The Beretta Cheetah series, with its long-standing reputation for quality and comfort, remains a point of interest for firearm enthusiasts, particularly those with a taste for classic designs. Among them, the Beretta 85 FS Cheetah stands out as a notable firearm that combines nostalgia with functionality. This piece examines the intricate details and user experience of the Beretta 85 FS, underlining its unique place in the lineup of .380 ACP pistols.
Introduced in 1976, the Beretta Cheetah series has seen a variety of models, including the 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, and 87 Target, each with its own peculiarities. The 85 FS, with its “combat” trigger guard, Bruniton finish, and internal improvements denoted by the ‘FS’ suffix, is a classic example of Beretta’s craftsmanship. Although not all Cheetah models are in production, the 85 FS has managed to retain its charm, particularly in its single-stack variant.
A reviewer’s quest for an ideal .380 pistol led them to the Beretta 85 FS, which was singled out for its comfortable grip and how “it seemed to neatly weld itself into my palm.” This emphasis on ergonomics is significant in the context of .380 ACP pistols.
The Beretta 85 FS is not without its challenges. The pistol’s snappy nature, a result of the direct blowback action, can be discomforting to shoot despite its full-sized grip and metal frame. The snappiness has been attributed to the gun’s original design for the lighter .32 ACP before being adapted for .380 ACP. Yet, the 85 FS has been praised for its accuracy, with a best five-shot grouping at thirty feet measuring an impressive 1.25 inches.
Furthermore, the Cheetah’s distinctive sighting system has not gone unnoticed. The dot-over-dot “figure 8” arrangement is unusual, with the correct sight picture requiring the shooter to slice the front sight dot in the middle, replacing the lower half with the half circle of the rear sight. This, along with the satisfying magazine release and the solid steel guide rod, adds to the experience of handling the pistol.
While the 85 FS might not be the most contemporary or the easiest to handle among the .380 options available today, it carries a certain distinctive character. This uniqueness extends to some Beretta 80X models, such as the bronze and stainless launch edition variant, which offer modern features like an accessory rail, checkered backstrap, and an optics-ready slide. Even with these updates, the essence of the Cheetah’s design is preserved.
The demand for the Cheetah, however, has created a challenge in availability. The model has become difficult to track down, with new models sold out and some vendors removing the listing entirely. Despite this, there’s a healthy used market, offering avenues for enthusiasts to own a piece of this history.
Relevant articles:
– Beretta 80X Cheetah Review: The Compact Comeback, luckygunner.com
– Beretta 85 FS Cheetah, The Range of Richfield, Jan 16, 2019
– The Beretta Cheetah Series: Fun Size Duty Pistols, LuckyGunner.com, Sep 17, 2021