Beretta 81s range report

[Thumbcocker]

We wound up with 2 if these little suckers. Always heard .32's multiply. First range trip was with Winchester 71grn FMJ (forgive me). First target was the first 5 shots from a standing 2 hand hold at 15 yards. First shot was high. Gun two target was 5 at 15 and 5 at 25. The two shots between the two groups was at 25 (lost 3). The other 5 holes were from 15. I am pleased. Mrs. Thumbcocker is pleased.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190823/528ba91a0c72df7c336bfe61a2095bef.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190823/b167b549cbca622f4b8a43d869cb1cf6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190823/8a0c8587184ce767443326100d80c47d.jpg

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[Outpost75]

Thanks for the report. I've ordered one of these and have my buddy in Italy looking for magazines because there seem to be no spares on this side of the water, according to Beretta USA.

[Texas by God]

Can you load the mag with it locked in the pistol? I had a m70 .22 that you could- a neat feature
. Thanks for the report.

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[osteodoc08]

Are these from the batch that are on sale at CDNN and others right now?

[onelight]

Both of those berettas look really nice , and the shooting ain't to shabby .
Nice

[Texas by God]

From Aim Surplus.

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[Thumbcocker]

Aim had sold out. The second came from DK in Virginia. I honestly couldn't tell $20 difference between the two although the bottom gun was a "select" grade. They both ran perfectly. I think from a rest a clay pigeon could have a bad day at 50 yards. The sights are much better than many .32's like a 1903. I don't know how durable they will be. They will be on an exclusive boolit diet soon. Both bores were shiny and smooth. I noticed when I put a patch through the bores that they seemed tight so I need to slug them.

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[GhostHawk]

Just ordered one of those from Classic Firearms, should be here in a couple of days.

Magazines appear to be pricey, starting at 50$ from Beretta, and working up to 70$ elsewhere.

Will give a range report once I have a chance to shoot it.
Ordered Fiochhi factory loads for starters as I have no brass for that caliber as yet.

[Jniedbalski]

Just ordered one. They look nice. Ready to start looking up 32 acp loading from outpost 75. Can’t believe I ordered another pistols like I really need one haha. More dies to order, powder bullet molds it never stops thanks guys

[Drew P]

Looked hard at these but .32 is the ONE cartridge I shoot, but don’t load. So, yes, it would get expensive for me too if I bought one. Probably hold out for a 92S instead. I’d also be interested in a single action beretta which I know exists but I haven’t been able to determine exactly which ones.

[Jniedbalski]

I also ordered from DK in Virginia. If any body can find magazines for this gun please let us know.

[Jniedbalski]

I already have a 92fs in 9 mm I really like. This is just another caliber to load for . Over time will start getting dies. Bullets, probably will order them for now then a mold. Hope in a year or so will have everything I need . Spreading out the purchases helps. For me anyway

[rking22]

Looking good! I shot 10 PPU 71 gr thru mine today. 5 at about 12 single action then 5 double. Group was about like your 2nd, but lower. Cycles well and pleasantly doesn’t throw brass to the next county. Got some Fiochie 77 gr coming, and getting a die set coming. There is a company making grips for these from G10, they wind up being narrower than an 85!

[Jniedbalski]

Outpost75 what do you thank about the beretta shooting the hotter ammo. Will it hold up or use sparingly thanks

[Petrol & Powder]

Thanks for sharing that report.
I've had a bunch of Berettas over the years and I have always been impressed with their quality.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Looked hard at these but .32 is the ONE cartridge I shoot, but don’t load. So, yes, it would get expensive for me too if I bought one. Probably hold out for a 92S instead. I’d also be interested in a single action beretta which I know exists but I haven’t been able to determine exactly which ones.

is this a good price on a 92s https://rguns.net/shop/beretta-92s-pre-owned-15rd-9mm-pistol/ they also have a 85

[Petrol & Powder]

is this a good price on a 92s https://rguns.net/shop/beretta-92s-pre-owned-15rd-9mm-pistol/ they also have a 85

I can't tell you if that's a good price for you BUT, the 92S was an Italian made model 92 with a slide mounted safety and a magazine release at the lower rear corner of the grip. Magazines for this pistol require the notch in the lower left corner of the magazine (not difficult to add if needed).
That pistol was later superseded by the 92SB with the mag release located in the traditional American location behind the trigger guard (1911 style) and the addition of a firing pin block safety.

