Any Thoughts on Beretta 87T???

[Btango05]

I saw one in the case the other week and at first I thought it was some sort of "Robocop" clone. I didn't ask sales about the pistol as I was just there doing a PPT, but I was doing some google-en and was surprised to see that it was .22 target pistol (surprised because I caught a glimpse of the $850 price tag). So far I can't find any recent testimonials, perhaps a calgunner has fired this piece and would like to share.

[IsaacGlass]

Where did you see it at?

[Btango05]

Why? Is it a hard find? I'd tell you but I'd have to kill you...jk! Seriously though whats the story on this gun?

[Blennidae]

I like mine. When I was looking for a .22 pistol, I found I like the looks of the 87T more than the others. Others say the trigger pull isnt as nice as some other target .22s, but since I have no experience with them I dont know any better. It is a very accurate pistol. I did not pay anywhere near $850 for mine, and dont think I would personally pay that much for a .22 pistol.

[ironpete]

I have one and love it. It is my current favorite .22 pistol. I got it because I wanted a pistol for bullseye. I did get a Trigger job by Alex Hamilton (out of TX) because the reviews about the awful trigger were spot on.

I believe the rarity of this gun is due to its strange marketing niche. Too expensive for a beginner gun and too cheap for a serious competition gun. Most people I know would stick to Rugers or go over the top for a 41 or better.

Look and feel:
It fits my hand well (small hands) although the plastic grips have a texture that is a little too rough. The plastic grips are slimmer than the wooden grips on the standard 87 (wife's pistol). It is built well and feels solid as opposed to my trailside. Quality of construction is good. Many beginners who shoot this gun like the 'menacing' look and mild recoil. To me it has a 'cool' factor that I just don't get with my ruger, trailside or any other .22 pistol.

Mechanics:
I've put many thousands of rounds into this pistol and still works like a champ. It isn't picky about ammo. Mags take a little use to become drop-free. I've used it in steel competitions and would definitely do it again. It feels like I have less ammo failures with this .22 than any of my others. It could be ammo but I typically get a couple of duds in any box, perhaps I just don't notice them anymore. The rail also deflects burning powder which is nice. Occasionally with my other 22s with open slides (Trailside, 70s, 87) they allow burning powder to fly out. I don't get that with this pistol.

Good:
I like the included rail and have a red dot mounted to it. Much better design than my crappy Trailside aftermarket scope mount.

Accuracy is on par with my Trailside...3" at 25 yards. I'm sure it can do better but I'm at my skill level.

Bad:
One of the negatives is that it is annoying to break down for cleaning...although my ruger is similarly complicated.

Terrible stock trigger for a "Target" gun.

Magazines are expensive.

Conclusion:
Overall I recommend it.

Check out rimfire central where somebody posted pictures of their suppressed 87T.

-pete

[Quiet]

I really, really, really want one.

Got to shoot one many years back, ever since then I've really wanted to get one.

Just can't afford the $750+ price at the moment.

[Khram]

I want the regular 87 but can't afford it.