[Corner Pocket]

I find it interesting that when I first stripped my new sidearm down to clean it, it differs from what I expected. On this page:

http://www.beretta-e.org/index.php?title=Cougar_FAQ

There is a link to an AVI file (called "Assembling the Cougar") that shows you how to do it. However, in my gun, the Guide Rod and Recoil Spring do not slide freely back and forth through both ends of the Locking Block. The end of the Recoil Spring that has the little "tit" on it can go no further than the end of the Locking Block. (That is, the retainer on the "tit" end of the Recoil Spring goes snug up against the Locking Block and will go no further.) Neither does the Locking Block have an "arrow" imprinted on it like the one in the movie.

Also, from stuff that I've read here and there, I was expecting my Guide Rod to be made of plastic, and that I might need to obtain one made of SS somewhere in the future. Looks like mine is indeed made of Stainless Steel already. I wonder if the references to plastic that I've read only refer to the retainers on each end? (I wouldn't think so...)

Guns are fun, and learning more about them surely contributes to the fun, no? :D

Corner Pocket

[Mr_Rogers]

The early versions of the Cougar had a fiddly re-assembly process. You have the new version which is really simple. The only trick is to get the barrel cam and the projection on the block together before putting the slide in place, very simple.

[MightyPir]

Corner Pocket:

I have found that the best way to re assemble is to hold the slide upside down in your left hand. Place the barrel and the block/spring assembly over it in the correct manner (it only fits one way). Then keeping it all upside down, carefully slide the frame into the rails, again upside down. Invert and flip the locking lever and voila!!! just pull the slide a few times to make sure that it all fits/works and you 're done!!!

Is one of the easiest dis assembly/ re assembly pistols as compared to some of the others that are out there...just need a bit of practice and you will be able to do it with your eyes closed.

Do read the manual, they have pictures that demonstrate this. BTW, mine are the versions with the plastic rods and arrows on the block.

Good luck and enjoy!!! BTW, how are you carrying the gun?

[Corner Pocket]

I appreciate the explanation, Mr_Rogers. Not having the arrow showing on mine made me think that there was probably a different modification involved somewhere along the line. You're right. It is really easy to strip this pistol down and put it back together.

MightyPir, I've learned how to assemble it now to where I think I could do it with my eyes closed. I'm delighted to see that this pistol is so easy to take down -- push the button, twist the lock downward, and pull the slide off. Very simple and very easy! :)

As to your query about how I carry, I like the cross-draw approach to carrying concealed at 10 o'clock, using a Bianchi 6D-13 holster. (I bought it originally for carrying my Ruger P345. Most of the dimensions are about the same between the two guns, though the Cougar 8000 is thicker and the Cougar is about a half inch shorter than the Ruger. It nestles into this holster very nicely.)

I just got back from the range a moment ago. I shot 200 rounds this morning. The temperature was 48F when I got there, and there were some very stiff gusts most of the time. So not the most favorable shooting conditions out there today. Still, I really enjoyed learning more about this wonderful gun. It fed every round perfectly, and I had no errors of any kind. Here's a cropped shot of the best of my four targets, showing where I put the last 50 rounds:

http://www.freshonmymind.com/cougar80009mm/best50.jpg

A shooting neighbor that was spraying bullets all over his target really got interested in this Cougar when I told him about it and added that it sells for less than four bills. Ya gotta love it! :D I'm sure that this is only going to get better as the gun gets "seasoned..."

Corner Pocket
'steppin' high in Texas!'

[rugerish]

Is there a video somewhere of the Cougar disassembly?
I'm new to this gun and don't want to mess it up.
Thank you.

[Corner Pocket]

Welcome to THR, rugerish. I love this place! :D

There is indeed some help to be found in assembling the Cougar 8000. It's the first entry in the FAQ information on this page:

http://www.beretta-e.org/index.php?title=Cougar_FAQ

Enjoy that Cougar. I'm sure loving mine!

Later edit: Sorry, I'm still half asleep. There's a link in my first post as to the assembly of the piece, and you asked about the disassembly. I don't know of a video for that. But it's really simple. Just push the button in on the right side, flip the lock handle down on the left side, and the slide slips off to the front.

Corner Pocket