I shot a 92SB for many years and it was an outstanding pistol ! The older Italian made 92's were well fitted but you're talking about guns that are now pushing 30+ years old. So that used model 92S may be a lightly used model or it may have seen a hard life. Caveat Emptor

[Jniedbalski]

I thank its a good deal at rguns. I got my 92fs awhile back while they where still 249$. The guns are have to buy to see what you get. My 92 is decent but has some holster wear. Looks like it was shot very little. Most of these guns should be decent shape but don’t expect prefect new finish.

[Jniedbalski]

I have bought 6 police trade in pistols so far . All have holster wear but look almost never used.

[Outpost75]

Outpost75 what do you thank about the beretta shooting the hotter ammo. Will it hold up or use sparingly thanks

If these have the aluminum alloy frame, I would not feed them a steady diet of hot loads, but they should be OK with Euro-CIP hardball which they were designed for. They should be OK with occasional use of the heavy bullet handloads. I plan to try them in mine when it arrives, but will replace the recoil spring with one intended for the .380 ACP Model 84 before doing so.

[Thumbcocker]

Ours have surprisingly heavy recoil springs. Mrs. Thumbcocker needed to cock the hammer to cycle the slide. I just scored some Fiochi hardball rated at 1000 fps. No luck finding. 32 acp does at the local gun show.

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[Outpost75]

Real Made In Italy Fiocchi 73-grain hardball is among the best .32 ACP there is. It ranks right up there with RWS, Geco, Sako and Norma as for accuracy and having the best brass for reloading.

The Czech S-B ammo is also good as to velocity, although the brass from it is not.

[rking22]

I ordered my fiocchi from Buds, think it was 10.86 per 50 and shipping was another 10$. Shipping was the same for 1 box or 5 boxes, still the best price I found online.

[Jniedbalski]

Is this pistols the aluminum or steel frame just wondering ?

[Outpost75]

Is this pistols the aluminum or steel frame just wondering ?

From what I can find online the Beretta 81s are all alloy frame. but mine has not arrived yet to confirm.

[rking22]

Beretta 81 series guns all have aluminum frames, including the 380 and 22 versions.

[Jniedbalski]

Thanks for the info. From what I have read I thought some where steel frame. Glad to know that there all aluminum frame. It should match or close to my 92 FS

[rking22]

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Beretta 81 series guns. Note the interchangeable parts as well.
https://berettaforum.net/vb/showthread.php?t=94273

[Jniedbalski]

From what I have read on the bretta forum the hammer and slide springs are the same on the model 81 32apc and the 380 model I thank 84 or 85 . Also it said the 380 mags and barrel will change out also making a 32 into a 380 only with a mag and barrel swap . Sounds cool

[Jniedbalski]

Found on the bretta forum about changing calibers. change caliber between .380 ACP and .32 ACP on any 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, all that is required is to change the barrel and the double stack magazine (single stack magazines in .32 and .380 are identical except for engraving and witness holes). If desired, the entire slide assembly may be changed between models of the same version, e.g., 81FS, 82FS, 83FS, 84FS and 85FS.

[Jniedbalski]

Has any body go there pistols in yet. What quality are they? Hope to see some pictures soon. I just got a email today that mine has just shipped

[GhostHawk]

Picked mine up tonight, sure glad I spent the 20$ for "best of 10" it looks new.

I'm not kidding. Blueing is black and shiny with no pits. A few scratches in the plastic grips around the screw heads. Other than that it looks new. Took me about 2 minutes to figure out how it takes apart. Would have been a lot faster if I had dropped the mag first.

Gave it a light oiling and wipedown just cause. Barrel looks good, rifling is deep and wide, does not look worn. Little bit of dark in the bottoms of the grooves. I'll get that out, just takes a few cleanings and shootings.

Anyone have a good IWB or belt clip type nylon holster for these that would fit right?

Before I can shoot it I will have to go buy a couple of boxes of ammo. Should not be a big problem.

I REALLY like the feel of this little girl. Ohh and it has a good light trigger too.

Needs a drop of white out on the front sight.

I'm a happy camper. No hot loads here, from the research I've seen so far I'll be starting at 1.6 gr of Red Dot.

[rking22]

Is yours one of the 81BB versions they are selling now or a no letter 81 from the first batch? I been wondering what the latest batch look like.

[Jniedbalski]

Post a picture if you can. I also went with the 20$ hand picked. I usually never do the 20$ hand picked. Most of the time when the gun companies get the new shipments in there all good shape. It’s usually a waste of money. But if it’s only a small shipment or selling out really fast like these are it usually helps. Where did you order yours from my gun shipped from DK in Virginia. Supposed to be at my dealer on Tuesday . I noticed Brownells also have them for sale and a few other places. They must be importing a bunch of them

[GhostHawk]

Got mine from Classic Firearms. My FFL says he has seen some 20 of them come through his hands in the last 2 weeks.

