U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- I have to admit, I haven’t carried a .380 in a very long time – but that might change with the release of the new Beretta 80x. Well, that and the advancements in ammunition technology in the past 20 years. After all, .380 ACP was considered on the cusp of being too anemic for carry until very recently, when the evolution of defensive projectiles helped elevate it to a solid carry option.
Beretta 80x .380 ACP
The original version of the Beretta 80x was known as the Cheetah and was a staple of concealed carry options for thousands of armed professionals and concerned citizens looking for a discreet option with better capacity than your standard fare of pocket pistols. But with the bevy of ultra-compact, super lightweight full-powered handguns like SIG’s P365, is there still a place for an older design – even if it’s a modernized take?
The answer isn’t clear at this point, as only time will tell. But I will say that for shooters either enamored with the original Cheetah or those with extensive trigger time behind the gun’s big brother, the Beretta Model 92FS, the 80x is definitely attractive. Especially since it now featured an accessory rail on the dust cover for mounting lights/lasers and an optic cut on the slide.
Like the Cheetah the 80x is based on, the new compact Beretta features a thumb safety and its magazines hold 13+1 rounds of .380 ACP. The black model retails for $799, while the bronze will cost an extra $200 at $999.
Visit Beretta.com for more info.
About Jim Grant
Jim is one of the elite editors for AmmoLand.com, who in addition to his mastery of prose, can wield a camera with expert finesse. He loves anything and everything guns but holds firearms from the Cold War in a special place in his heart.
When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly, their son, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.
Off topic a bit. Biggest issue I have with the railed 92A1 is the rail. I wanted it for the removable sights vs. the milled-in-place front sight for other 92s I don’t use a mounted light, I don’t want to muzzle anyone while using the light to search outside my cabin (legal issues with pointing a firearm at someone). So anyway, finding holsters is tough!! I had a custom paddle holster made by MTM in Cary, NC. Love it!!! I need a shoulder holster to fit my Galco VHS 4.0 rig. Nobody (that I can find) makes a vertical shoulder… Read more »
Even better Beretta news: Beretta Holding recently acquired ammunition manufacturer Norma Precision. Norma is planning to spend $60 million to build a 300,00 soft ammunition factory in Savannah, Ga.
When I first saw the 92X a couple of years ago, I said to myself “wow”, and I had to have one. I considered it to be like Beretta’s take on an S.A. TRP. But the 80X? $1000 for the pretty one? Not me.