Beretta Model 87 Cheetah .22 LR 3.75 INCH Double Action DA/SA Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 2009
LSB#: 200215JT16
Make: Beretta
Model: 87 Cheetah
Serial Number: C48501U
Year of Manufacture: 2009 (CD Date Code)
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Frame-Mounted Thumb Safety
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PIETRO BERETTA GARDONE V.T. – MADE IN ITALY / PATENTED BERETTA USA CORP. ACKK. MD”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number followed by “CAT. 1970” above the date code and Italian proofs. The right side of the frame is marked “87 CHEETAH-CAL .22 L.R. / READ MANUAL BEFORE USE” and “B” just in front of the top corner of the grip. The right side of the slide is marked with the “PB” logo followed by “WARNING: RETRACT SLIDE TO SEE IF LOADED, DOES NOT FIRE WITHOUT MAGAZINE”. The right side of the chamber is marked “CAL 22 L.R.”. The right front of the barrel, obscured by the slide is marked with Italian proofs.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low profile blade, integral to the slide, with a recessed white dot. The rear sight is a square notched base which is dovetailed into the slide with two recessed black dots.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black plastic with Beretta monogram logos and smooth borders. Both the frontstrap and backstrap are serrated. There are thin tiny draglines on the smooth borders from use. The checkering is intact and attractive. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Slide & Barrel, Black Anodized Frame
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a tiny nick through the finish on the barrel in addition to a couple rubs which have lightly thinned the finish. There are one or two tiny nicks on the backstrap. There are two impact marks through the finish on the top of the beavertail. There is standard operational and handling wear. The screw heads are lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect has been removed. The pistol features an ambidextrous thumb safety and a very simple takedown method. The slide has a small amount of play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a blue factory plastic hard case, serial matching case sleeve, an assortment of paperwork including the manual, bristle brush, mag disconnect & spring, Beretta checekered wood grips, Beretta lock, and three 8-round magazines. The magazines have a few small marks, standard operational wear, and one has a spot or two of discoloration from previous oxidation, they rate in Fine condition. The Beretta grips are checkered wood with Beretta monogram medallions and smooth borders, in about Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Beretta Cheetah, also known by its original model name of “Series 81″, was a line of compact blowback operated semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. They were introduced in 1976 and include models in .32 ACP (Models 81 and 82), .380 ACP (9 mm Short) (Models 83, 84, 85 and 86) and .22 LR (Models 87, 87 Target and 89). Beretta has discontinued the manufacture of the series, but these classy little pistols have developed quite the following. This is the Model 87 which is modeled after the company’s legendary Model 92 F (Federal), sporting a single stack magazine grip frame for a far less bulky profile, 3 3/4” barrel, open top slide, and a DA/SA trigger. Beretta’s pistols are famous not only for their accuracy but for their rugged construction. This one looks stellar and comes with much of what it would from factory, this will be a great addition to the safe of any Beretta collector. Please see our photos and good luck!