Left side frame reads "Pietro Beretta Gardone V.T. cal 7.65 Made in Italy
D81997w"

Right side reads
"PB-Mod 81-patented
Cat 4"

Has what appears to be 4 proof marks on the forward trigger housing right side.

And a "P8" below the take down lever.

Having trouble transfering files from phone to this laptop running Mint 18 and thence to this forum. Not sure why.

[trapper9260]

Here is a video I had watch early this morning on this gun. https://www.full30.com/watch/MDIxNjg5/beretta-model-81-cheetah-32-acp-pistol-review

[rking22]

Ghosthawk, that is the first generation 81 (no letter, kinda like no dash S&W world). On the right front trigger guard is a square with 2 letters, that is the proof date. AH is 1981, common for all Italy proofed guns. Mine was very nice for the money, just a bit of finish wear on the edge of the trigger guard, mechanically tight and clean. Be nice when the surplus mags start showing up.

[GhostHawk]

247622247623247621

Got to the range today, burned some 20 rounds of magtech FMJ's through it.

Started a little sloppy but my last group was a vertical line of 4 bullets, less than half an inch between them. And 2 slightly higher and left in center of bullseye.

It will take a little practice but I can see a lot of potential in this little gun. Tommorow I start reloading those emptys.

Pushed a single oiled patch down the barrel followed by a dry one and the bottoms of the grooves are shiny now.
Looks good to me!

Found a nylon holster with belt clip that I can use IWB or in a jacket pocket for 15$ if I want to carry it.

No hiccups at all today. Looking at it I see the mag follower seems to sit very high almost even with the bore. There is only a very small feed ramp. This pistol should feed almost anything.

Trigger has a fair amount of take up slack, then it is quite crisp and clean. Fairly light, I like it.

I am very very happy I got this one. At the range everyone who saw it thought it was "cute" Yeah its cute, like a baby rattlesnake is cute.

[Outpost75]

Picked up mine today. An "AF" date code (1980) plain Model 81. Looks like the photos of all the others. I did pay the extra $20 to get the "best of ten" selected and am glad I did.

Field stripping to inspect it looks almost new, very slight peening of frame where the slide stops, but no wear of of the anodized finish on the frame rails. Great DA trigger pull like a revolver. SA trigger pull just like a military .45 hardball gun.

Ran 100 rounds. It eats everything. Its 3.82” barrel length gives really good velocity.
Nice handling for rapid, 2-second double and triple taps, very light recoil, quick recovery.

Chamber is tight. Handloads must be run through the Lee Factory crimp die, as any case slight mouth bulge from excessive crimp and the slide won’t close fully. After taking this precaution all the reloads ran, even 31-095T which has ¼” diameter flat nose! No bobbles with any of the cast bullet or factory ammos.

First tried the Buffalo Bore 75-grain FN which is only 0.915” OAL and which jams in every other .32 ACP pistol I own. It runs in the Beretta 81 like a pony trotting. POI is 3” above the front sight, all rounds well in the bull of a timed & rapid-fire repair center at 25 yds.using 6:00 hold. 1016 fps, 5 Sd, 11 ES for 12-shots

Fiocchi 73-grain FMJ 964 fps, 26 Sd, 65 ES, all in the timed and rapid-fire black, 4” group at 25 yards. typical accuracy for a .32 ACP pistol firing ball ammo.

Remington 71-grain FMJ 914 fps, 23 Sd, 62 ES, again typical grouping well centered.

Old Western “Bullseye” logo box, WW2 era 74-grain FMJ 1050 fps, 25 Sd, 84 ES, round 3-inch group was well centered in timed and rapid-fire bull using a 6:00 hold. Hottest factory load fired today, but I didn’t bring any S-B to shoot...

And The "Ed Harris Buffalo Loads”


Accurate 31-087T, Starline case, Fed. 200, 3 grains AutoComp, OAL 0.955” 992 fps, 26 Sd, 93 ES - Equals .380 ACP energy!

Accurate 31-095T, Starline case, Fed. 200, 2 grains Titegroup, OAL 0.945” 946 fps, 13 Sd, 36 ES. - Equals .380 ACP energy!


Inspection after session revealed no frame battering from 50 rounds of the Ed Harris Buffalo Loads.

