When I first picked up the Beretta 80x Cheetah handgun, I loved everything about the gun except the method of operation and the caliber. And to be honest, it took the advice of a friend who put the gun's philosophy of use into perspective to really get my head wrapped around the gun.

Because for me - at least when it comes to self-defense handguns - it's 9mm parabellum or bust. Yes, smaller calibers can and do work to stop threats. But if I'm carrying a gun for the same reason I own a fire extinguisher, I want as much fight-stopping capability as I can feasibly handle and conceal.

This means I'm not going to strap a .44 Magnum revolver on when going for a jog, but I'm also not going to carry a .25 ACP pocket pistol. This is why I initially scoffed at the 80x's size and caliber - it's not much smaller than the compact 92, while being chambered in a less effective cartridge. This had me scratching my head as to why someone would choose this gun over something smaller, lighter, and more powerful.

You might have the same questions I did, so let's take a look at the new Beretta 80x and delve into what it is and, more importantly, what it is not.

свернуть