want to look at the Beretta forum (berettaforum.net).

These are frequently discussed there, and they also have a very comprehensive fac for the 81 series.

[Fred C Dobbs]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the information.
Couple years ago a friend asked for help with an 84 that was "broken" I got the frozen slide unstuck, cleaned and lubed it. I explained that you can't shoot a gun for ever without some maintenance.
Lastly, I love Retting's Gun Shop. It is one of the last old school gun shops in L.A. area. When I went in the service in 1969 before going in the service, I sold my guns to them to raise some cash. Poor student days. Not many of those old school shops around. Bain and Davis is still in San Gabriel in a new location, and Kings Gun Works in Glendale has new owners but the store in the same location on Glenoaks.
Sigh. Hard to remember the old days before the lunatics took over.

[B Gardner]

I've got a model 85BB that I purchased used in 1997. It's the only 380 I've had that has never had a miss feed of failure to extract with all types of ammo. It's comfortable to shoot and easy to clean. 8 + 1 capacity.

[anothergunnut]

Many years ago, I had a Browning BDA. The Browning BDA name was used on more than one pistol including a rebadged Sig P220 and the Beretta 84. I had the BDA 380 which was a beautifully finished and functionally great pistol. If you're looking for a 380 Beretta, you might want to consider the Browning BDA.

[IVC]

Most likely a misprint on private sale. I checked Bud's and they show 84 with 13 or 10 rounds (the latter being CA-neutered) and 85 with 8 rounds. As far as I know those are the only options. (I own a 10-round 84 in nickel.)

[GMG]

In the late 70's I bought an 84 model used, double stack with 13 round mag. Great shooter very accurate, still have it.