[Thumbcocker]

Wooohooo

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[Jniedbalski]

Going to pick my pistole up after work. It’s in yahoo

[Jniedbalski]

Got my pistol in today.looks better than what I thought they would send. Overall I like it nice.

[Jniedbalski]

It won’t let me post a picture of it for some reason.it never did that before but it looks as good as the ones above. Probably never shot much it’s just to nice. Now have to go shoot it

[Outpost75]

[QUOTE=GhostHawk;4717822]....Anyone have a good IWB or belt clip type nylon holster for these that would fit right? ...[Quote]

I got a Bianchi Model 6 IWB for mine.

248225

Product Family #: 1336178830
Bianchi 6 Holster
List Price:$24.00
Our Price: $19.20
Add to Cart for Special Price
Mixed Availability
Compatible With:
Beretta 84 Cheetah, 3.82 Inch

[GhostHawk]

I had troubles uploading pictures until I remembered I had not resized them for the forum. Cut the size in half twice and they load just fine. I used the "go Advanced" then "Manage attachments" then add files, browse, upload.

But it won't upload them over a certain size. Most cell phones and digital camera's now days are 8 mega pixels or bigger. So you have to downsize them.

[Jniedbalski]

Has any body shot there little Bretta yet. Except the one or two post. Will try to test it out tomorrow

[Divil]

I own a new 81fs. I have shot Hornady 60gr. XTP, Fiocchi 73gr. Ball, Winchester 71 gr. FMJ-FN without malfunction. I need to shoot more jhp ammo before I am comfortable carrying them, but it gets expensive. Hand loads of Berry’s 71gr. TMJ on top of 2.9 gr. Unique and Meister 77gr. RNL on top of 2.1 gr. Of Red Dot have shot without a hitch. The small size of the components makes hand loading a mild torture or a labor of love depending on your perspective.

[Thumbcocker]

With a spotter till you get the right sight picture, it is not too difficult to hit standard clay pigeons at 50 yards.

[Jniedbalski]

Went out and shot my little 81 today. I shot factory fiocchi fmj ammo. It was surprisingly accurate at ten yards. Only had 1/2 a hour to shoot. The little 4 in paste on bullseye just disintegrated after 25 or so rounds. I was shooting slow at first keeping all shots inside the 4 in bullseye. I then decided to start shooting faster. This pistole is mild like shooting a 22. I could keep on target easy. I shot faster and faster and still could keep it on the target. I think I kind of like it

[Jniedbalski]

Only thing I don’t like about it it spreads brass every where bad.

[GhostHawk]

Yes it seems it is as bad as my Cz-52 for sending brass to the far reaches.

On the good news front my local range found me 300 .32acp brass at a nickle each. Just need to pick it up today.

Been casing some Lee .314 90 gr truncated cone. Made a dummy round, looks like if I can get it into the right place it will feed and chamber ok.

[tejano]

Said this a couple of years or so back. The 32 auto is the Miata of the gun world—not very practical but a whole lot of fun!

[Petrol & Powder]

Said this a couple of years or so back. The 32 auto is the Miata of the gun world—not very practical but a whole lot of fun!

If a red Miata is a mid-life crisis car does that make a 32 auto a mid-life crisis pistol ? :kidding:

All jokes aside, I've always liked the Beretta 80 series pistols (models 81, 82, 83, 84 etc.) but feel the guns are a bit big for the class. They're well made pistols but a bit bulky. For that size you can get a pistol chambered in 9mm.

Looking at two pistols chambered in 32 ACP such as a Beretta model 81 and a Beretta Tomcat; you see one pistol that is very compact and easy to carry/conceal and another that is closer to a full sized gun. In Europe the model 81 would often be used as a full sized duty pistol, at least until replaced by 9mm pistols.

The Europeans have always viewed the 32 ACP (7.65 Browning) as a more viable self defense cartridge than the Americans have.
The 32 ACP was much more prevalent in military and police use in Europe than in America. This is evident in the large numbers of pistols chambered for the 32 ACP in Europe; Walther PP, Mauser HSc, several CZ pistols, several Berettas, numerous French & Belgium pistols, etc.
Those pistols tend to be larger pistols, formerly carried in holsters by police and military forces in Europe before they moved to larger pistols. The American 32 ACP pistols tended to be more in line with pocket pistols such as the Seacamp LWS32, NAA 32 Guardian, Kel-tec, etc.

While there certainly were a number of larger American made pistols chambered in 32 ACP (Colt 1903, Remington Model 51 and the Savage; just to name a few) Americans seemed to view the 32ACP in a different light than Europeans.

