Beretta 85FS

[aklon]

I saw one of these the other day and much to my horror I actually like it. Ordinarily I'd never consider a .380, but this time ...

Anyone having experience with this pistol is encouraged to influence my purchasing decision, one way or the other. I know little about it except what I've read and I'd like to hear from some end users.

[cmichini]

I've got one. It's a fun, sexy little piece.

Due to the short barrel you won't get competition groups from it. However, it is reliable. In 1-2K rounds I don't think I can recall one malfunction.

My wife likes shooting it, too.

If you're buying new, maybe consider the 84. It can take the double stack mags (makes it a little more bulky). For CA you'd have to get 10 rounders, but if you ever visit or move to America you can buy standard capacity mags.

I don't think I'll be looking to get rid of mine anytime soon.

HTH

[tylerderdan]

I purchased one of these for my wife years ago... great little gun, very reliable and fun to shoot...

[fusion]

Nice, fun, and reliable. Need I say more? Get one!

[Wherryj]

I believe that the Beretta 85fs is pretty much the same (aside from the cutaway slide. As my Browning BDA .380. It's a very reliable, and nice to look at, firearm.

(Browning BDA .380 is my Avatar)

[RedFord150]

Compare side by side to Bersa Thunder. Pick the one you like the best.
I was a .380 'Hater' until I shot my Bersa. I actually enjoy the Bersa a lot. I think .380 is absolute minimum caliber for HD, but it can work.
Cor-Bon makes some pretty respectable HD rounds in .380.
Good luck.

[S.A.]

I had the same gun a few years ago, felt good in my hand, did not like it after shooting it. I did not like the felt recoil it had for a .380, Beretta's are blow back actions. My Colt .380's, locked breech actions, felt way better! Also frame mounted ambi-safety would interfere with my thumb when racking slide causing misfeed. Sold gun, try before you buy. All the best.

[GunDog]

I believe that the Beretta 85fs is pretty much the same (aside from the cutaway slide. As my Browning BDA .380. It's a very reliable, and nice to look at, firearm.

Agreed. I believe you are right on. I bought my Browning BDA .380 probably about 20 years ago. Aside from its compact size and overall good looks, the thing the most interested me was it's 13 round magazine capacity. You won't find another .380 quite like it. The Browning BDA .380 and the Beretta Model 85 Cheetah mags are interchangeable.