That being said, the larger European pistols chambered in 32 ACP are a LOT of fun to shoot ! (OK, maybe they are Miata's :-) but hey ! what's wrong with that ?)
A round nose FMJ 32 is probably not the best self defense cartridge but the 32 ACP is no slouch when loaded properly. Some of the European loads are rather hot and with the right projectile, they are credible SD cartridges. Some pistols chambered for the 32 ACP are extremely accurate (there's that fun factor again) and if you're not looking for a pocket pistol,...... there's a lot of good there.

[Jniedbalski]

I like the beretta because it’s not small. If I wanted a really small concealable pistols then the sea camp or Kel-Tec would be great. I like the size because I can keep on target better if I want to shoot fast. To me it’s about perfect in size for what I want . I don’t need it concealed and I have my bigger guns longer if I need them.

[GhostHawk]

I think the 81 is just right, not to big for my hands, double the # of rounds available compared to my revolvers, and really not a whole lot bigger. Little longer perhaps.

I have mine setup with a nylon reversable IWB or outside holster. Currently setup to go IWB on my left side. Yes I like cross draw. Also I don't talk with my left hand as much. More likely to stay concealed.

[Petrol & Powder]

I like the beretta because it’s not small. If I wanted a really small concealable pistols then the sea camp or Kel-Tec would be great. I like the size because I can keep on target better if I want to shoot fast. To me it’s about perfect in size for what I want . I don’t need it concealed and I have my bigger guns longer if I need them.

They are fun to shoot.

[Petrol & Powder]

Back in the early 90's I knew several guys that had Beretta models 84 & 85 (double stack 380 and single stack 380). They were popular guns with the Beretta crowd and they shot well. They seemed noticeably larger than a Walther PPK, PP or a SIG P230 but they really were close in size. I guess that impression was more of a feeling than a reality. I shot with those guys, I shot their guns on occasion and I was very impressed with the Beretta's.
I will say the Beretta's were very reliable and accurate.

I had (or rather my ex-wife had) a model 86 (tip up barrel) and that was a great gun on the range but far too large for concealed carry in that class of pistol. That gun went away when she did, I miss the gun.

[GhostHawk]

Dies arrived today, should have 250 once fired brass in a day or 2.

I did load 6 rounds from 6 brass I found in my range bag.

All 6 cycled perfectly manually. Looks like I am soon going to be loading them up.

Load was aprox 1.8 grains of Red Dot, CCI SPP, 90 gr cast lead round nose. I'll be testing those against the .314 90 gr truncated cone watching for function, accuracy and leading.

Have to admit I'm liking the 81, it isn't huge, but it is not IMO too small either. Seems like a nice balance.

[Outpost75]

Law Enforcement is Italy is not like the US.

There are five national “police” organizations, State, Financial, Forestry, Prisons and Military, plus numerous other provincial and municipal police forces. The Carabinieri, or military police, the serious “operators” who deal with hardened criminals and terrorists, are issued a personal Beretta 92F pistol and a departmental Beretta Mod 12 sub-machine gun. National police officers carry handguns without territorial or time restrictions, but off-duty pistols are required to be concealed. A smaller, more concealable handgun of standard military (9x19mm) caliber may be authorized on a case-by-case basis for off-duty carry with command approval.

Uniformed personnel serving in administrative, vs. operational officer ranks, particularly in smaller provincial or municipal police organizations tasked with traffic enforcement, tax collection, white collar crime, or any low risk of violence situation, until recently were issued a personal Beretta 81 .32 ACP for on-duty carry only, and only in rare instances, a departmental sub-machine gun locked in the patrol car. Personal handguns of Italian police other than the National organizations are “holster pistols,” worn mostly as "badges of authority," which by intent and design were never intended as “pocket pistols,” because off-duty concealed carry was not authorized for those officers.

[jrayborn]

About maybe seven years ago I purchased two Beretta Model 84's that had been recently imported from Israel. They were used but in good condition and have been great little pistols to play with or carry. When the model 81's became available I immediately pounced and purchased several. They are a high quality arm for sure and the price is right. Seems they are running at $225-$250 where new ones go over $500. Great value for such a firearm.

These have been my first .32 ACP firearms, and I have to say that due to the opinions expressed by many have never been really interested in the cartridge since it mostly will bounce off paper targets due to lack of power... Well, I learned something, and although the .32ACP is what it is, it most certainly does not bounce off paper targets. These little pistols have taught me something and are great fun. For the money, I don't think anyone can really go wrong.

Now I just need to head over to the Accurate Molds site and find something good to cast with. Maybe the 31-075R, looks like a tumble lube design that might be easier than lubing traditionally.

[GhostHawk]

I saw an interesting Youtube video yesterday using .22lr 40 gr standard velocity ammo.
From a 10/22 the bullet mushroomed perfectly but only penitrated some 12".

From a Ruger semi auto with 3.5" barrel 3 shots all penitrated 18" but did not mushroom.
They did leave very nice large permanent cavity's which were all 3-5 inches deeper than fired from the rifle.

Speed is not always an aid for penetration!

Now those little .32acp's are moving a third slower, but bullets will have close to or over twice the mass.
I would not count them out.

I don't often carry but if I did it would be a .32 of some flavor. Simply because I know I can be much more accurate with it.
And the muzzle blast is not going to mess with my head near as much as even a 9mm. So IMO, they have a place. YMMV. And that is fine.

[Bodydoc447]

I got one of the BB models from AIM Surplus. It shoots well enough with PPU factory loads and with Missouri Cast bullet 78 grain RN over 2.0 Titegroup. Haven't done much with it since I got to be the first one on my block with this year's flu. On the road to recovery and looking forward to doing some accuracy testing.

[jrayborn]

I got three of the "B" models and one "BB". Have been experimenting with 70 grain Berry's RN plated bullets over 2.7 and then 2.9 gr of Power Pistol for 810 and 850 FPS. I will try 3.1 grains tomorrow I hope.

[GhostHawk]

Brass arrived, nicely cleaned. Spent some time running it all through the FA hand deprimer, then sized, flared, charged with 2 grains of Red Dot and loaded. Half 93 gr round nose, half .314 TC. Then they all got a trip through my new .32 factory crimp die which seems to have a carbide ring to remove bulges. Put just a very nice light crimp on them. Plunk test says the Beretta likes em.

Range trip soon.

[Petrol & Powder]

Looking forward to a full report.

[NBraun]

Just bought one of these today. Looking forward to start loading for it. I'm not yet setup to cast my own, so I was curious if you guys know if anyone sells a flat nose bullet in the 80-90 grain range?

[jrayborn]

Welcome to the forum NBraun, I have been looking to buy molds not bullets but I would expect someone out there sells one you might like. Good luck!

[NBraun]

Thanks! You would think more company's would have at least one selection of bullet between 71 and 100 gr, but pretty much all of them only have the 71gr RN and 100 RNFP.

[GhostHawk]

249264

Distance was a solid 20 feet.
On the left was the Lee 93 gr round nose

On the right was the Lee .314 90 gr truncated cone. Both lubed with 2 light coats of BLL.

Load was just under 2 grains of Red Dot and a CCI small pistol primer.

In the nature of full disclosure, and to be honest, I was sitting down. Right arm was resting on a small sandbag back by my elbow.

Still mighty fine shooting IMO from a 67 yr old man with a 209$ gun.

That is not the first target. I did alternate 5 of the round nose and 5 of the TC once on a previous target. Then I used some typwriter correction fluid (White out) to put a small white dot on the very tip of the front sight.

Then I shot that target. Round noses first.

I quit there. I probably should have put up a fresh target and repeated it.
But I got the results I pretty much expected. I am a big fan of that little Lee .314 TC 90 gr tumble lubed boolit. It just plain shoots, doesn't care what in, from .30-30 small game loads to .32acp. It shoots, period. That's my story and I'll stick to it.

And yes, I am LOVING this little Beretta.
But then I have not met a .32 yet I did not like.

Hope this is helpful for some of you.

FYI powder was measured with a homemade dipper made from a .22lr empty taped to a popsicle stick. Adjusted to throw 2 grains of Red Dot with a slight mound. These were charged with a tap on the powder dish which removed the mound and put a slight hollow. So slightly below 2 grains. Probably about 1.95. All 50 brass were sized, flared, primed, charged. Then as I was inserting boolits I would do 5 round noses, and then 5 TC's.


But

[NBraun]

Those of you that are loading heavy for the 32, i'm looking to double check my thoughts. I picked up some 100gr RNFP coated bullets sized to .313, I plan to start at 4.6gr's of 2400 and work up from there. Does that sound safe? I've read the other threads on the topic, but since this is my first foray into 32acp I wanted to double check.

[Outpost75]

Those of you that are loading heavy for the 32, i'm looking to double check my thoughts. I picked up some 100gr RNFP coated bullets sized to .313, I plan to start at 4.6gr's of 2400 and work up from there. Does that sound safe? I've read the other threads on the topic, but since this is my first foray into 32acp I wanted to double check.

The .313 bullets will not chamber unless you use Lee Factory Crimp die to remove body bulge! The 81 generally needs .311". Use 2.5 of Unique, AutoComp or Power Pistol. Or 5 grs. of #2400 or whatever fills the case with #2400 to zero airspace without compression. Minimum OAL is 0.945".

[NBraun]

Thanks Outpost, I figured that would be the case with the .313 bullets but wasn't sure.

[Divil]

Meister 78gr. RNL .312 bullets chamber just fine in my 81fs.

[Rapidrob]

I just ordered an 81 today along with a spare magazine and a new Italian Police hanging belt holster as they would have used on duty.
I won't be CCW'ing the pistol but will be shooting the snot out of it in my club. I hoping it will do well at our running man target rapid fire match as recoil seems to be very low which is good for sight recovery on a moving target.
I have several .32's and have molds and brass. Now I need to find what loads the pistol/brass can be safely loaded to.

[Rapidrob]

I bought one hand picked along with a spare magazine on Tuesday. It showed up today at my friends house who is a dealer. I asked him to open up the box and he said " I think you are going to like this. It looks to be brand new". "holster wear?" I asked. "Don't see any. What to sell it to me?"
It's a 70 mile drive to his house, so I'll post photo's tomorrow after I pick it up. He's been a good friend and never charges a fee to log the pistol and NICS call.
The Italian Police holster should be here as well. I found one for 16 bucks delivered that is supposed to be unissued,NOS.
I loaded up a couple hundred 71 grain cast bullets to try out this Saturday. Bullseye,Unique,231,Red Dot, Rex#2 and PB, just for giggles to see which one likes my cast .312 bullets that I make my own tumble lube for.
I have some FMJ's loaded up as well to check for accuracy against my cast bullets.

[Rapidrob]

The pistol could not be picked up until yesterday at the range. And as promised by my dealer the pistol is new,unfired! It has not had a round up the loading ramp nor dragged across the magazine follower. The pistol frame and magazine shows no signs of wear what so ever. A patch wiped down the bore came out with a light film of old oil only. WAHOO!
The spare magazine I bought had been used and rates a 9/10 scale. Light scratches in the bluing and drag marks on the follower.
I fired 100 rounds through the pistol using my hand loads of a cast 85 grain bullet lubed with my own Tumble-lube. The bullets drop from the mold at .312.
As stated by others here, the only complaint about the pistol is the thrown brass when fired. Most go to my 3:30 o'clock with the last round always going to my 5:30 and somewhere about ten yards behind me.
The target was set to 25 yards and the pistol fired with ten rounds in the magazine each time.
The rounds grouped very well as shown by others here on this post.
I fired two groups of ten shots as fast as I could into the target. With the very slight muzzle flip and large sights firing the shots one after another was very easy to do. The reset of the trigger after the first double action trigger pull makes for the follow up shots to be fired faster than most other pistols of this size/type/ I'm impressed.

Now for something really fun to try! As you know to change the caliber from .32ACP to .380 ACP all you need to do is change out the barrel and magazine ( or bend the feed lips).
This got me thinking. How have they designed the pistol to do this? The engineers at Beretta beveled the face of the slide to allow either the semi-rimmed .32 ACP case to slide down into the slight recess and center-up, or allow the larger .380 ACP case to just fit inside of the slide face. How cool is that!
So keeping that factor in mind, guess what other cartridge you can safely fire out of your Beretta 81 in .32ACP?
.32 S&W. ( wrongly called the Short)
The rimmed base just fits inside of the slide face and since the .32ACP is semi-rimmed,the slightly larger .32 S&W rim still allows the breech to be fully sealed when fired! Since room has been left in the movement of the extractor,snapping over the .32S&W rim poses no problems at all. There is still play left in the extractor.
You can load 9 rounds of .32 S&W into the magazine with no rim lock. The rounds feed and eject with no issues. Most brass is only a few feet from you at your 4 o'clock.
And the bullets are just crazy accurate! The much slower .32 S&W round is more like a wad cutter out of a .38 S&W. It's going 650-750 fps and is for the most part made of lead for factory ammo.
Recoil is so slight as to be almost not present. The gunshot is very quite. If one was lucky enough to own a threaded barrel for a suppressor, this would make for a very,very quite pistol. Not owning a threaded barrel to try this out, I do not know it the slide would cycle or not.
I had several members shoot my pistol in .32ACP and all love the pistol. Two of them ordered their own pistol last night on line.
I showed the pistol to my wife Elaine and she too wants one. The pistol fits her hand well and the 11 pound double action trigger was no problem for her. She loves the 3-4 pound single action trigger pull as well.
I would like to know what type/brand of ammunition the Italian Police Forces were issued for this pistol?
With today's new solid copper Extreme Cavitation bullets for sale ( see the Youtube vid on these test) the new ammo and this pistol would make for a very nice CCW. Add the fact the follow up shots are so fast due to the low recoil impulse, I would say many may choose to carry this pistol. Two in the chest and one in the head the bad guy is going down.
Here is the pistol right out of the box. Notice the feed ramp:
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Here is the right side of the pistol:
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The left side of the pistol:
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The first ten shot string rapid-fire at 25 yards:
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The 2ND string at 25 yards,rapid-fire:
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And the .32S&W.Six shots rapid-fire at 25 yards. With the very light recoil accuracy is impressive:
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You have to love this pistol. After all it is a Beretta.

[jrayborn]

I just got a model 85 in .380 as a single stack. What a nice pistol. Then went and got a model 70. Goodness I am hooked on Beretta's!

[429421Cowboy]

In regards to spare magazine sourcing for these little blasters, Classic Firearms seems to have gotten a few of the surplus units in and has them in stock. Robertson Trading Post also has modified 84 mags for a little cheaper that most say work pretty well, even for being modified .380 mags.
I have had my eye on one of these for awhile now, alas they are low on the list and gun priorities have been put on hold for awhile this year.

[Dimner]

I bought 4 of those mags from classic firearms. All turned out to be excellent. Only one of them seemed to have seen any slight use.

[GhostHawk]

I bought two which gives me a total of 3.

The little nylon holster has a spot for a spare mag above the pistol.

That gives me 24 with a single mag swap.

All 3 seem to work fine at the range.

[Outpost75]

On my last trip to Italy new Beretta mags for these were 27 Euros. Got four while I was there.

[Thundarstick]

Outpost75 has a huge knowledge database about 32acp pistols, but it's scattered amongst several threads. I'm not sure how y'all feel about it, but I'd like to see a sticky about the 32acp similar to the 32S&W long sticky. Guns, tips, tricks, loads, etc. This would be very useful in light of all the mil and police second hands coming into the country. What would it take to get one going.

[Outpost75]

Outpost75 has a huge knowledge database about 32acp pistols, but it's scattered amongst several threads. I'm not sure how y'all feel about it, but I'd like to see a sticky about the 32acp similar to the 32S&W long sticky. Guns, tips, tricks, loads, etc. This would be very useful in light of all the mil and police second hands coming into the country. What would it take to get one going.

That's fine with me. Much of my .32 ACP material is already in the .32 S&W Long as a Manstopper sticky, but I have no objection to the mods breaking that material out into a separate sticky and I could add to it to plug any holes.

[gpidaho]

My Beretta 81 arrived today and I'm very pleased with the purchase from Classic Firearms. Being a little late to the party, I paid the extra for the best of ten option and received a very nice pistol. Very slight holster ware and a bore that is bright and looks like new. As nice as Thumbcockers pics in the OP. Midway order due in tomorrow with the extras so I can join in on the 32ACP fun. Big thank you to all for the helpful posts here in this thread. Gp Oh, by the way Classic has original Beretta magazines (used but as new) for $40 shipped.

[gpidaho]

First range trip with the Beretta 81 this afternoon First loads functioned perfectly (71gr. Berry's RN over 2.3 grs.HP38) What sweet shooting little pistols. Gp

[Outpost75]

Today ran some water jug expansion tests of Hornady .312" diameter 100-grain XTP in Starline brass, Remington 1-1/2 primer, 3 grains AutoComp at 0.955" ctg. OAL, velocity 940 fps from the Beretta 81 pistol with 3.8" barrel, blew first water jug apart, stuck in back side of 4th jug. Equals .380 ACP payload and velocity.

258082258083258084

These are same 3 grain AutoComp charge, but fired from 3.4" barrel Beretta M1935.

At left is the .309" diameter, 90-grain Hornady XTP (no cannelure) and at right 85-grain Hornady XTP .312" diameter, which should be used ONLY if your barrel slugs larger than .310" groove diameter. Chronographs 930 fps from 3.4" barrel.

258085

These are +P+ loads not for casual high volume training or practice use, but only for serious business if you want your light alloy frame Beretta 1935 postwar, or former police Model 81s to last. They are fine as a steady diet in the sturdy WW2 era STEEL-frame M1935 Berettas, CZ27, CZ50, Walther PP, Colt M1903, etc.